The Datong Sports Center, whose construction began on September 6, 2010, is situated in the heart of Yudong, adjacent to Wenying Lake. Nestled by the water, it enjoys a picturesque environment. This project was a collaborative design effort between Australian firm Populous, led by Andrew, and Beijing-based Sidi International Design Consulting Co., Ltd., with construction carried out by China Construction Eighth Engineering Division.
The total investment exceeds 1.2 billion RMB, covering a land area of 646 acres and a total built-up area of 101,700 square meters. The complex comprises four main facilities: a sports stadium, a sports center, a swimming pool, and a comprehensive training center. Primarily, it serves as a venue for regional and national single-event competitions, addressing the shortage of large-scale sports facilities and training venues in Datong City.
The design inspiration for the entire sports center draws from the dramatic natural features of the Loess Plateau. Each major building is grand and imposing, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the Taihang Mountains to the east, Luliang Mountains to the west, and Hengshan and Mount Wutai to the north. This architectural narrative pays homage to Datong’s historical role as a military hub across various dynasties and its modern significance as an economic center in mining and finance.
▲ General layout plan
The sports stadium’s rich layering echoes the patterns and rhythms found in the Yungang Grottoes, symbolizing the cultural harmony and ethnic integration that have characterized northern China’s history. The BIM training ground seats approximately 30,000 spectators over four levels.
The underground level houses the competition field, athlete facilities, an indoor training area, a shooting range, as well as operational, storage, and equipment rooms. The first floor serves as the main entry for spectators and features the lower tier of seating. The second floor is designated for officials and sports schools, equipped with private rooms and technical spaces, which double as classrooms during non-event times. The third floor contains the upper tier of seating, including a semi-open audience hall and related facilities.
The stadium’s architectural design reflects the physical strength and graceful movements of athletes, with two floors above ground and one below, accommodating about 8,000 seats in the audience area.
▲ Underground Floor Plan of Sports Stadium
▲ First Floor Plan of the Sports Stadium
▲ Stadium Stand Floor Plan
▲ Sports Stadium Facade
▲ Section of Sports Stadium
▲ Diagram of Sports Stadium Nodes
The swimming pool’s design emphasizes the dynamic movements of swimmers, natural swimming postures, the strength of athletes’ muscles, and clear physical contours. It features three floors above ground and one below, with seating capacity for 1,500 permanent seats and an additional 1,000 temporary seats.
▲ First Floor Plan of the Swimming Pool
▲ Second Floor Plan of the Swimming Pool
▲ Swimming Pool Sectional View
▲ First Floor Plan of Training Hall
▲ Section of Training Hall
▲ First Floor Plan of the Sports Center
▲ Second Floor Plan of the Sports Hall
▲ Section of the Sports Center
▲ 3D Illustration of the Sports Arena Roof
▲ Night View of the Sports Stadium
▲ Night View of the Swimming Pool
Project Information
Design Companies: Sidi International, Populous
Location: Datong City, Shanxi Province, China
Category: Sports Venues
Building Area: 101,700 m²
Project Year: 2019
Photographer: Yang Zhang
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