During the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, residents worked out at the badminton hall of Mayue Tanxi Sports Park in Xiangyang, Hubei Province.

The text and the photo by Peng Yiwei, the All-media Journalist

On the afternoon of February 21, the happy atmosphere of the 2026 Spring Festival blended with vibrant energy at Mayue Tanxi Sports Park in Xiangyang, Hubei Province, breathing new life into what was once an industrial plant area.

At the fitness plaza, elderly residents held colorful Loong props, moving nimbly to the rhythm of drums. In the children’s play area nearby, laughter rang out beside brightly colored slides as youngsters chased and played, filling the park with vitality. Meanwhile, inside the professional badminton and tennis halls, the steady sounds of rackets striking balls echoed throughout as sports enthusiasts sweated it out, relishing the exhilaration and joy of exercise.

Xiao Yi, aged 63, frequently visits this facility for exercise and brings over two decades of experience in the activity. That afternoon, he and his 72-year-old partner arrived punctually for their regular game. The moment they stepped into the badminton hall, they were swept up in the lively atmosphere. Serves, jumps, smashes … the white shuttlecock darted back and forth across the net. “My partner is even more ‘hardcore’ than I am. Besides badminton, he also plays table tennis and practices tai chi. Whenever we team up, we always manage to produce some exciting rallies.” After warming up, the two faced off across the net, their rackets rising and falling as the shuttlecock traced elegant arcs through the air.

“More and more residents are taking up badminton nowadays, especially during holidays. Courts here are in such high demand that you must book several days in advance,” Xiao said. “Now that a new badminton hall has opened at Mayue Tanxi Sports Park, we no longer have to worry about finding a court.” In his view, the park’s transformation is reflected not only in the increase in venues but also in growing fitness awareness among residents — more people are stepping out of their homes to embrace a healthier lifestyle through sports.

The outlines of the old factory buildings remain clearly visible, while new forms of business and vitality have flourished. The site was once the production workshop of the former West Area of Oriental Chemical Factory. Weathered walls and exposed steel beams still bear the marks of its industrial past. Today, after comprehensive planning, construction, and upgrading, it has become a high-end sports park in Xiangcheng District. Fifteen sports programs — including archery, boxing and Sanda, trampolining, ballet, and floor curling — have taken root here. Professional facilities and a diverse range of sporting options ensure that residents of all ages can find activities suited to their interests.

Complementary businesses centered around sports have made the park a popular destination for leisure and consumption. In the specialty dining area, the aroma from Xiangyang beef noodle restaurants wafts through the air. Local steamed dishes and handmade dumpling eateries brim with a lively, homey atmosphere, while specialty barbecue restaurants provide young people with spaces to gather and unwind. A convenience fresh-food supermarket and trendy sportswear stores cater to everyday shopping needs. A tea culture center and the Xiangyang Traditional Liquor Culture Museum add cultural depth to the park. After exercising, residents can enjoy a meal, shop for daily necessities, or relax amid the fragrance of tea and liquor, shaking off fatigue and restoring their energy.

Though modest in size, the fitness plaza at Mayue Tanxi Sports Park is fully equipped. Suspension bridges, swings, stake obstacle walkways, and children’s climbing tunnels are thoughtfully arranged, with each design carefully considering children’s needs — practical yet full of fun. Ms. Qi, who lives nearby, brings her child here almost every weekend. “My child spends hours playing here every time. It helps improve coordination and allows kids to express their natural energy,” she said. “We usually have a meal at one of the specialty restaurants first, then head to the fitness plaza. Sometimes I even meet up with friends to play ball. The supporting facilities here are very convenient — whether shopping at the supermarket or dining out.”

From an industrial relic to a sports landmark, the transformation of Mayue Tanxi Sports Park is not only a vivid example of urban renewal but also a true reflection of residents’ improving quality of life. Here, industrial heritage intersects with sporting vitality, and professional venues coexist with convenient public amenities. This dynamic space is now writing a new chapter in urban development and public well-being with a fresh and confident outlook.