A full dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the 12th edition of The World Games took place on Aug. 3 at the Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

A dress rehearsal for The World Games 2025 Chengdu opening ceremony is held at the Tianfu International Convention Center, Chengdu, Sichuan province, Aug. 3, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Ma Ji/The Organizing Committee of The World Games 2025 Chengdu]

On the evening of Aug. 3, the lake beside the convention center was bathed in the glow of the setting sun. Giant LED screens covering the center's 430-meter-long "Tianfu Roof" — recognized as the largest single wooden structure in Asia — was then gradually lit up. 

The opening ceremony, with the theme of "Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders," will last approximately 90 minutes in total, including a 15-minute cultural and sports performance segment. 

Preparations for the event have been carried out efficiently as planned. The director team has successfully organized and completed multiple run-throughs, including compositing rehearsals with makeup and costumes. 

The opening ceremony of this World Games is no longer confined to the enclosed space within a sports stadium. Instead, the venue has been moved into the urban area of Chengdu — the space in front of the "Tianfu Roof" — connecting the natural landscape with the local history and culture.

Ecological elements have played a key role in interpreting the theme of the opening ceremony. The stage, inspired by golden ginkgo leaves, relies on the expansive lake view, lush green spaces and open-air venue to break the physical boundaries of traditional venues. Meanwhile, the city's skyline serves as a grand natural backdrop, while the shimmering lake surface vividly reflects the high-tech roof structure.

The World Games 2025 Chengdu will officially open on Aug. 7.