QINGYUAN — The 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Youth Football Exchange Tournament opened on Sunday in Qingyuan, bringing together approximately 200 players from 12 teams across the three regions for a three-day competition.  

The tournament, adopting a five-a-side men’s football format, is being held at the Qingyuan Olympic Sports Center.  

It has been a key event for youth cultural and sports exchanges since its launch in 2018, with the goal of promoting interaction among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao youth.  

Chen Liwen, director of the Guangdong Provincial Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, spoke at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the province’s commitment to youth exchanges.

She said Guangdong has developed several exchange programs, including tours to military barracks and company sites, to encourage Hong Kong and Macao youth to explore the Greater Bay Area and northern Guangdong.  

Beyond the matches, participants visited Qingyuan Maglev Transportation Co Ltd and the Qingyuan Museum to experience the city’s urban landscape and culture firsthand.  

Photos of the tournament were provided to China Daily.