THE Paris 2024 Olympic Games have begun, mesmerizing the world with its “Seine-sational” opening ceremony Friday. Now Shenzheners can enjoy easy sports activities at an Olympic-themed recreational space in Pingshan Culture Center’s outdoor area in Pingshan District. Known as the Novice Olympic Village (新手奥运村), this space, predominantly adorned in purple to echo the Paris Olympic Games’ running tracks, offers visitors an opportunity to partake in basketball, frisbee, badminton and skateboarding, or take photos with various installations, immersing both children and adults in the lively atmosphere of the Paris Olympics. In addition, visitors can claim beverage coupons or summer class coupons for children at the Pingshan Book City’s booth at the Pingshan Culture Center’s square. These coupons can be used in the shops in the center. Adjacent to Pingshan Central Park, the multi-functional Pingshan Culture Center encompasses the Pingshan Library, Pingshan Art Museum, Pingshan Theater, Pingshan Exhibition Gallery, Pingshan Book City, and many dining and lifestyle stores. Exploring the Pingshan Exhibition Gallery, one can delve into the captivating “Olympic Century • Cultural Interweaving: European Culture and Arts Season,” featuring three exhibitions with a combined entrance fee of 68 yuan. Attendees can marvel at rare Olympic collections from the Benaki Museum in Greece, the distinctive roller suits designed by the French artist and performer Jean-Yves Blondeau, as well as European oil paintings spanning from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Moreover, Thai artist Kantapon Metheekul, known as Gongkan, is exhibiting his contemporary artworks incorporating nature symbols at the “No Heart Here” exhibition at the Pingshan Art Museum, providing visitors with a unique and artistic experience. The exhibition is free of admission. Novice Olympic Village dates: Through Aug. 25 Venue: Pingshan Culture Center’s square, Pingshan District (坪山区坪山文化聚落广场) ‘Olympic Century’ dates: Through Sept. 7 Venue: Pingshan Exhibition Gallery (坪山展览馆) Gongkan exhibition dates: Through Oct. 8 Venue: Pingshan Art Museum (坪山美术馆) Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Center Station (坪山中心站), Exit C (Cao Zhen) | 