Alexandria A. Deacon, a sophomore majoring in journalism and advertising at Southern Illinois University in the U.S., is a typical Gen Z American — curious, enthusiastic, and eager for adventure. This winter, as preparations for China's 15th National Games ramped up, she traveled to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to experience the full energy and vitality of China's major sports events.

She described the atmosphere of thousands of spectators as "electrifying," noting that the experience was unique compared to what she is used to in the U.S.