The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Snooker Tour China Open was held at the Binhe Sports Center in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Aug 7. The event officially commenced on Aug 8 and runs through Aug 16, offering exciting matches throughout. 

This prestigious ranking event is hosted for the first time in Taiyuan, blending snooker with the province's rich cultural heritage.

Chinese snooker player Zhou Yuelong competes with Mark Williams. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

The opening ceremony kicked off with a spectacular light show, followed by a symphony performance of Yellow River and the dance Song Dynasty Elegance (Songshi Fanghua). The event combined the grandeur of an international competition with Shanxi's distinctive cultural elements, offering the audience a rich mix of sports and cultural experiences.

On the same day, the organizing committee hosted a city showcase and red carpet event. Participants and guests walked along the scenic avenue on the west bank of the Fenhe River to the Shanxi Sports Center for a group photo.

As a top-tier ranking event in the World Snooker Tour, this year's China Open boasts a stellar lineup, featuring the world's snooker elite such as Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, and Neil Robertson, as well as Chinese snooker stars like Ding Junhui, Zhao Xintong, and Wu Yize.

In recent years, Taiyuan has consistently introduced high-end international events, enhancing its profile as a "City of Sports". During this event, Taiyuan is committed to providing top-notch services and support to ensure the event is both spectacular and successful.