The 15th National Games concluded on November 21, marking a historic milestone in Chinese sports history. For the first time, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao jointly hosted this prestigious multi-sport event, showcasing an innovative application of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy. The collaboration spanned infrastructure development, rule harmonization, and the creation of shared mechanisms, fostering a unified sense of belonging among the three regions. This groundbreaking initiative not only highlighted the enduring vitality of the policy but also demonstrated its practical benefits in fostering regional cooperation and unity. The event’s success underscores the potential for further integration and mutual development under this framework, setting a precedent for future collaborations.