Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center's "Camellia" Blooms in Splendor
(Caption: The center court in its closed state.)
Recently, as staff removed the protective covers from the on-site seats, the renovation project of the center court at the Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center, constructed by Yincheng Group, was officially completed. On site, this modern venue, capable of seating nearly 4,000 spectators, stands ready for the grand opening of the 2025 AUX • Ningbo Tennis Open. Its standout feature—a technologically advanced multi-panel retractable roof system, utilizing synchronized large-cantilever structures with curved monorail radial sliding mechanisms—marks an internationally leading achievement, signaling a qualitative leap in Yinzhou’s capability to host top-tier international events.
Twelve massive curved roof panels, resembling camellia petals, glide synchronously along precision radial tracks. “A full opening or closing cycle takes no more than 10 minutes,” explained technical staff from the project team. “The blooming and closing of this 'camellia' is not only a visual spectacle but also means the venue can now host events in all weather conditions.”
Inspired by Ningbo’s city flower, the camellia, the design has been a focus of public interest since its proposal. It seamlessly blends local cultural identity with modern technology: when closed, the roof resembles a budding flower, symbolizing the “crowning” of a champion and embodying a strong sense of ceremony and meaning.
Behind this stunning “camellia” lies an exceptionally complex engineering challenge. As a renovation of an existing venue, the difficulty far exceeded that of new construction. The core technical hurdle was creating an integrated retractable roof system—composed of 12 track beams, an inner ring, and secondary structures—while preserving the original building’s form. Each retractable panel spans a projected area of 300 square meters and weighs approximately 40 to 50 tons.
To enable the movement of the 12 roof panels, the project employs a high-precision floating rack-and-pinion transmission mechanism. This system achieves transmission accuracy within a few millimeters, ensuring a tight seal even in windy or rainy conditions.
The technical team highlighted a key safety innovation: “We have installed a passive opening system. In an emergency, such as a complete power failure, the roof can be quickly opened using mechanical inertia under its own weight, coordinated with the intelligent release control of 24 sets of brakes, meeting the highest fire evacuation standards.”
After months of upgrades, the hardware facilities of the center court have been fully transformed. This “Camellia Court,” equipped with a “smart brain” and a “steel body,” has not only become a new urban landmark with its unique architectural aesthetics but also provides solid support for the upgraded Ningbo Tennis Open with its robust functionality.
The completion of the venue significantly enhances Yinzhou’s capacity to host higher-level and more influential international events. Its all-weather operation ensures schedule reliability and improves the experience for both athletes and spectators. Beyond tennis, the venue will also serve a wider range of commercial and cultural activities, further boosting the development of Yinzhou’s sports industry and urban internationalization.
This “Camellia Court,” a masterpiece of craftsmanship and technology, is set to make its dazzling debut under the spotlight in October, showcasing Yinzhou’s innovative vitality and the event’s boundless appeal to the world.