<p>This study employs a sociological perspective to examine regional differences and group characteristics in sports participation across Guangdong Province, China. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines spatial analysis with ethnographic research, we investigate how socioeconomic factors, cultural traditions, and geographical characteristics influence patterns of sports engagement. Our mixed-methods approach uniquely contributes to methodological innovation by integrating quantitative spatial analytics with qualitative ethnographic insights, enabling a more nuanced understanding of how structural patterns interact with lived experiences to shape sports participation. Analysis of data collected from four distinct regions, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shaoguan, and Meizhou, reveals significant urban-rural disparities in participation rates, sports preferences, and access to facilities. Urban centers demonstrate higher overall participation rates (65–75%) and engagement in modern individual activities, while rural regions maintain stronger connections to traditional sports with cultural significance. Educational attainment, income level, and spatial accessibility emerge as key determinants of participation, with economic factors particularly influential in urban areas. Cultural traditions and social networks moderate these relationships, especially in rural communities where traditional sports serve essential cultural functions. Gender disparities persist across all regions but vary in magnitude, with smaller gaps observed in more economically developed areas. The findings highlight the complex interplay between structural factors and cultural contexts in shaping sports participation patterns, suggesting the need for regionally tailored approaches to sports development that address both infrastructural and social dimensions.</p>