China steps up efforts to build a leading sports nation
Cultural, sports and leisure spending has grown steadily since the start of the year, with revenue at major sports enterprises climbing alongside it.
In July, China unveiled a plan to establish itself as a leading sports nation between 2026 and 2030. The goal includes providing each person with approximately 4 square meters of sports venue space, achieving a 40% exercise rate, and ensuring 31.1% of the population meets national fitness standards. Additionally, China aims to be among the world's top countries in producing world champions and to have a sports industry worth over 7 trillion yuan ($1.05 trillion).
In Shanghai, senior fitness and health centers have popped up in various communities, offering a wide range of services for older residents. These facilities enable individuals to engage in age-appropriate exercises, receive scientific guidance, manage chronic diseases, receive health education, and participate in social activities. As of August 2026, over 200 such centers have been established in Shanghai, with more than 300 across the entire country, attracting more than 100,000 visits.
Residents of Zengdu district in Hubei Province express their enthusiasm for local fitness events. These community-driven activities have become accessible, with 1,016 events held across 1,900 locations, reaching 190,000 participants directly and an additional 1.5 million spectators.
China's national squash team has moved into a new facility in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, featuring 22 internationally certified courts and a professional fitness and rehabilitation center. This new model for competitive sports involves government-led initiatives, alongside involvement from provincial governments, cities, and universities in running national teams, university teams, and talent development programs.
In the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China secured 665 world championships and broke 91 world records, marking a significant improvement in both medal count and the variety of events covered.
The outdoor sports sector in China is experiencing renewed interest. Wawu Mountain in Sichuan, once a solitary spot for visitors, has transformed into a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Sporting events there generate substantial consumer spending, and the area has seen a surge in tourism. Cultural, sports, and leisure spending has grown steadily, with major sports enterprises experiencing increased revenue.
Feng Hong, dean of the School of Management at Beijing Sport University, emphasizes the importance of further promoting the development and quality improvement of the sports industry to drive domestic demand, stabilize economic growth, and create employment opportunities, thereby contributing to overall economic and social development.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
