China sports economy gained strong momentum during the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Major events and rising tourism reinforced sports as a growing driver of consumption.
The China Open in Beijing highlighted this shift. Matches featuring national star Zheng Qinwen filled the National Tennis Center with 45,000 fans. Attendance stayed high even after her withdrawal, showing the resilience of the nation’s sports market. Ticket revenues surpassed 88 million yuan, while merchandise sales rose by over 40 percent compared with last year.
Similarly, the WTT China Smash brought impressive results. Fans competed for limited tickets, driving revenues to 87 million yuan, up 52 percent year-on-year. Spending at Beijing’s Shougang Park exceeded 30 million yuan, further fueling the China sports economy. These tournaments demonstrated how major competitions drive hospitality, shopping, and entertainment demand.
Smaller cities also benefited from the surge. In Qianjiang, Hubei Province, local tournaments in table tennis, go, and basketball boosted the crayfish industry. Restaurants sold more than 1,000 kilograms of crayfish daily, extending hours to serve athletes and families. Customer numbers rose 40 percent during the holiday, showing the ripple effect of the China sports economy.
Officials noted that “following events to travel” has become a nationwide trend. Families often accompany athletes, turning tournaments into longer trips. This habit strengthens the link between sports, leisure, and retail, creating a golden formula for consumption growth.
Organizers supported this growth with secondary viewing areas. Big screens in malls and tourist spots allowed fans without tickets to watch matches. These areas combined food, shopping, and entertainment, giving the China sports economy another boost.
Grassroots sports events also contributed. In Jiangsu Province, the Su Super League football competition drew more than one million visitors across eight cities. Local retail revenue reached 44 million yuan during matches, further strengthening the sports-driven spending wave.
Sports tourism also expanded. Travelers joined cycling races, surfing sessions, and fitness activities, combining participation with relaxation. Young fans expressed interest in training, signaling sports’ growing role in daily life and the long-term growth of the China sports economy.
Analysts predict that demand for both elite and grassroots competitions will continue to rise. They believe the China sports economy will remain a strong engine for domestic consumption, cultural tourism, and lifestyle integration.
