Rise of fitness events in China to fuel economic growth

China is experiencing a surge in outdoor and sporting activities which serve as a powerful catalyst for consumption and economic growth.

In Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, residents are flocking to a local sports center for their fitness fix. Activities such as tug-of-war, balance bike racing, and pickleball are igniting public enthusiasm for sports.

"Pickleball is such a vibrant and enjoyable sport. It allows us not only to experience the joy of sports but also to appreciate the power of teamwork. I hope there will be more events like this in the future so that pickleball can gain wider popularity in Baoding," said Guo Yingqiu, a pickleball enthusiast.

While sports focus on physical activities, they also help boost the local economy. Streets surrounding the sports center were packed with vendors selling products like table tennis rackets and snacks.

Chinese cities have also benefited from hosting sporting events. Over the past month, China hosted several international competitions, including the 2024 China Open tennis tournament in Beijing. Ticket sales exceeded 80 million yuan (over 11.3 million U.S. dollars), reflecting a 60 percent increase from the previous year.

This year's tournament also attracted more sponsorships. The 2024 Wuhan Open saw a rise in viewership and revenue, driven by an influx of out-of-town visitors. Of the 180,000 spectators, more than 44 percent traveled to Wuhan for the tournament, contributing significantly to the local economy, particularly in the food and hospitality sectors.

"Sports events are a powerful tool for fostering new types of consumption and expanding existing markets. Moving forward, we aim to develop the sports event economy by creating an ecosystem that unleashes the sector's potential and cultivates a sustainable consumer market," said Chen Jie, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports.

Latest reports indicate that bookings for outdoor sports in the first half of this year surged by nearly 60 percent. With the winter sports season approaching, China anticipates further growth in the sports sector nationwide.

Rise of fitness events in China to fuel economic growth

China and Thailand on Friday agreed to strengthen strategic alignment and enhance cooperation in various fields in a meeting between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Noting the current turbulent international situation, Anutin said Thailand firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries.

Thailand is ready to work with China to resolutely combat online gambling and telecommunications fraud to further make the friendship between Thailand and China rooted in people's hearts, he said.

Anutin extended his gratitude for China's unremitting efforts in helping properly resolve the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, adding that he looks forward to China continuing to play a constructive role.

Noting China is a reliable and dependable strategic cooperative partner of Thailand, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the saying "China and Thailand are one family" has a solid public opinion and social foundation and is showing even broader prospects.

Wang said that, facing a volatile international situation, China is willing to deepen mutual respect, trust and support with Thailand, and carry forward traditional friendship.

China stands ready to expand cooperation with Thailand in new energy, infrastructure, agriculture and other fields, promote the building of a more stable, prosperous and sustainable China-Thailand community with a shared future, and continuously make new contributions to regional stability and development, Wang said.

He expressed the hope that Thailand will intensify its efforts to crack down on online gambling and telecommunications fraud, creating a favorable environment for bilateral relations.

As a common friend of Thailand and Cambodia, China is willing to continue to build a platform for the two sides to engage in dialogue, rebuild mutual trust and improve relations, according to Wang.

China, Thailand agree to strengthen strategic alignment, enhance cooperation