Dandong, a city in China's northeastern border, is embracing a new identity as a hub for pickleball, a paddle sport gaining popularity in multiple countries around the world, with aims to leverage the sport to drive economic growth.
Dubbed one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on a smaller court with lightweight paddles and a perforated ball, it is often praised for its accessibility and affordability.
These traits have made it appealing to the city's policymakers seeking to promote grassroots sports and community engagement.
Since launching the city's pickleball campaign last December, local officials have pushed for the construction of hundreds of courts, and plan to further improve infrastructure and host more training events.
At a public port, 61-year-old Zhou Huili, president of Dandong City Pickleball Assocation, demonstrates proper paddle technique to beginners with an unexpected analogy.
"Hold the paddle like you are chopping vegetables at home," the volunteer coach said.
To further promote the sport craze which is catching on, the city recently hosted its first national pickleball tournament, the first stop of China Pickleball Circuit CPC-1000 which attracted players from across China and from many other countries and regions.
"I feel great. Yes (it is my) first time in Dandong because of the pickleball tournament," said Neilson Chen Zhikuan, a pickleball player from the Taiwan region.
Some international students from a local university were also excited to take part.
"In my home country, we don't have this kind of games. It's quite new for us. We started training two weeks ago, and I think this kind of opportunity -- where we can join with the Chinese to compete -- is great," said Akmyradova Maya, a Turkmen student at Liaodong University.
The city's strategy revolves around integrating sports with tourism.
Local officials hope such events will draw visitors to Dandong's scenic riverfront and nearby attractions, while also boosting local businesses.
"We hope to integrate sports and tourism, promote the sports event economy, and create a new driver of economic growth," said Zhang Hui, director of Dandong Sports Bureau.
Betting on the sport's popularity, a local entrepreneur has opened a factory producing pickleball paddles and balls.
"Currently, the pickleball industry is experiencing explosive growth in China and the United States," said Bao Xiangwei, founder of Yudino Pickleball Company.
In a few weeks, the city plans to set up hundreds of pickleball courts along the river and host a massive tournament with 10,000 participants.
Border city in northeast China embraces Pickleball to boost sports economy
Border city in northeast China embraces Pickleball to boost sports economy
