China’s sports industry seeks development amid transformation
China’s sports industry continues to thrive in 2023, with a focus on personalized demands and a surge in elite and grassroots events. Domestic businesses have shifted their focus from manufacturing and selling sports equipment to providing comprehensive services. Fitness is a personalized activity, so there is a huge market. Personalized demands will be a driving force of the sports goods industry, said Luo Jie, vice president and secretary-general of the China Sporting Goods Association.
Marathons have regained popularity in China, with 133 road races registered between January and June 2023. The Beijing Marathon attracted over 130,000 runners, creating a surge in economic impact. The running fever has also stimulated the local economy, with major international events and professional leagues contributing to this growth.
Sports events are not limited to urban areas, as rural sports events have gained traction as well. Rural village leagues, such as the Cun Chao football league in Guizhou province, have attracted millions of spectators. Sports are forging closer ties between people and cities, as well as between people and villages. This mirrors the continual progress in rural development, commented Wang Xueli, director of Tsinghua University Sports Industry Development Research Center.
Outdoor sports have experienced a significant rise in popularity in China, with an increasing number of people engaging in activities such as hiking, running, and cycling. This trend reflects the growing demand for physical and mental health and a desire to connect with nature. The outdoor sports industry has seen a surge in orders, with a 79 percent increase in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. An action plan has been launched to promote the construction of outdoor sports facilities and enhance services, with a target of 3 trillion yuan for the industry by 2025.
Policy support will focus on cultivating outdoor sports brand projects, actively introducing more high-profile events, and advancing multiple initiatives to propel the vigorous growth of outdoor sports, said Yang Xuedong, director of the Economic Department of the State General Administration of Sport.
Overall, China’s sports industry is undergoing a significant transformation, catering to personalized demands while witnessing a boom in events at both elite and grassroots levels. With a focus on comprehensive services, urban and rural sporting events, and the growing popularity of outdoor sports, the industry is set to continue its development and contribute to the nation’s economic and social growth.
