During the recent National Day holiday, a wide range of sports events unfolded across the country, blending competitive athletics with grassroots participation. This combination has sparked what many are calling the “Golden Week of Events,” enhancing holiday experiences for citizens and driving significant economic impact.
In Beijing, two high-profile professional sports events made a notable mark socially and economically. The World Table Tennis (WTT) China Grand Slam at Shougang Park was particularly historic, being the first elite international table tennis competition hosted in Beijing since the 1961 World Championships. Fans enjoyed exhilarating matches as Team China clinched championships in all five categories. The event saw ticket sales nearing 60 million yuan and generated over 50 million yuan in related consumer spending.
At the same time, the 2024 China Open Tennis Tournament at the National Tennis Center showcased an impressive lineup, arguably the best in its history. With standout performances from Chinese players like Zheng Qinwen, Zhang Shuai, and Buyun Chaokete, audience enthusiasm reached new heights. The total ticket revenue exceeded 80 million yuan, marking a remarkable 60% increase from the previous year’s sales and setting a record for the tournament.
In Shanghai, several top-tier sports events took place over the holiday as well. The ATP 1000 Masters Tennis Tournament captivated fans during the first half of the Golden Week, drawing nearly all of the top 100 men’s singles players globally and resulting in sold-out matches. Furthermore, the 2024 Shanghai Super Cup featured stunning short track speed skating, figure skating, and team skating events, thrilling spectators with their combination of artistry, speed, and excitement.
Meanwhile, grassroots sports events flourished alongside these international spectacles. In Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province, the first “Belt and Road” friendly football match brought together local and international teams, attracting large crowds. During the holiday, Rongjiang County welcomed nearly 500,000 tourists, a 24.82% increase, leading to a significant tourism revenue of 602 million yuan.
In Beijing, 16 grassroots sports events spanned ten districts, including Chaoyang and Shijingshan, offering diverse activities in basketball, table tennis, tennis, swimming, and short track speed skating, and engaging about 375,000 participants. Guangdong Province organized a series of 3,000 unique grassroots sporting events, fostering health and joy within communities. Outdoor events such as the Hongshan Water Adventure Challenge, Yimeng Mountain Trail Race, and Fengqing Trail Race gained popularity, highlighting the synergy of nature, culture, and sports.
In an interview, Li Xiangru, the former dean of the Leisure and Social Sports College at Capital Sports University, shared insights on this year’s Golden Week. He pointed out the high caliber of international professional events that attracted top athletes from around the world, resulting in record ticket sales and increased audience engagement. Li emphasized the continuing appeal of grassroots events, such as Guizhou’s “village super leagues,” which maintain their local charm while also gaining international influence through exchanges. “Competitive and grassroots sports complement each other and serve as a fantastic avenue for encouraging travel through sports events. This showcases the vibrant growth of China’s sports industry and consumer engagement,” he remarked.
