Chongqing Launches a Global Alumni Half Marathon with a New Consumption Season

Chongqing—On April 14, Shapingba District, one of Chongqing's core urban areas, announced the grand opening of the 2025 "Love Chongqing, Vibrant Shaci" Consumption Season, alongside the inaugural Chongqing Shapingba Global Alumni Half Marathon. The dual-event initiative, set to run from April 18 to mid-May, aims to boost regional tourism, sports engagement, and cultural consumption in Chongqing's city centre.

Shapingba has emerged as a model for integrated business, tourism, and sports development in Chongqing. Recent years have seen the district strategically leverage its academic heritage (home to 17 universities), cultural assets (e.g., Ciqi Kou Ancient Town's 1,000-year history), and logistical advantages (linked to the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor) to fuel its economy.

Themed around "1+4+N," the consumption season will kick off with a high-energy opening ceremony at Ciqi Kou Ancient Town's Teapot Square on April 18. The ceremony will feature the release of Shapingba's "360 Bowls·Ciqi Kou" gourmet guide, which showcases 30 curated local restaurants. 

The accompanying half marathon on April 20 has already drawn 13,000 registrants, including alumni from 11 countries and teams from 44 local schools, such as Chongqing University and Chongqing No.1 Middle School. The race route will weave through Shapingba's iconic landmarks, including the Jialing River waterfront and Shaci Cultural Square.

"We sincerely wish that everyone can enjoy running while appreciating Shapingba," said Deputy District Mayor Hu Yi, noting as well that marathon participants can use race bibs for exclusive merchant discounts.

With 92% of hotel bookings already filled for the marathon weekend, Shapingba's blend of heritage and innovation positions it as a rising star in China's high-quality consumption landscape.