Chongqing - Chongqing has successfully achieved 14 key targets of its 14th Five-Year Plan for sports development ahead of schedule, building a stronger sports profile through improved public fitness services, competitive sports breakthroughs, and a growing sports industry. Yuan Guangcan, Director of the Chongqing Municipal Sports Bureau, shared these results at a press conference on Wednesday.
July 17, 2025: Chongqing Sports Museum officially opened to the public. (Photo/The Organizer)
More Fitness Spaces Bring Sports Closer to Residents
Chongqing has built a diverse network of sports facilities - from major venues such as the Longxing Professional Football Stadium to upgraded landmarks like Datianwan Stadium. The city has also expanded fitness amenities along riverbanks, hillside trails, and underutilized urban spaces, making it easier for residents to find a place to work out close to home. By the end of 2024, per capita sports space reached 3.21 square meters, ranking fifth nationwide and leading western China.
December 30, 2022: The Datianwan Stadium reopened to the public. (Photo/The Organizer)
Rising Participation in Public Fitness Activities
More than 2,000 sports events are now held across the city each year, including the Chongqing Citizens' Fitness Games and community-based sports festivals. Regular physical exercise participation has remained steady at 47.6% of the population. To support this growth, the city has trained 98,000 social sports instructors and established 817 sports associations, helping more citizens access professional coaching and group activities.
The 2025 Chongqing Marathon attracted 35,000 participants, with 9 of the top 20 trending topics on Douyin’s local channel related to the event. Video views across various media platforms exceeded 360 million. (Photo/The Organizer)
Historic Breakthroughs in Competitive Sports
Chongqing athletes have earned several landmark victories in recent years, including the city's first Olympic gold in rhythmic gymnastics and first-ever Asian Games golds in shooting, martial arts, and fencing. The city also celebrated its first international winter sports medals with two golds in cross-country skiing at the 2025 Asian Winter Games. To sustain this success, Chongqing is developing the Xianüshan Comprehensive Training Base and strengthening sports science support through partnerships with universities and hospitals.
On August 10, 2024, the Chinese team consisting of Ding Xinyi(Chongqing), Guo Qiqi, Hao Ting, Huang Zhangjiayang, and Wang Lanjing won the gold medal in the group all-around rhythmic gymnastics event at the Paris Olympics with a total score of 69.800. This marks China’s first Olympic gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics. (Photo/The Organizer)
Youth Sports Thrive Through School-Based Programs
More than half of Chongqing's schools now run student sports teams, and over 100 youth competitions are organized every year. A growing talent pipeline has seen 27,000 young athletes identified as promising reserves, with 277 selected for national teams since 2021. Through enhanced physical education and daily exercise programs, 97% of students now meet physical health standards.
May 22, 2023: The 9th China-Russia Youth Games opened in Chongqing. (Photo/The Organizer)
Sports Industry Expands with Major Events and Regional Cooperation
The sports sector in Chongqing grew at an average annual rate of 7.95% during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, with total revenue projected to hit RMB 83 billion (11.45 billion USD) in 2024. The city has teamed up with Sichuan Province to launch the Chengdu-Chongqing Sports Industry Alliance, boosting regional event hosting and consumer engagement. Major competitions such as the Chongqing Marathon and WTT Chongqing Championships have also driven significant economic activity, generating nearly RMB 7 billion (966 million USD) in tourism and related sectors.
The WTT Chongqing Championships 2025 were held in Chongqing. (Photo/The Organizer)
As Chongqing plans for the next five-year period, officials aim to further develop athletic talent, introduce smarter training technology, and improve management of sports programs. The city will also continue increasing public access to sports venues - 95 of which already offer free or low-cost entry - and strengthen its position as a leading destination for outdoor sports, capitalizing on its natural terrain to promote activities such as hiking, water sports, and cycling.
The Chongqing Super League is currently in full swing. (Photo/The Organizer)
The conference underscored Chongqing's ongoing commitment to embedding sports into urban life, enhancing residents' health and the city's vitality.