During this year’s May Day holiday, outdoor sports and travel attracted widespread interest across China.
At Shijiu Lake in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, a young visitor shifted from trying fishing lures to stargazing through a telescope. In the Siguniang Mountain scenic area, located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province, over 10 outdoor adventure routes opened. These include hiking, mountain trekking, and rock climbing, welcoming outdoor lovers of all ages.
More than 400 million people in China take part in outdoor activities. Outdoor sports bring many benefits to society. They meet the public’s growing demand for physical fitness. They support the national fitness campaign, boost related industries, and offer great potential for future growth.
Outdoor sports events and leisure activities are spreading across many scenic spots in the country.
In Shangri-la, Yunnan province, hiking and cycling trails host major events like the Tour of Yunnan International Road Cycling Race and the Yunnan Plateau Lakes and Mountains Series.
In Nanxun, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, visitors enjoy night fishing, hot-air ballooning, and orienteering in ancient towns.
In Chongli, Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, night skiing allows thrill-seekers to race down snowy slopes under starry skies, creating the feeling of flying just above the ground.
These varied outdoor activities help turn beautiful natural areas into sources of sustainable economic growth.
China is actively promoting outdoor sports destinations. It aims to build about 100 high-quality outdoor sports sites by 2030. With its large territory and stunning landscapes, China is well placed to use its natural resources for this goal.
The growth of outdoor tourism also supports China’s rural vitalization strategy. In Xishui county, Hubei province, a rural triathlon that included swimming, road cycling, and cross-country running was held. This event boosted the local economy, with online and offline sales of farm products reaching over 5.8 million yuan ($807,737). This was a 230% increase from the previous year.
In the Canglu Valley of Dali Bai autonomous prefecture in Yunnan province, a tourism model focused on outdoor leisure and lifestyle drew more than 70,000 visitors in 2024. The visitors generated around 3 million yuan in spending.
Traditionally, rural areas rich in forests, rivers, and mountains were seen as poor for farming or industrial work. Today, many such regions use their natural beauty to develop premium outdoor destinations. This creates new chances for local economic growth.
High-quality outdoor destinations boost local culture and tourism. They also expand related industries.
China’s outdoor apparel industry is growing fast. In Zhejiang province, a “three-hour supply circle” has formed for making outdoor jackets. Composite fabrics come from Jiaojiang in Taizhou, waterproof zippers from Linhai, fleece liners from Keqiao in Shaoxing, and final assembly happens in Sanmen. This tight supply chain shows how sports and business combine to speed up industry cooperation, with supply and demand supporting each other.
In the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, beginners learn to surf with expert help. Along the Yellow River, rally races offer exciting experiences. In Hubei province, a digital outdoor sports map improves smart infrastructure and services. Activities that used to be niche are now becoming part of everyday life.
By growing “small sports” into “big industries,” and combining government support with market forces, China is turning new ideas into real benefits.
