Feature: Sporting events emerge as popular holiday attractions in China

by sportswriters Li Chunyu, Tian Guangyu and Zhou Xin

BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A captivating performance of Peking Opera staged on the diving platform amazed the audience during the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final at the National Aquatics Center, famously known as the "Water Cube," in Beijing on Saturday.

"I was truly impressed by the vibrant atmosphere in the 'Water Cube.' I traveled from Tianjin with my children to watch the Super Final, and the shows were beyond the competition itself. I believe I made a great choice for our holiday," said Zhang Shaoyin during the three-day event that began on Friday.

The "Water Cube," originally built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, hosted swimming and diving competitions during the Games, as well as the curling event during the 2022 Winter Olympics after transforming into the "Ice Cube."

During China's five-day Labor Day holiday starting Thursday, the dual-Olympic venue has been once again in the spotlight of the sports world.

"I hadn't watched a diving competition since Beijing 2008," said Bai Xiaoke, a local resident. "I used to take my son to the water park here, but this time our family is here for this high-level international event."

The Super Final also attracted Jorge Alberto Cueva from Mexico to support Mexican divers, who also learned to use mobile payment platforms such as Alipay.

"Everything here is new for me. It is definitely a delightful experience, and I will keep the memory for a long time," said Cueva.

Organizers launched around 40 official licensed products, including pins, cups, bags, and keychains. Many fans purchased plush turtle toys -- popular to Chinese star diver Quan Hongchan -- to show their admiration.

Tian Yao, a sports presentation manager at the Super Final, introduced, "Many cultural elements including the famous landmarks along the Beijing Central Axis, such as Tiananmen and Yongdingmen Gate, were vividly displayed in the venue through 3D projection. It is just like a city tour in the 'Water Cube' for the audience."

"Sporting events held during holiday have a multiplier effect. The Super Final's box office surpassed 5.7 million yuan (about 784,000 U.S. dollars), with over 7,000 spectators attending the diving competitions on Friday," revealed Zhang Yun, deputy director of Beijing Sports Competitions Administration and International Exchange Center.

Meanwhile, in Xiamen, Fujian Province, the Sudirman Cup is another major event attracting visitors. According to a manager at Wutong Pliport Hotel, room bookings have surged since the tournament began on April 27, with more than 80 percent of the 620 rooms reserved. The hotel provides shuttle services to the badminton venue and prepares food packs featuring local snacks and drinks for fans.

Zhou Jiaze, 19, from Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, shared, "I love playing badminton. I missed the last Sudirman Cup two years ago when I was in high school, but now I'm here. I plan to explore the city and visit Xiamen University."

"I spent over 14 hours to get here, with a transfer in Tianjin," said Xu Yuyan, traveling from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. "I will stay here for five days and hope to see great performance of Chinese players."

Geoff Stensland, president of the Bellevue Badminton Club of Seattle, Washington, also visited Xiamen for the Sudirman Cup. "Badminton is getting more popular in America with new clubs opening almost every month. The Sudirman Cup is real fun," Stensland said.

Also during the Labor Day holiday, the Equestrian Shanghai Global Champions Tour was held from Friday to Sunday, attracting international tourists eager to enjoy outdoor sports. Additionally, the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series and a World Tour event also took place in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. In less than 100 days, Chengdu will host the 12th World Games - the first major global sports event in western China since the 31st Universiade in 2023.

"As an increasing number of sporting events are held in China in recent years, people have got used to taking exciting games as an integral part of their holiday," said Zou Xinxian, a professor at Beijing Sport University. "This trend can not only boost the host city's vitality, but also spur the economy driven by international events." ■