Over 400 million people across the Chinese mainland have embraced outdoor sports, catalyzing rural development and unlocking new economic opportunities. This surge reflects a growing public passion for nature-based activities and aligns with national initiatives to integrate cultural, sports, and tourism resources into regional growth strategies.
Authorities, including the National Development and Reform Commission and the General Administration of Sport, urged local governments in April to develop outdoor sports destinations as part of broader efforts to stimulate high-quality economic growth. Regions such as Pengzhou in Sichuan Province and Jiuquan in Gansu Province exemplify this trend, leveraging natural landscapes to attract enthusiasts and create jobs.
In Pengzhou, once-traditional villages now thrive with paragliding, zip-lining, and rock climbing facilities. “Many young people are returning home to work,” said Huang Xiaolong, a resident of Baoshan Village. Meanwhile, Jiuquan has transformed its desert vistas into a hub for endurance events. Event founder Qu Xiangdong emphasized their goal to “leave something meaningful for this land,” highlighting community-focused development.
The outdoor sports boom demonstrates how rural areas are redefining local economies by capitalizing on natural assets, fostering entrepreneurship, and aligning with national policy goals.
