Zhangjiagang is riding a wave of fitness enthusiasm. Over the past year, it has had a booming sports industry and grown citywide influence.
The city began its first Extensive Fitness-for-all Month to honor local shooter Sheng Lihao on July 27, who won China's first gold medal — and a second — at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As a tribute, July 27 to August 26 has been officially recognized as Zhangjiagang's annual Extensive Fitness-for-all Month.
Over the past year, the city has experienced a rise in grassroots involvement. Ten new sports organizations have formed, covering activities like mountaineering, dragon boating, street dance, and shooting, demonstrating a dynamic change in the city's fitness culture. Today, one in six residents actively participates in organized sports.
Zhangjiagang's sports economy is gaining serious momentum. On Aug 8, 2024, the city held its Sports Innovation and Development Conference, during which it launched Jiangsu's first county-level sports development foundation. Key enterprises like Everrising Holdings and Shagang Group made substantial contributions, raising more than 15 million yuan ($2.09 million).
Zhangjiagang has also invested in infrastructure to support its expanding fitness scene. The city now features 11 cultural and sports activity centers, 9 subdistrict fitness hubs, 20 sports parks, 1,050 public fitness stations, 1,065 kilometers of trails, and 5,664 sports venues that cover over 8.24 million square meters. Early involvement from companies like Jinling Sports and Haosi Construction in Zhangjiagang's sports services sector is helping establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
New sports experiences are constantly evolving, combining fitness, leisure, and entertainment to change how residents interact with physical activity. This growing "sports+" approach is transforming daily life in the city.
The city's "Follow the Game, Travel the City" initiative is gaining momentum. This innovative strategy — combining the thrill of live sports with engaging local experiences — has attracted more than 100,000 visitors in the past year. It has increased spending on food, accommodation, and cultural tourism, transforming events into key drivers of the local economy.
Zhangjiagang plans to develop a three-tiered event system that includes major international competitions, local signature events, and inclusive public activities. The city aims to create a flagship "sports carnival" brand that embodies its spirit. In addition, efforts are underway to enhance access to fitness facilities by promoting a "5-minute fitness circle" in urban neighborhoods and a "10-minute fitness circle" in township centers.
Residents enjoy stand-up paddleboarding in Zhangjiagang. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]