China's outdoor sports industry reaches 3.17 trillion yuan

China's outdoor sports industry has grown to approximately 3.17 trillion yuan (about $445 billion), with over 500 million participants, according to a report released at the 2026 China Outdoor Sports Industry Conference, which opened on Friday in Beijing.

The conference, held in the capital's Changping District, brought together government officials, athletes and industry representatives to discuss the development of outdoor sports and technological innovation.

Gao Zhidan, director of China's General Administration of Sport, and Beijing Mayor Yin Yong attended the opening ceremony. The China Outdoor Sports Industry Development Report highlighted the sector's expansion through the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period spanning the years 2021-2025, driven by stronger policy support, improved facilities, more competitions and growing consumer demand.

A major highlight was the launch of the China BeiDou Outdoor Sports Event Management System, which uses satellite navigation technology to improve safety monitoring and management at mountaineering, trail running, water sports and aviation sports competitions.

The opening ceremony also featured the launch of the "Follow Films to Exercise" initiative, aimed at encouraging sports participation through cooperation between the film and sports industries.

Chinese diving star Chen Yuxi, swimmer Zhang Zhanshuo and speed climber Chu Shouhong appeared at the ceremony to promote greater public participation in outdoor activities.

The conference runs through Sunday, featuring industry discussions, outdoor experiences and sporting competitions across Beijing.