China has unveiled plans to grow its sports industry to more than seven trillion yuan ($1.04 trillion) by 2030 as part of its 15th Five-Year Plan covering 2026 to 2030.
The plan, approved by the State Council in July, is aimed at strengthening China’s position as a leading global sports nation while expanding public access to fitness facilities and promoting greater participation in physical activities.
Under the initiative, China aims to increase per capita sports venue space to about four square metres and raise the proportion of residents who exercise regularly to around 40 per cent.
The country will also adopt a comprehensive sports development model centred on the “633” project, moving away from its previous “prioritised breakthrough” strategy.
The project will consolidate China’s strengths in six traditionally successful sports, including diving and gymnastics, while promoting three foundational areas — athletics, swimming and water sports. It will also seek to revitalise basketball, volleyball and football.
Enterprises, universities and social organisations will be encouraged to play greater roles in sports training and competitions, while authorities seek to attract more talent, investment and technology into the sector.
Director of the Mass Sports Department, Chen Xingnian, said the 2026-2030 national fitness plan would focus on making sports services more targeted, inclusive, intelligent, integrated and effectively regulated.
More than 5,000 small-scale fitness facilities, including micro-sports parks and multipurpose courts, are expected to be built or upgraded, with priority given to densely populated communities where demand is highest.
China also plans to streamline approval procedures for sporting events to reduce costs and improve spectators’ experiences, while developing 100 high-quality outdoor sports destinations.
Director of the Sports Economy Department, Yang Xuedong, said emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data, would be deployed to develop smart fitness services and virtual sports.
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