China's outdoor sports boom draws 800 million but faces safety risks
Outdoor sports have surged in popularity across China over the past two years. Activities like pickleball, land surfing, and paddleboarding are drawing millions of new participants. This boom reflects a growing interest in healthier lifestyles and stronger social bonds among the public. A 2025 report by the General Administration of Sport of China revealed that over 400 million people now take part in outdoor sports. Total spending in the sector exceeded 1 trillion yuan ($147 billion) that same year, with more than 800 million participants recorded.
The trend has been fuelled by high-profile successes, such as ZXMOTO’s victories in the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship. These achievements have inspired younger generations to embrace extreme and outdoor sports as realistic lifestyle choices. Yet, rapid growth has brought challenges. In May 2026, an unexpected snowstorm on Mount Wutai in Shanxi Province forced the evacuation of 300 hikers during the holiday weekend. The incident led authorities, including the Mountaineering Management Center of GAS and the Chinese Mountaineering Association, to issue safety advisories. They highlighted risks from extreme weather and called for better risk prevention measures. The most popular activities now include frisbee, land surfing, urban cycling, paddleboarding, camping, hiking, flag football, rock climbing, and pickleball. But experts warn that long-term success depends on improving safety management, public services, industry standards, infrastructure, and education.
China’s outdoor sports industry continues to expand, driven by rising participation and spending. However, ensuring safe and sustainable growth will require stronger regulations and better public resources. Authorities and organisations are now focusing on addressing these gaps to support the sector’s future.
