Shenyang Unveils Indices for Rowing Development and Hutong Revival

On September 10, 2026, the Xinhua Index Institute officially introduced two significant reports concerning the development of rowing and revitalization of hutongs in Shenyang, the capital city of Liaoning Province in Northeast China. These indices were launched during a specialized event aimed at promoting the integrated development of culture, tourism, sports, and commerce.

The event was co-organized by the Shenyang Municipal People's Government and the Xinhua News Agency's Brand Management Office. It gathered representatives from government sectors, industry professionals, academics, and research institutions to discuss innovative approaches to harnessing cultural heritage and enhancing local tourism.

The new reports encompass the "Rowing Development Index" and the "Hutong Revitalization Index," both tailored to provide a framework for merging outward-facing sporting economies represented by rowing with inward-focused urban asset revitalization exemplified by the historic hutongs. This strategic approach is set to establish an annual benchmark for Shenyang's integrated development trajectory in these fields.

Shenyang is keen on promoting itself as a hub for rowing activities while leveraging its waterway spaces to attract sports tourism. A local government official highlighted the city’s aspiration to be recognized as a leading rowing capital, planning various initiatives including hosting the Asian Rowing Championships for U19 and U23 categories along the Hunhe River. Furthermore, the city is implementing a comprehensive "rowing in schools" program aimed at fostering early interest in the sport among youth.

Simultaneously, the hutong revival efforts focus on breathing new life into the ancient alleyways of Shenyang. A significant transformation has been reported in the Fangcheng area where 67 hutongs have undergone renovation, enhancing their charm and accessibility. Moreover, culturally rich local venues have thrived; Laobeishi, for instance, hosted over 6,000 public shows in a year, while the Bajing café alley attracted upwards of two million visitors annually.

Renowned academic in cultural industries, Guo Linwen, from Renmin University of China, emphasized the need for Shenyang to strengthen its cultural identity and break down barriers across business models. He advocated the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance immersive experiences for visitors, urging that metrics such as average stay duration, secondary spending ratios, and overnight visitor numbers be employed to gauge project success.

To further amplify its vision, the event included parallel sessions showcasing the "Sports +" movement, discussing how cultural activities, tourism growth, and sports can drive innovation in urban consumption patterns.

Shenyang's commitment to becoming a thriving "capital of rowing" while positioning itself as a celebrated historical and cultural city highlights its balanced approach to contemporary urban development, intertwining modern sporting culture with the rich tapestry of its historical identity.