Hangzhou Emerges as a Global Hub for Sports and Conferences

Hangzhou, China, has increasingly become a focal point for global sports organizations, showcasing its capabilities as a premier destination for significant sporting events and international conferences. This city, known for its scenic landscapes and vibrant culture, is now on the international stage, earning accolades and recognition for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to excellence.

Recently, the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium showcased its grandeur and capacity, as evidenced by Belgian field hockey player Louise Dewaet’s remarks during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024. She noted, "It’s a really big stadium. It’s simply impressive to be here!" The Puerto Rican karate star Janessa Fonseca echoed similar sentiments during the K1 Super League, praising the venue and facilities as ideal for athletes and fans alike.

Recently, over 70,000 fans filled the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre to witness a thrilling match between China and Australia, setting a national record for attendance at a football match as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers. This growing enthusiasm for sports events illustrates the city’s burgeoning reputation as a sports capital.

Looking ahead, Hangzhou's sports calendar is brimming with exciting events. In 2025, the city will host the BWF World Tour Finals and the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, marking three consecutive years of such prestigious competitions. Viktor Axelsen, the Olympic champion and defending titleholder, has expressed keen interest in Hangzhou, having engaged with local cultural activities on social media through his Hangzhoufeel account, showing a desire to experience the city's allure beyond sports.

This consistent global presence—from high-profile tournaments to engaging digital stories—has positioned Hangzhou as a familiar name among athletes and sports lovers. They view it not just as a venue for competitive excellence, but as a city rich in cultural opportunities and experiences.

In addition, Hangzhou is enhancing its global visibility by hosting influential international exhibitions and conferences. Last year, it became the first Chinese city to host the AIPPI World Congress on intellectual property in its 127-year history. Shoichi Okuyama, President of AIPPI, highlighted the city’s strong industrial foundation and expressed confidence that such events would bolster local businesses’ intellectual property protections.

This September, the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo will spotlight its international and market-oriented focus with futuristic themed pavilions, featuring the UAE as this year’s guest country. This collaboration aims to unveil new strategic opportunities between China and the Middle East.

Concurrent to this, the city will hold the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, expecting around 3,000 delegates to come and explore the Tianmushan-Qingliangfeng reserve, evaluating the city’s advancements in ecological development.

With an ever-expanding event calendar, Hangzhou confidently steps into the international arena as a burgeoning center for major sporting competitions and conferences post-Asian Games. The city's determination to provide top-notch facilities and a welcoming atmosphere signals a bright future as it cements its status in the global sports community.