Hangzhou is Transitioning into a Global Epicenter for Sports and Conventions

Hangzhou: The Rising Star of Global Sports and Conventions

In recent years, Hangzhou has emerged as a significant player on the global sports and conventions stage, drawing attention from international sporting associations and athletes alike. Belgian field hockey player Louise Dewaet's first encounter with the grand 'Hangzhou Umbrella' stadium left her in awe, stating, "It's a really big stadium. If you're here, it's like 'wow!'" This sentiment was echoed by multiple athletes, one of whom highlighted the optimal conditions of the facilities available, making their experiences memorable.

In a testament to its growing reputation, Hangzhou hosted an impressive turnout of over 70,000 fans at the Olympic Sports Center Stadium during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between China and Australia. The event set a new national attendance record for a football match, showcasing the city's increasing appeal as a venue for major sporting events.

As the sports calendar expands, 2025 promises a lineup of prestigious competitions, including the BWF World Tour Finals and the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship. These events mark the third consecutive year that Hangzhou has had the honor of being the host city for such high-profile tournaments. Olympic badminton champion Viktor Axelsen, who consistently engages with updates from Hangzhou on social media, expressed his yearning to explore more of what the city has to offer beyond sports.

Moreover, Hangzhou’s visibility on the global stage is bolstered through a host of influential exhibitions and international conferences. In 2022, it made history as the first Chinese city to host the AIPPI World Congress, a prominent meeting in intellectual property. Shoichi Okuyama, the president of AIPPI, praised Hangzhou's robust industrial foundation, indicating that hosting such a congress would greatly enhance local businesses’ intellectual property protections.

This September, the 4th Global Digital Trade Expo promises to continue this trend of international recognition, focusing on market-oriented professional themes with futuristic themed pavilions. With the UAE as this year's guest of honor, this expo aims to forge new strategic cooperation avenues between China and the Middle East. Additionally, Hangzhou will host the 5th World Congress on Biosphere Reserves, where around 3,000 delegates are expected to witness the city's ecological achievements at the Tianmushan-Qingliangfeng Biosphere Reserve.

With a robust schedule of global events, Hangzhou stands poised as a rising international center for significant sports competitions and conferences. Its entrance into the global arena, especially following the Asian Games, is marked with confidence. The city is not only elevating its sporting infrastructure and cultural commitments but is also redefining what it means to be a hub for excellence in the world of sports and conventions.

In summary, Hangzhou's efforts to develop a strong sports and conventions identity are paying off. The enthusiastic feedback from athletes and the record attendance at key events signal a promising future for Hangzhou as it continues to build upon its legacy in this arena.