New Indices Launch to Enhance Rowing Sports and Hutong Revitalization in Shenyang

On September 17, 2026, significant advancements in the promotion of rowing sports and the cultural revitalization of hutongs were officially unveiled in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning province, China. The Xinhua Indices Institute presented two pivotal reports: the Development Index of Rowing Sports in China (Shenyang) and the Revitalization Index of Hutongs in China (Shenyang). This announcement took place during the "China (Shenyang) Exchange on Integrated Development of Culture, Tourism, Sports, and Commerce 2026" held on September 10.

The event was co-hosted by the Shenyang Municipal Government and the Xinhua News Agency branding office, bringing together government officials, business leaders, and academic researchers. The primary aim of this gathering was to explore innovative methodologies for the integrated development of culture, tourism, sports, and commerce.

The introduction of these two indices not only highlights the city’s dual focus on promoting external sporting events, notably through rowing, but also on revitalizing internal urban resources exemplified by the preservation of historic hutongs. This approach establishes a yearly benchmark for integrating cultural heritage, sports, and commercial endeavors within the city.

Shenyang officials indicated that leveraging rowing sports will invigorate the city’s waterfronts and bolster its reputation as a hub for rowing activities. Furthermore, the atmosphere of community engagement is anticipated to flourish as the city works towards its self-identified brands: "Rowing Capital" and a "Renowned Historical and Cultural City." Previous events like the Asian U19 and U23 Rowing Championships at Hunhe River are part of Shenyang’s effort in establishing itself as a competitive rowing destination. In addition to sporting events, the city has effectively introduced a "Rowing in Schools" initiative aimed at grassroots engagement with the rowing culture.

The effort to revive local hutongs was equally ambitious, with the renovation of 67 historic hutongs located in the Fangcheng district. Laobeishi has been proactive, hosting over 6,000 public performances throughout the year, while the vibrant Bajing Coffee Street has attracted more than 2 million visitors annually, enhancing local tourism and community life.

Guo Linwen, the Deputy Director of the Cultural Economy Institute at Renmin University of China, advocated for Shenyang to reinforce its cultural identity. He suggested that overcoming barriers between various business models and utilizing cutting-edge technologies could significantly enhance visitor experiences. He proposed that metrics such as the duration of stay, secondary spending percentages, and overnight guest numbers should be critical indicators for evaluating the project’s performance.

In conjunction with the launch of the indices, the event featured two concurrent sessions—"Sports +" and discussions on how culture, tourism, and sports serve as drivers of innovation within urban consumption landscapes. These exchanges provided a platform for stakeholders to explore strategic collaborations and synergies among diverse sectors, seeking to foster a holistic community revitalization through sporting and cultural engagement.

Shenyang is poised to set a promising example of how cities can intertwine sports and cultural heritage to promote greater social and economic dynamism. As the city continues to invest in its rowing infrastructure and hutong revitalization efforts, it stands as a testament to the forward-looking vision that blends modernity and tradition for a vibrant urban future.