Shenyang Launches Indices to Transform Rowing and Revitalize Hutongs
On September 10, 2026, Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province in northeastern China, unveiled two innovative indices that aim to promote the development of rowing and the revitalization of hutongs, the historic alleyways that are characteristic of traditional Chinese cities. This announcement was made during the 2026 Shenyang Expo on Integrated Development of Culture, Tourism, Sports, and Commerce, which emphasized the importance of integrating various sectors to enhance urban living and economic vitality.
The reports, titled 'China Rowing Development Index (Shenyang)' and 'China Hutong Revitalization Index (Shenyang)', seek to draw attention to Shenyang's potential as both a hub for sports events, particularly rowing, and as a city rich in historical culture. Officials from Shenyang's municipal government and various academic and research organizations attended the expo to explore new strategies for unifying cultural, tourist, and commercial development.
A municipal spokesperson emphasized how these indices reflect Shenyang's dual approach: enhancing the city's waterfront areas through sporting events while simultaneously improving the existing urban environment through hutong renovations. The goal is to transform Shenyang into a recognized capital for rowing while also securing its identity as a historic cultural city.
In recent years, Shenyang has actively promoted rowing through the hosting of the Asian Rowing Championships for athletes under 19 and under 23, held along the Hunhe River. Furthermore, citywide initiatives have been introduced, such as the 'Rowing in Schools' program, aiming to foster interest in the sport among younger generations.
Parallel to this development, substantial efforts have been made to preserve and modernize the city's hutongs. Renovations have been carried out on 67 hutongs in the Fangcheng district. The Laobeishi area has hosted over 6,000 public performances annually, attracting more than two million visitors to the Bajing café street each year. These initiatives reflect a commitment to sustaining traditional culture while ensuring its relevance in contemporary urban life.
Experts, including Guo Linwen from the Cultural Industries Institute at Renmin University of China, have recommended that Shenyang further enhance its cultural identity and utilize cutting-edge technologies to enrich visitor experiences. Metrics such as visitor duration, spending patterns, and overnight stays should be used to gauge project success.
The expo included in-depth sessions on innovations in urban consumption patterns driven by the intersections of sports, culture, and tourism. These discussions highlighted the potential of synergistic approaches to economic development, encouraging a vibrant cultural scene that enhances both local pride and tourism.
In summary, the introduction of these two indices signifies Shenyang's commitment to bolstering its social and economic landscape through the celebration of sport and the preservation of its rich cultural history. As Shenyang progresses towards its ambitions of being a sports capital and a renowned cultural city, these initiatives set a significant precedent for integrating tradition with modernity in urban development.