Shenyang City in Liaoning Province, northeast China, is making a splash in the world of rowing. The recently released 2024 China (Shenyang) Rowing Development Index highlights the city’s impressive integration of rowing into its urban landscape. This collaborative effort between the China Economic Information Service (CEIS) and the Shenyang Municipal People’s Government delves into the growth of rowing in Shenyang, analyzing its development trajectory and industry characteristics across three key dimensions: event appeal, industry growth, and the fusion of sports with urban life.
The index, now in its third edition, signifies Shenyang’s commitment to establishing itself as a prominent rowing hub. It draws comparisons to international rowing standards, showcasing Shenyang’s progress in fostering a thriving rowing environment. The 2024 index reveals that Shenyang’s rowing events are gaining significant traction both domestically and internationally, with key indicators like the number of racing teams and athletes leading at the national level.
One of the city’s most impactful events, the Shenyang International Open Regatta, has been a major draw since its inception in 2018. Blending culture, sports, and tourism, the regatta attracts the highest number of participants in the country. The Hunhe River, flowing through southern Shenyang, acts as a hub for rowing training and competitions. It’s become a vibrant hub for various activities, including sports training, leisure culture, dining services, unique experiences, and cultural tourism.
Shenyang’s dedication to rowing extends beyond competitions. The index notes that the city hosted 390 rowing-themed cultural events in 2023, contributing to over 10 million yuan (approximately 1.41 million U.S. dollars) in revenue from rowing-related tourist attractions. To further strengthen the sport’s presence, Shenyang is actively promoting rowing within its educational institutions. In 2023, the number of school-based rowing training activities in the city saw a 20% year-over-year increase. Currently, 41 primary and secondary schools in Shenyang have incorporated rowing into their curriculum.
The 2024 China (Shenyang) Rowing Development Index serves as a testament to Shenyang’s dedication to fostering a vibrant rowing community, showcasing its commitment to the sport’s growth, both as a competitive activity and a culturally enriching force within the city.
