The 2025 World Rowing Championships will open on Sept 21 at Dianshan Lake in Shanghai's Qingpu district, bringing not only world-class competition but also a wave of tourism and consumer opportunities.

Qingpu is rolling out a variety of promotional packages that connect the championships with shopping, dining, leisure, and cultural experiences. At the heart of this effort is the "ticket stub economy".

Spectators can use their rowing championship ticket stubs to unlock more than 170 perks, spanning shopping, dining, homestays, attractions, lifestyle services, entertainment, water sports, and more.

The district is also launching a special "passport" that links intangible cultural heritage activities, countryside leisure, urban fashion, and exhibition venues, giving visitors a diverse itinerary.

For travelers looking for a short getaway, Qingpu has created "micro-vacation packages" built around the championships. These combine experiences such as daytime rowing, nighttime town strolls through ancient towns, and boutique homestays, highlighting the district's historic towns, scenic spots, waterways, villages, and sports culture, while encouraging visitors to extend their stay.

As the nearest commercial landmark to the venue, Bailian Outlets Plaza is offering exclusive shopping deals. Spectators with championship credentials can receive a welcome gift, while interactive rowing-themed installations let visitors collect coupons and enjoy tax refund services, prize draws, and even helicopter sightseeing experiences with qualifying purchases.

To better serve international visitors, Qingpu will also enhance services at major shopping destinations with multilingual information desks, luggage storage, and wider acceptance of international bank cards.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, official WeChat accounts of Shanghai Qingpu Media Center at "iloveqingpu" and World Rowing Championships