Shanghai has unveiled a 2026–28 action plan to expand its lineup of major sporting events, enhance spectator services, and strengthen links among sports, tourism, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

By 2028, the city aims to develop one or two globally recognized Shanghai sports event brands while further improving spectator convenience and international services.

Expanding and upgrading international sporting events

Building on the Shanghai Masters, an ATP 1000 tournament, the city plans to upgrade venue facilities, introduce a top-tier women's tennis event, and develop an international tennis ecosystem spanning spectator experiences, training, tourism, and club operations.

The city will work toward the Shanghai Marathon's inclusion in the Abbott World Marathon Majors. It will leverage visa-free entry policies and improve registration, arrival services, and the overall experience for international runners.

Plans for the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix include adding spectator seating and extending the event's duration.

The World Rowing Shanghai Sprints will be linked to Shanghai Summer, the city's international consumption season, with accessible and interactive viewing spaces to be created along the Suzhou Creek.

Around the Global Champions Tour of Shanghai, the city will further develop business offerings related to horse trading, riding training, equipment, and art.

Shanghai will seek to host top-level women's basketball events, including WNBA games and the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series.

The city is set to host a stop on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as part of the Olympic Q-Series. The Shanghai stop will combine sports with music, culture, and art.

The plan also calls for upgrades to the FISE World Series Shanghai and UFC Fight Night. It supports a dual-site format for the MXGP of China, featuring rider interactions and contemporary cultural performances in central Shanghai.

Shanghai will continue to host top-level climbing competitions and top-tier international esports competitions, and raise the profile of the Shanghai Esports Masters.

Improving transport, admission, and payment services

Shanghai plans to introduce customized shuttle services for major sporting events and to improve multilingual signage, wayfinding, and information services at sports venues.

Ticket purchasing, admission, and on-site navigation will be streamlined, while facilities and services for people with disabilities, older spectators, and families with children will be further enhanced.

The city will optimize electronic payment acceptance to better serve domestic and overseas spectators.

A one-stop information service will provide event schedules, transportation connections, accommodations, dining, cultural and tourism activities, and weather advisories.

Major events will be encouraged to establish multilingual websites and overseas social media accounts.

Enriching event-linked city experiences

Shanghai will promote the development of outdoor sports facilities in suitable waterfront areas, green spaces, and commercial districts, expand the range of distinctive sporting events, and develop alternative off-site viewing venues.

Major events will incorporate music, food, and other festival activities. Event organizers will also partner with online lifestyle service platforms to offer packages that include premium viewing, family experiences, and city exploration.

Shanghai will expand consumption opportunities tied to event ticket stubs and introduce Shanghai Pass products for sporting events. The city will also support the launch of limited-edition merchandise and cross-sector co-branded products at major events.

Source: Shanghai Municipal People's Government