
The 26th Shandong Province Sports Games opened in Linyi, Shandong, on Aug 26, marking a historic milestone as it is the first time in the games' 76-year history that the event is being hosted in a former revolutionary base area.
The games will cover all 12 counties and districts of Linyi, featuring 38 major sports and 1,081 minor events. About 13,000 athletes will gather in Linyi to compete and showcase their brilliance.
To maximize the games' cultural and tourism impact, Linyi has launched a comprehensive campaign featuring sports and tourism.
Over 300 scenic spots and hotels across the city have launched exclusive discounts, and eight boutique tourist routes have been meticulously crafted. Meanwhile, special activities featuring intangible cultural heritage performances and agricultural product exhibitions are being held at the same time.
As the games run through Sept 5, Linyi is using this platform to showcase its urban transformation, from state-of-the-art venues to its rich revolutionary heritage and vibrant commercial ecosystem.
The city expects to welcome over 200,000 spectators, injecting fresh momentum into its sports industry, cultural tourism, and regional economic development.
Over recent years, Linyi has continuously leveraged its sporting events to boost economic growth and enhance its global outlook.
By successfully hosting 116 top-tier competitions — including the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), and the WCBA — alongside major events attracting over 10,000 participants, the city's capacity, inclusiveness, and openness have seen remarkable improvement.
Linyi is swiftly positioning itself as a dynamic regional hub, embracing modern trends and aligning itself with international standards.

Linyi is continuously amplifying its sports economy and urban openness, rapidly emerging as a dynamic regional city. [Photo/Dazhong News]