Stay Active: Hangzhou Opens Wave of Sports Venues for Free During Qingming Holiday

For those spending the Qingming holiday in Hangzhou, the city is turning its world-class athletic infrastructure into a public playground. A wide array of free sports venues in Hangzhou during Qingming holiday have been announced, inviting residents and visitors to swap traditional sightseeing for high-energy activity across multiple districts.

From Olympic-grade stadiums to community hubs, the initiative aims to promote public health by removing the cost barrier to professional-grade facilities. Whether you are looking for a competitive game of badminton or a relaxing swim, the city has mapped out a comprehensive network of accessible sites.

City-Level Access: The Prime Hubs

At the municipal level, five major facilities are opening their doors to the public. These venues serve as the anchor points for the city’s fitness drive, offering a diverse range of activities to suit different athletic preferences.

The city-level list includes the Hangzhou Gymnasium, Hangzhou Swimming and Fitness Center, Hangzhou Daguan Swimming and Fitness Center, Hangzhou National Fitness Center, and the Hangzhou Model and Radio Control Sports Base. Visitors to these sites can engage in a variety of sports, including:

• Badminton and Table Tennis
• Squash and Basketball
• Swimming and Tennis

District Breakdown: Where to Play

The free access extends deep into the city’s districts, ensuring that high-quality sports facilities are within reach regardless of where you are staying. Each district offers a unique mix of venues and specialized sports.

Shangcheng District: Asian Games Legacy

Shangcheng is positioning itself as a powerhouse for public fitness, featuring five key venues: the Shangcheng National Fitness Center, Shangcheng Sports Center Gymnasium, Shangcheng Sports Center Comprehensive Hall, Jiubao Ali Sports Center, and the Dinglan Culture and Sports Center.

A standout in this district is the Le Dongli Shangcheng District National Fitness Center. Located at 165 Houchao East Road, this massive complex spans approximately 55,000 square meters, consisting of 13 floors above ground and four basement levels. The facility carries significant prestige, as its water polo hall served as a training venue for the 19th Asian Games. While it typically hosts periodic public welfare activities and opens for free every August 8 (National Fitness Day), its inclusion in the holiday opening provides a rare opportunity to experience a professional training environment.

Sports available in the Shangcheng district include basketball, badminton, swimming, tennis, table tennis, gym workouts, air volleyball, and yoga.

Gongshu District: Diversity in Sport

Gongshu offers one of the most extensive lists of free venues, with eight facilities available. This includes the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Gymnasium and Stadium, the China Hangzhou Esports Center, and the Gongshu District Sports Center Stadium and Gymnasium. Other accessible sites are the Gongshu District Sports Venue Service Center Gymnasium, as well as the Chengbei Sports Park Comprehensive Hall and Swimming Pool.

The variety of sports here is notable, ranging from traditional court games to more specialized athletics:

• Badminton, Table Tennis, and Basketball
• Swimming and Fitness training
• Running and Field Hockey

Xihu District: From Pickleball to Go-Karts

Xihu District provides a more eclectic mix of activities, focusing on both mainstream and niche sports. Four venues are open: the Zhejiang Huanglong Sports Center, Xihu Culture and Sports Center, Sandun Culture and Sports Center, and the Zhijiang Culture and Sports Center.

For those seeking something beyond the standard gym routine, Xihu is the place to go. In addition to table tennis, tennis, badminton, squash, basketball, and swimming, the district is offering access to pickleball, “Dada ball,” and go-karts.

Binjiang District: Olympic Standards

Binjiang leverages its proximity to the city’s most modern infrastructure. Four venues are available: the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Tennis Center, Binjiang Gymnasium, and the Jiangnan Sports Center.

Activities in Binjiang are heavily geared toward precision and endurance, including:

• Running and Badminton
• Basketball and Volleyball
• Tennis and Archery
• Gateball and Ground Bowling

Xiaoshan District: Training Excellence

Xiaoshan focuses on high-performance environments, opening the Hangzhou Olympic AT Center Swimming Pool and the Hangzhou Olympic AT Center Comprehensive Training Hall, along with the Xiaoshan Sports Center Stadium, Gymnasium, and Comprehensive Hall.

Quick Reference: Venue and Sport Guide

To help you plan your holiday movement, here is a summary of the offerings across the primary districts.

Navigating the Holiday Rush

With so many venues opening for free, visitors should be prepared for higher-than-usual crowds. For those unfamiliar with the local system, most of these facilities require a booking or check-in process to manage capacity. This proves highly recommended to check the specific reservation methods for each district to ensure a spot.

For those visiting the Shangcheng district, the scale of the National Fitness Center (13 floors) means there is ample space, but the water polo and swimming facilities are often the most sought-after due to their Asian Games pedigree.

The Qingming holiday typically sees a surge in local travel. Integrating a visit to these sports centers can be a strategic way to avoid the heaviest tourist crowds at traditional landmarks while still experiencing the city’s modern urban development.

Stay tuned for further updates on venue availability and any changes to the holiday schedule. Share your favorite spots or your game-day photos with the Archysport community in the comments below.