After wrapping up the 2026 Chengdu leg of the Chinese Baseball League, the Fujian Sharks have returned to Liancheng, their designated training base, marking the third consecutive spring they have spent in this emerging baseball hub. This season, the team’s focus is on refining their skills, building on their historic first-ever championship from the 2025 season, and preparing for the upcoming summer league.

Liancheng, a small city in Fujian province, has become a symbol of China’s growing investment in baseball. The city’s Sea Straits Baseball Cultural Exchange Center, completed in early 2023, serves as the heart of this initiative, offering state-of-the-art facilities for training, competition, and cross-strait exchanges. The center’s completion was part of Fujian’s broader strategy to develop baseball as a key sport in the province, as outlined in the Fujian “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan” for sports development.

What Happened in Chengdu

The Fujian Sharks competed in the 2026 Chinese Baseball League Chengdu leg from March 20 to March 25, 2026. During this leg, the team faced stiff competition from other top teams, including Shanghai Hua Xin, Tianjin Xiong Shi, and Jiangsu Ju Ma. The Sharks secured two wins, including a hard-fought 6-3 victory over the Sichuan Jiang Long on March 25, and a 5-6 loss to Shanghai Hua Xin on March 21.

The team’s performance in Chengdu was part of a larger spring league that included four teams and was designed to prepare players for the more competitive summer league, which will expand to five teams.

Why Liancheng?

Liancheng’s rise as a baseball training hub is no accident. The city has invested heavily in infrastructure, including a 15-mu (1 hectare) baseball cultural exchange center with a full-size field, spectator stands, and training facilities. The center’s completion in 2023 was a milestone for the city, which has actively promoted baseball as a means of cross-strait cultural exchange and youth development.

The Fujian Sharks’ connection to Liancheng is rooted in the team’s identity as a cross-strait collaboration. The team’s name, “Sharks,” reflects its dual heritage, drawing on both Fujian’s coastal culture and the influence of Taiwanese players and coaches who have contributed to its development. The city’s strategic location and focus on baseball align perfectly with the team’s mission.

Training Focus: Building on Success

With their first-ever championship in 2025 still fresh, the Sharks are using their time in Liancheng to refine their strategies, address weaknesses, and prepare for the upcoming summer league. Key areas of focus include:

• Pitching Development: The team’s pitching staff, a critical component of their success, will undergo rigorous training to maintain their edge. Fujian’s spring training often emphasizes mental resilience and pitch variety, two areas where the Sharks have shown strength.
• Batting Adjustments: After a challenging series against Shanghai Hua Xin, the team’s batting coaches are focusing on adapting to different pitching styles and improving consistency at the plate.
• Defensive Drills: The Sharks’ defense has been a standout feature, and Liancheng’s facilities allow for specialized drills to maintain their high level of play.
• Cross-Strait Collaboration: The team continues to benefit from the expertise of Taiwanese coaches and players, who bring unique insights and techniques to the training regimen.

Fujian’s Baseball Ambitions: A Broader Picture

The Fujian Sharks are part of a larger movement to grow baseball in China. Fujian province has made significant investments in the sport, including:

• Youth Development: Over 200 schools across Fujian now offer baseball programs, reaching more than 380,000 students. This initiative is part of the province’s broader strategy to develop talent and foster a culture of baseball.
• Cross-Strait Exchanges: Fujian has actively promoted baseball as a platform for cross-strait cultural exchange. Events like the East Forest Cup Cross-Strait Youth Baseball Invitational have brought together players from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, strengthening ties and sharing expertise.
• Infrastructure: Beyond Liancheng, Fujian has invested in training facilities, coaching programs, and youth leagues to ensure a steady pipeline of talent.

What’s Next for the Fujian Sharks

The Fujian Sharks are scheduled to return to competitive action in the 2026 Summer League, which will feature five teams. The team’s performance in Liancheng will be critical in determining their seeding and playoff chances. Fans can expect updates on their training progress, as well as insights into how the team plans to address challenges from their Chengdu leg.

For now, the focus remains on Liancheng, where the Sharks are immersed in a culture of baseball, surrounded by facilities designed to push them to the next level. As the team prepares for the summer league, their story is not just about baseball—it’s about the power of sport to bring people together, bridge cultural divides, and inspire the next generation.

Key Takeaways

• The Fujian Sharks are in Liancheng for their third consecutive spring training camp, focusing on refining skills and preparing for the summer league.
• Liancheng’s baseball cultural exchange center is a key part of Fujian’s strategy to develop baseball as a major sport in the province.
• The team’s performance in Chengdu highlighted their strengths in pitching and defense, while also revealing areas for improvement in batting consistency.
• Fujian’s broader baseball ambitions include youth development, cross-strait exchanges, and infrastructure investment.
• The upcoming summer league will be a critical test for the Sharks, with their seeding and playoff chances hanging in the balance.

FAQ

What is the significance of Liancheng for the Fujian Sharks?

Liancheng serves as the Sharks’ primary training base, offering world-class facilities and a culture deeply invested in baseball. The city’s focus on cross-strait exchanges also aligns with the team’s identity as a collaborative effort between Fujian and Taiwan.

How has the Fujian Sharks’ performance been in the 2026 league so far?

In the Chengdu leg, the Sharks secured two wins, including a 6-3 victory over Sichuan Jiang Long, and faced tough losses to teams like Shanghai Hua Xin. Their performance has been competitive, with standout moments in pitching and defense.

What are the next steps for the Fujian Sharks?

The team will continue training in Liancheng before returning to competitive action in the summer league. Their focus will be on refining their strategies, addressing weaknesses, and preparing for a strong run in the expanded five-team competition.

How does Fujian’s investment in baseball compare to other provinces?

Fujian’s investment in baseball is notable for its emphasis on youth development, cross-strait collaboration, and infrastructure. While other provinces like Guangdong and Shanghai have strong baseball programs, Fujian’s focus on cultural exchange and grassroots development sets it apart.

How to Follow the Fujian Sharks

Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress through official channels, including:

• Chinese Baseball Association: Official league updates and schedules
• Fujian Sharks Official Accounts: Follow their social media for training updates and player insights.
• Archysport: For in-depth analysis and coverage of the Chinese Baseball League.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the Fujian Sharks is their return to competitive action in the 2026 Summer League, with the first matches expected in June 2026. Stay tuned for further updates on their training and preparations.

What do you think about the Fujian Sharks’ training in Liancheng? Share your thoughts in the comments below or share this article with fellow baseball fans.