At the same time, the district has introduced high-level coaching resources, mobilized broader social participation in sports development, and established a comprehensive talent identification and progression system, continuously contributing "Keqiao Strength" to China's climbing program.

Having hosted the Climbing World Cup for three consecutive years as part of its ambition to build an "international climbing event highland", Keqiao also demonstrated a dynamic model of sports-driven cultural tourism during this year's Labor Day holiday.

Sports enthusiasts and family travelers planned their visits in advance, booking event tickets and nearby accommodations online, driving sustained demand for hotels and homestays across the district and surrounding scenic areas, where availability became increasingly limited.

Visitors from neighboring regions—including Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Jiangsu province—traveled to Shaoxing during the holiday period, combining the viewing of elite climbing competitions with visits to local landmarks such as Keqiao Ancient Town, Keyan Scenic Area, and Cangqiao Straight Street.

The result was an integrated experience that blended sporting spectacle with leisure and cultural tourism, showcasing the distinctive appeal of Jiangnan's historic water towns.

China fielded a team of seven male and seven female climbers. The team delivered a strong performance in qualification, with five athletes—four men and one woman—advancing to the semi-finals. Two Chinese male climbers progressed to the final, marking the country's best result to date at a Climbing World Cup-level event.

The competition was organized by International Federation of Sport Climbing, and co-organized by the Mountaineering Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Chinese Mountaineering Association, the Shaoxing Municipal Sports Bureau, and the People's Government of Keqiao District. It was supported by the Keqiao District Education and Sports Bureau and Zhejiang Jinkeqiao Culture and Tourism Group Co Ltd.

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn