Pickleball has triggered a rapid sporting transformation in Hebi, a city in central China’s Henan Province, evolving from a niche activity introduced in 2023 into a citywide fitness movement involving over one million participants.
The sport has been widely integrated into daily life, reaching government institutions, schools, rural communities, business districts, and tourist sites. It has become a common recreational choice across all age groups, from children to retirees.
To support its growth, Hebi has built more than 1,500 dedicated courts and over 8,000 sets of outdoor fitness facilities, forming a dense and accessible “15-minute fitness network” for residents.
The city has also developed a strong talent and competition system, training hundreds of coaches and referees while organizing multi-level tournaments ranging from community matches to city championships.
Recognized as China’s first “Pickleball City” in 2023, Hebi has since hosted more than 20 major events, including international exhibitions and national competitions, further boosting its profile.
Beyond sports participation, pickleball has also driven tourism, retail activity, and cultural innovation. Interactive courts in scenic areas attract visitors, while themed products and cultural merchandise have become popular in local markets.
The city is also building a related industrial ecosystem, attracting manufacturers of paddles, balls, and equipment, while integrating local cultural elements into product design and branding.
With the support of digital technologies such as 5G livestreaming and smart broadcasting, Hebi is positioning pickleball as a driver of sports culture, tourism growth, and industrial development.
