Russia's fifth-generation Su-57 fighter landed in Zhuhai City, south China's Guangdong Province, on Monday to take part in the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition from Nov 12 to 17.
Preparations of the event, also known as Zhuhai Airshow, are well underway, with some exhibition equipment already in the exhibition area.
The Zhuhai Airshow will mark Su-57's debut in China.
The multifunctional Russian fighter, a single-seat twin-engine jet, features a supersonic cruising speed, internal weapons, radio-absorbing coating and sophisticated instruments aboard.
This year's airshow has attracted at least 1,022 companies from 49 countries and regions, marking a more than 38-percent increase in the number of exhibitors from the previous edition.
So far, aircraft are arriving at the site in succession and construction of exhibition booths is in full swing.
Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 to debut at Zhuhai Airshow
China is experiencing a surge in outdoor and sporting activities which serve as a powerful catalyst for consumption and economic growth.
In Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, residents are flocking to a local sports center for their fitness fix. Activities such as tug-of-war, balance bike racing, and pickleball are igniting public enthusiasm for sports.
"Pickleball is such a vibrant and enjoyable sport. It allows us not only to experience the joy of sports but also to appreciate the power of teamwork. I hope there will be more events like this in the future so that pickleball can gain wider popularity in Baoding," said Guo Yingqiu, a pickleball enthusiast.
While sports focus on physical activities, they also help boost the local economy. Streets surrounding the sports center were packed with vendors selling products like table tennis rackets and snacks.
Chinese cities have also benefited from hosting sporting events. Over the past month, China hosted several international competitions, including the 2024 China Open tennis tournament in Beijing. Ticket sales exceeded 80 million yuan (over 11.3 million U.S. dollars), reflecting a 60 percent increase from the previous year.
This year's tournament also attracted more sponsorships. The 2024 Wuhan Open saw a rise in viewership and revenue, driven by an influx of out-of-town visitors. Of the 180,000 spectators, more than 44 percent traveled to Wuhan for the tournament, contributing significantly to the local economy, particularly in the food and hospitality sectors.
"Sports events are a powerful tool for fostering new types of consumption and expanding existing markets. Moving forward, we aim to develop the sports event economy by creating an ecosystem that unleashes the sector's potential and cultivates a sustainable consumer market," said Chen Jie, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports.
Latest reports indicate that bookings for outdoor sports in the first half of this year surged by nearly 60 percent. With the winter sports season approaching, China anticipates further growth in the sports sector nationwide.
Rise of fitness events in China to fuel economic growth
