The World Games 2025 Chengdu is on the way, and the game will bring a new tourism boom in Chengdu.
“It’s so convenient! I can take the subway just by swiping my international bank card—no need to download an app or exchange cash,” said Salvadoran tourist Maria（玛利亚）, after using her Mastercard to enter the metro station at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.
The international card-friendly metro, bilingual broadcasts inside the subway, and the Chinese-English directional signs are exactly the Chengdu warmth she feels. And this warmth will also bring convenience to countless international tourists who come to Chengdu following the World Games 2025.
Travel Boom along with World Games
The World Games 2025 Chengdu, to be held from August 7th to 17th, is another major international comprehensive sports event hosted by China’s western region following the FISU World University Games. As the event approaches, Chengdu—home of giant pandas and the World Cuisine Capital—is drawing global attention, sparking a boom in travel along with the World Games.
As of 12:00 PM (Beijing Time) on July 26th, Chengdu’s airports witnessed 823,300 entries and exits of foreign nationals this year, a 61.8% year-on-year surge. “In August alone, the number of inbound tour group orders we received far exceeded previous years—our guides are too busy to handle it!” said Liao Zhongqiang, general manager of a Chengdu-based travel agency.
The appeal of major sporting events, convenient transportation and perfect international services—including 21 overseas e-wallets accepted in Chengdu and multilingual guidance services at A-grade tourist attractions and transportation hubs—are drawing global tourists, enabling them to come to Chengdu with empty suitcases, and immerse themselves in the unique charm of the park city.
“Many Malaysian friends will travel to Chengdu for the World Games this summer. I would like to remind everyone not to throw away your tickets after the Games,” said Wang Xinning, a Malaysian student volunteer at Chengdu University. Under the “ticket stub economy”, the Games tickets not only allow tourists to enjoy discounts at multiple restaurants and attractions, but also serve as a new key to unlock multiple experiences of this city.
“World Games Gifts, Chengdu Waits You”
To welcome the Games, Chengdu has launched the “World Games Gifts, Chengdu Waits You” summer consumption campaign and an upgrade of the Ticket Discount Check-in Map, maximising the potential of the ticket economy. Six categories and 44 types of tickets—spanning events, performances and others—can be used to enjoy exclusive discounts at over 140 restaurants, 11 museums and attractions, and 25 hotels in Chengdu. The ticket has truly become a passport and a coupon for exploring Chengdu.
The World Games’ impact extends far beyond the competition venues. Under the “240-hour visa-free transit” policy, Chengdu, together with Chongqing, Shaanxi, Yunnan, and Guizhou, has launched ten premium inbound travel routes this summer. Thai tourist Pinnanipa Apinrasai （萍娜尼帕•阿品拉赛）chose to depart from Chengdu to Dagu glacier to explore snow-capped mountain scenery rarely seen in Thailand.
Chengdu’s charm lies in the details. At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Greek twin sisters Marian and Sophia’s（玛丽安和索菲亚） hearts were captured by the adorable giant pandas. In a shopping mall on Chunxi Road, Australian tourist Grey（格瑞） praised the convenient mobile payment as “amazing”. International referees for the World Games’ dragon boat event arrived in Chengdu six days earlier, to explore this park city on foot and taste authentic spicy hotpot.
Across Chengdu, 532 urban volunteer stations and 30 Micro-Experience Zones integrate sports experiences into community squares and historic districts, enabling global tourists to interact in sync with citizens and share the joy of sports.
Liu Wei, Dean of the Tianfu International Sports Events Research Institute at Chengdu Sport University, noted that Chengdu not only has an inclusive and open urban atmosphere, but also a strong innovative capacity.
“Chengdu is Ready!”
During the Games, over 230 technological products have been integrated into event services, creating a mutual enhancement between cutting-edge innovations and game scenarios to elevate spectator experiences. By taking advantage of the rich legacy of the FISU World University Games, the World Games will promote the in-depth integration of culture, sports, and tourism, achieving shared growth between the city and the event, Liu said.
“We‘re on the fast track to the World Games 2025, and Chengdu is ready!” said José Perurena, President of the International World Games Association (IWGA). He revealed that the IWGA and the organising committee will create a World Games square, allowing athletes, citizens and all participants to engage in sports and celebrate together.
In Jinli Street, Moroccan tourists Aaron and Jim（阿伦与吉姆） were captivated by the ancient alleys, continuously taking photos of sugar paintings, face-changing performances, and red lanterns. “Chengdu makes us feel at home!” Jim said. The clear directions at the airport, the international payment options, and the shopkeepers who can communicate in English, every detail of this city makes them feel warmly welcomed. They are eager to discover more and continue their surprise-filled Chengdu adventure.
Cai Shangwei, Director of the Cultural Industry Research Centre at Sichuan University, noted that the World Games caravan, the ticket stub economy and the Micro-Experience Zones enable Chengdu a window for the world to witness China’s new vitality, through the in-depth integration of culture, public welfare benefits, and urban experiences.
“Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders,” the slogan of the World Games 2025 Chengdu, is becoming a new starting point for global tourists to explore this charming city.（Text by Hu Longchuan and He Shaoqing）
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