What Changed
- Established 2030 key metrics, including 4 square meters of sports space per capita and 40 percent regular exercise participation.
- Mandated the inclusion of public sports infrastructure in local territorial spatial planning linked to population movements.
- Promoted digital and AI adoption across sports facilities, guidance services, mass events, and population-specific health initiatives.
The State Council of mainland China has released a policy circular outlining the national fitness plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030). The initiative directly affects public service providers, sports associations, venue operators, local spatial planning authorities, technology providers, and residents across mainland China by establishing structured goals for infrastructure, public services, and fitness participation.
By 2030, mainland China plans to expand per capita sports venue space to approximately four square meters, increase the density of social sports instructors to 3.3 per 1,000 residents, and raise the proportion of regular physical exercise participants to around 40 percent. To support these targets, local authorities must incorporate fitness venues and facilities into territorial spatial plans, adjusting venue distribution to reflect local permanent resident totals, demographics, and population flows.
The plan identifies ten primary tasks, including institutional alignment with broader public welfare policies, periodic physical fitness testing, and regular public exercise surveys. In addition, the strategy emphasizes technological integration, calling for the accelerated application of artificial intelligence (AI) in public sports facilities, mass sporting events, fitness guidance, and promotional campaigns. Public sports venues are encouraged to undertake digital and intelligent upgrades based on practical local needs, alongside the development of combined online and offline mass events.
To address diverse population needs, the framework directs the creation of specialized fitness products and community facilities for older adults, alongside targeted action plans for children and adolescents focusing on weight management, vision, mental health, bone health, and oral hygiene. Measures will also focus on promoting fitness access for women and persons with disabilities, embedding core values into sporting culture, and prioritizing safety management across all national fitness activities.
Who May Be Affected
Local government bodies, public sports venue operators, sports federations, technology vendors, and residents in mainland China.
Cross-Border Context
Relevant to international sports technology vendors, health services firms, and athletic equipment manufacturers evaluating opportunities arising from mainland China's public fitness infrastructure expansion.
What to check next
- Review subsequent implementation measures and technical standards issued by the General Administration of Sport of China and provincial local governments.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.