By Jin Lu

Ningbo is combining a packed autumn sports calendar with travel deals and city tours to encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more of the city.

From October through December, the program will feature international competitions, professional sporting events and community activities, with tennis and weightlifting among the main draws.

The WTA 500 Ningbo Open is scheduled for Oct. 17–25 at the Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center, followed by the World Weightlifting Championships at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center from Oct. 27 to Nov. 8. The weightlifting championships are returning to China for the first time in 31 years and will be the first qualifying event for the sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Sailing, half-marathons and trail-running events will also offer opportunities to explore Ningbo's coastline and mountain landscapes.

The city is preparing themed itineraries for sports fans and tourists, along with pop-up activities, visitor information and interactive giveaways near competition venues and in shopping districts.

The program will also connect with a citywide WeChat mini-program that offers special deals to visitors. A dedicated page is planned where eligible visitors can upload competition registration records, match tickets or official electronic ticket stubs to verify their eligibility for the offers.

Planned benefits include hotel, shopping and dining discounts, as well as ride vouchers for Didi, China's ride-hailing platform. The offers are designed to encourage visitors to extend their trips beyond the competitions.