The 16th Shanghai International Popular Sports Festival lit up the Lin-gang Special Area with passion and vitality from Oct 19 to 20. Held by the Dishui Lake, the sports-themed carnival, which integrated business, tourism, culture, and exhibitions, attracted nearly 10,000 enthusiasts.

A running race is held during the festival. [Photo/WeChat ID: shanghaitiyu]

This year, the festival extended its duration to a span of two days and one night for the first time, and the venues were no longer confined to sports stadiums and enclosed spaces. Utilizing Lin-gang's abundant resources and collaborating with commercial, tourist, and public venues that meet competition requirements, the event achieved fruitful results in the fusion of sports and cultural and tourism resources.

Commercial, tourist, and public venues operate as competition fields. [Photo/WeChat ID: shanghaitiyu]

An array of engaging professional and exhibition matches were staged in the Lin-gang Special Area, including running, roller skating, breakdancing, Taekwondo, and interactive rope skipping.

A participant competes in rope skipping. [Photo/WeChat ID: shanghaitiyu]

The festival also partnered with well-known brands and merchants, setting up delectable catering and entertainment interaction areas, offering attendees rich choices and conveniences.

The carnival part proved particularly popular. Organizers joined forces with over 40 sports social organizations and related institutions at the carnival area at the square of Dishui Lake metro station to present a sports marketplace and performance exhibition platform.

Visitors were able to appreciate intangible cultural heritage sports and cultural displays such as dragon and lion dancing and Wing Chun kung fu. Trending sports such as dryland ice hockey, land rowing machines, rugby, and frisbee golf were also available for all to experience.

Visitors practice Chinese kung fu at the festival. [Photo/WeChat ID: shanghaitiyu]