Home » ASIA » Cycling Tourism in China on the Rise as 2025 Ocean Cup Pingtan International Open Draws Global Spotlight
Published on
September 2, 2025
Pingtan is quickly becoming a must-see stop for sports tourism and the recently held 2025 Ocean Cup China-Pingtan International Cycling Open proves the point. Wrapped up on August 31, the race welcomed over 2,200 cyclists from 16 countries and regions to the stunning Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Fujian Province. The competition didn’t just offer world-class racing; it also put the spotlight on Pingtan as an up-and-coming coastal getaway for visitors who love both athletics and local culture.
Pingtan: A Hidden Gem for Sports and Cultural Tourism
Popularly known as ‘China’s Gateway to Taiwan,’ Pingtan Island is situated just off the coast of Taiwan, making it the closest mainland point to the island. As the largest island in Fujian Province, Pingtan offers a blend of stunning natural landscapes, modern infrastructure, and a thriving tourism sector. Over the past few years, it has quickly become a hotspot for cycling enthusiasts and eco-tourism, drawing athletes, adventurers, and leisure travelers alike.
Popularly known as ‘China’s Gateway to Taiwan,’ Pingtan Island is situated just off the coast of Taiwan, making it the closest mainland point to the island. As the largest island in Fujian Province, Pingtan offers a blend of stunning natural landscapes, modern infrastructure, and a thriving tourism sector. Over the past few years, it has quickly become a hotspot for cycling enthusiasts and eco-tourism, drawing athletes, adventurers, and leisure travelers alike.
Pingtan’s rise as a sports tourism destination is due in part to the successful integration of events like the Ocean Cup, which blends athletic competition with cultural exploration and natural beauty. With a coastline that stretches for miles, picturesque mountains, and a growing array of accommodations and services, the island is steadily establishing itself as a must-see location for both regional and international tourists.
The 2025 Ocean Cup marked its 10th anniversary, further cementing its role in Pingtan’s efforts to integrate sports with tourism. Since its inception in 2014, the Ocean Cup has grown to become a significant fixture in the cycling world, attracting global participants and spectators alike. The event also aligns with Pingtan’s broader strategy to use sports tourism to drive sustainable development, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
A Showcase of International Athleticism
The competition featured five categories, including the Men’s Road Elite, Women’s Road Open, and a scenic leisure ride around the island, attracting both competitive cyclists and amateur participants. This range of events made the race accessible to a wide spectrum of participants while offering an unforgettable experience of the island’s stunning coastline.
The Men’s Road Elite category was one of the highlights of the competition, with Su Jun of BROSS-CENIT claiming the top spot with a remarkable finish time of 2:04:47. He was closely followed by Mick Bauer and Pang Peilin, who secured second and third places, respectively. The international field of competitors underscored the growing global appeal of cycling events held in China, with cyclists from around the world vying for top honors in a well-organized and professionally managed event.
Organized by the Chinese Cycling Association, the Fujian Provincial Sports Bureau, and the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone Administrative Committee, the Ocean Cup was designed to be more than just a sporting competition. It aimed to foster greater cross-strait cultural exchange and enhance the region’s reputation as a key player in international sports tourism. With its top-tier organization and diverse array of participants, the event serves as a testament to China’s commitment to developing sports tourism as a key driver of regional growth.
Sports Tourism: A Catalyst for Regional Growth
Event Director Shi Wen highlighted the broader impact of the Ocean Cup, noting that Pingtan’s proximity to Taiwan gives the event a unique significance. He further added that Pingtan leverages its unique proximity to Taiwan, using sport to foster cross-strait exchanges and advance integrated development between the two sides. The Ocean Cup plays a crucial role in this vision, facilitating collaboration and exchange while promoting the region as a destination that combines sports with cultural discovery.
The Ocean Cup also aligns with China’s national strategy to use sports tourism as a tool for regional development. By attracting visitors and competitors from around the world, Pingtan has seen an increase in international visibility, which in turn boosts local industries such as hospitality, transportation, and retail. Beyond the direct economic benefits, the event has served as a bridge for greater cultural understanding and exchange between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, with Pingtan positioned as a key point of connection.
Travel Opportunities in Pingtan
For those visiting Pingtan, the Ocean Cup offers only a glimpse of what the island has to offer. Tourists can extend their stay by exploring the region’s many attractions, including the Taiwanese Folk Culture Village, which provides a window into the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan, and the mesmerizing Tannan Bay, where crystal-clear waters meet sandy beaches. Another iconic feature of Pingtan is the Pingtan Strait Road-Rail Bridge, a marvel of engineering and the world’s largest combined road and rail bridge. These landmarks, along with the island’s unspoiled natural beauty, make Pingtan a prime destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.
Beyond its epic coastline and adorable charm, Pingtan is now turning heads thanks to its tourist-friendly visa policy that still feels like insider info. Vacationers from certain nations can glide in without a mountain of paperwork, making that spontaneous beach selfie a whole lot easier. And the cherry on top? The island is pioneering sustainability in travel, ensuring every selfie and sunset you enjoy also supports the local community. As Pingtan rolls out new roads, resorts, and recipes for authentic culture, it’s boldly stamping its passport as the next dream stop for kiteboarders, nature-lovers, and wanderers who crave real stories, not cookie-cutter tours.
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Ocean Cup, the island’s show-off moment that proves Pingtan is more than palm-fringed. The sailing spectacular is not just another trophy to polish; it’s a boost to the local wallet and the island’s cultural vibe. Picture this: world-class races flicking through azure waters, spectators downing freshly grilled seafood at the shore, and craftspeople turning out souvenirs that sail travelers’ hearts home. By playing to its stunning coastline, growing travel toolkit, and colorful local scenes, Pingtan is cashing in on the new vacation logic: clutch that medal and a passport full of real, sandy, sun-kissed memories.
