sport
Beijing Youth Sports: Join Programs, Follow Daily Activity Guidelines
Families and students can join established events and follow daily activity guidelines to participate in youth sports programs.
How we reported this
Beijing hosted the Happy Run International Youth and Family Sports Carnival in May 2026, attracting over 500 participants from 31 diplomatic missions and local families to promote youth fitness.
Why youth sports matter now
Beijing officials and the national government are prioritizing youth sports through expanded training centers, school football education, and a mandate for students to engage in at least two hours of daily physical activity. This focus supports broader participation across age groups and encourages families to begin involvement through accessible local events rather than specialized equipment.
Established events for entry
The 2025 Run for Youth Li-Ning Cup Three-Ball Open included football, basketball and volleyball with 1,369 football teams and 18,094 total participants across U6 to U18 age groups. Competitions ran from August through October, giving families clear seasonal windows to register teams or individual players at the appropriate age level.
The 42nd edition of the Baidui Cup youth football tournament ran from August 8 to 17 in 2025. This event continues a competition that has marked over 40 years as one of the city's most prominent youth football platforms, allowing new teams to enter through standard registration processes tied to schools or clubs.
Trend sports and daily habits
A short video series titled China's New Power spotlights Chinese youth in breaking, skateboarding, rock climbing and surfing. Viewers can use the series to identify interest areas before seeking training centers or school programs that align with these activities.
Students meet the two-hour daily physical activity requirement through school football education or community sessions. Families start by confirming school schedules and checking for added training center access, which supports consistent participation without needing prior competitive experience.
Next steps for families
Registration for events like the Li-Ning Cup or Baidui Cup typically occurs through school channels or local sports organizers ahead of the August to October window. Families can begin by ensuring the two-hour daily activity target is met at home or school, then explore the video series for ideas on newer sports before committing to a specific team or tournament.