Soccer-themed art installations jazz up a commercial area in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]

Hangzhou hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier on March 25, drawing a record-breaking 70,588 spectators to the Olympic Sports Center Stadium – also known as the Big Lotus for its shape resembling a blooming lotus flower.

The event turned into a major tourism magnet, attracting 6.69 million visitors from March 21-25 and generating 308 million yuan ($42.4 million) in tourism spending.

To capitalize on the event-driven traffic, Hangzhou rolled out over 200 exclusive offers to fans, including discounts for hotels and tickets to scenic spots and performances.

A themed World Cup Tour highlighted West Lake, Song Dynasty (960-1279) culture and riverfront attractions. Chezlotus Art Street near the stadium became a notable visitor hotspot – featuring an interactive installation blending soccer fever with Hangzhou's cultural aesthetics.

Airlines, platforms like Ctrip and Fliggy and thousands of local businesses launched special deals, boosting overall hotel occupancy and bookings. In addition, the Hangzhou 66 Fun Card, China's first culture and tourism city membership card, provided easy access to top attractions.

Moving forwards, plans are for Hangzhou to further integrate sports, culture and tourism – transforming major events into sustained urban growth engines and consolidating its reputation as a vibrant, youth-friendly destination.

A soccer-themed art installation. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]