Since the WTT China Grand Slam tournament began on September 25th, Beijing's western Shijingshan district has maintained high popularity. As of October 3rd, the WTT China Grand Slam has sold over 85,000 tickets, generating ticket revenue of 87 million yuan, representing a 52.6% year-over-year increase, while driving cumulative consumption in the Shougang Park area to exceed 30 million yuan.
During the first three days of the National Day holiday, consumer spending on culture, commerce, tourism, and sports in the Shijingshan district area approached 200 million yuan. Daily visitor traffic at Shougang Park averaged over 130,000 people (compared to 70,000 daily average during the same period last year), essentially doubling compared to last year.
On the evening of October 3rd, the WTT mixed doubles final attracted global audiences, with the Bajie Arena main venue packed to capacity. When the host announced the entrance of Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, the entire venue erupted in thunderous cheers.
After the match, Wang Chuqin shared his impressions of Shijingshan during a press conference. He expressed that although he didn't have much time to explore the area, he still experienced the unique atmosphere of this region during his brief stay.
Beyond the competition venue, Grand Slam Park also experienced unprecedented popularity. At 4:30 PM on October 3rd, Chinese table tennis player Liang Jingkun held a fan meet-and-greet. The lawn viewing area in front of the stage was packed, with crowds forming three layers deep around the perimeter. Minutes before Liang Jingkun's appearance, almost everyone raised their phones high in anticipation.
At exactly 4:30 PM, Liang Jingkun arrived on schedule, instantly igniting the atmosphere. Enthusiastic fans followed the host in chanting Liang Jingkun's name in unison. Subsequently, the first 100 lucky spectators took the stage for close interaction with Liang Jingkun, receiving autographs and exclusive photos, with brilliant smiles adorning everyone's faces. Finally, Liang Jingkun took out his phone for a group photo with all the fans and spectators on site, bringing the atmosphere to its climax. At that moment, table tennis as China's national sport became tangible, and fans' enthusiasm was fully released.
"One of us came from Henan, the other from Shenzhen. Because of our love for table tennis, we became friends. Taking advantage of this WTT China Grand Slam opportunity, we met offline and enjoyed seven days of National Day table tennis celebration together. This feeling couldn't be more blissful," said fan Li Yuanyuan after receiving Liang Jingkun's autograph.
As the "second venue" of the tournament and a table tennis paradise for visitors of all ages, Grand Slam Park reached its "popularity peak" since opening. As of October 3rd, the park's cumulative visitor count reached 75,000, surpassing last year's total of 50,000.
Tournament licensed merchandise sales also showed impressive results, with total sales exceeding 2.7 million yuan, a 127% year-over-year increase, more than double last year's total sales across all channels.
Moving from the enthusiastic Grand Slam Park to the nearby Yongding River bank, the newly opened Yongding River Market exudes the unique relaxed atmosphere characteristic of western Beijing. Under blue skies and white clouds, Shijingshan Merit Pavilion, Shougang cooling towers, and the Yongding River create a harmonious scene. Many people set up canopies on the spacious lawns, arranging camping tables and chairs to enjoy the pleasant autumn atmosphere. Others reclined on the sloped grasslands, basking in warm sunlight and riverside breezes, quietly enjoying the tranquility.
At Yongding River Market, families with children and dog walkers are common sights. Everyone discovers surprises in small shops, strengthens relationships through interaction, and releases stress through activities. The harmonious coexistence of people and nature allows everyone to find their own contentment.
Within Shougang Park, the Rongshi Plaza commercial space that newly opened on National Day also became a popular destination for visitors seeking fresh experiences. As a compact yet refined commercial complex, the dozen or so stores in Rongshi Plaza's first opening batch each have distinctive characteristics that stimulate exploration and curiosity.
In front of the Taozhu New Creation Bureau store, a small football field features robot football matches, attracting many spectators. As China's first robot product concept store, it showcases leading domestic robot products from companies like Unitree Technology and Songyan Power, presenting many innovative and imaginative AI products.
The adjacent Wuma Coffee opened its first western Beijing location in Shougang Park. On opening day, staff barely stopped making coffee, with lunch breaks taken in shifts with colleagues, eating quickly to maximize service time.
Denan Bakery's largest Beijing flagship store also settled here. The aroma of bread wafted from inside to outside the store. Products like quinoa bread, cinnamon apple rolls, and carrot cake proved very popular. Combined with opening discounts, checkout lines formed long queues.
In the Moshikou Historical and Cultural Street area, Fahai Temple, which served as the venue for this WTT tournament's draw ceremony, became a popular check-in destination for fans during the National Day holiday. Wang Chuqin specifically mentioned Fahai Temple, the draw ceremony venue, in an interview: "Viewing some of China's famous historical sites was both shocking and inspiring."
Following in the footsteps of their sports stars, visitors came to experience the ancient tranquility in front of Fahai Temple's Main Hall and marveled at the exquisite techniques of ancient painters while viewing authentic murals.
"Shijingshan has such treasures. After seeing them, I was deeply moved. Following the tournament to tour Shijingshan has been incredibly rewarding throughout, making this National Day holiday very meaningful," said visitor Xu Wei.