How Chengdu became a destination for spectating online video game tournaments

In response to its popularity, Chengdu has launched a comprehensive policy to accelerate the growth of its gaming and esports (a multiplayer video game played competitively for spectators, typically by professional gamers) industry, positioning the city as a national leader in this rapidly expanding cultural–technological field. The initiative reflects Chengdu’s wider ambition to integrate culture and technology as engines of urban development. By targeting events, infrastructure, and club development, the city aims to consolidate its reputation as a premier esports destination in China while strengthening its cultural influence and international identity.

Supporting venues to host more esports events, and developing more esports clubs

Esports has developed enormous popularity in China, particularly among younger audiences, yet before this policy the sector in Chengdu lacked a structured development path. Without reliable institutional support, the city struggled to attract top-tier tournaments or to build the infrastructure necessary for large-scale events. Local clubs operated without consistent recognition or financial backing, limiting their capacity to compete at national and international levels. These gaps left Chengdu under-represented in a field that aligns closely with its broader strategy of cultural innovation and digital economy leadership.

To address these gaps, the Chengdu City Government has implemented a three-pronged approach. Event support forms the first strand, with subsidies of up to RMB 800,000 for international tournaments and between RMB 300,000 and RMB 500,000 for national and local branded competitions. Infrastructure represents the second priority: funding of up to RMB 1 million is available for the construction or upgrading of esports venues, complemented by annual operational subsidies of RMB 100,000 for facilities that host more than twenty events per year.

The third strand focuses on clubs, offering up to RMB 300,000 per season for teams that incorporate “Chengdu” in their name and achieve results in top-tier competitions. Together, these measures create an integrated framework that supports the entire esports value chain, from production and facilities to talent and branding.

Establishing Chengdu as an esports destination

The policy has already begun to yield significant results. High-level tournaments are increasingly being hosted in Chengdu, enhancing the city’s visibility in national and international esports circuits. Venue upgrades have expanded the city’s capacity to stage professional competitions, contributing to improved cultural infrastructure and creating new opportunities for the night-time economy. Local clubs are benefitting from targeted subsidies, which strengthen their competitiveness and help embed Chengdu’s identity in global esports culture.

More broadly, the initiative demonstrates how gaming and esports can be leveraged as drivers of urban identity and cultural influence. By connecting technology, entertainment, and cultural strategy, Chengdu is building a sustainable ecosystem that supports talent development while positioning itself as a benchmark city for esports policy in China.