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A soccer field beneath an elevated highway offers residents a fresh recreational space in Hangzhou. [Photo provided by the Sport Bureau of Zhejiang Province]

Zhejiang province has significantly expanded its sports infrastructure, according to the latest statistics released by the Sport Bureau of Zhejiang Province.

As of Dec 31, 2024, Zhejiang reported 244,000 sports venues covering a combined 211 million square meters, pushing per capita sports space to 3.17 square meters.

Compared to the previous year, the province added 13,600 new venues and over 13 million square meters of sports space. Per capita area increased by 0.17 square meters year-on-year.

The growth reflects a steady upward trend over the past five years. Since 2020, Zhejiang's total number of venues has risen by 26.3 percent, from 193,200 to 244,000. Hangzhou led the province in net additions, followed by Wenzhou and Jinhua.

Soccer facilities saw particularly strong growth. The number of soccer pitches per 10,000 people rose from 0.79 in 2020 to 1.16 in 2024 — putting the province on track to meet its 2030 goal of 1.2 fields per 10,000 people, six years ahead of schedule, as set by Zhejiang's long-term soccer development plan (2016-50).

Zhejiang has also added 46 ice and snow venues, totaling 479,200 square meters. The number of ski resorts and skating rinks is now roughly equal.