SHENZHEN residents spent an average of 3,175.35 yuan (US$491.2) per person on sports products and services last year, accounting for 7.8 percent of per capita spending, according to a sports consumption report released by the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau.

The report indicated that Shenzhen led the country in average per capital sports consumption last year. The city’s overall sports expenditure last year reached over 55.75 billion yuan, up 1 percent compared to 2019.

Last year, Shenzhen issued measures to boost the sports industry by providing 180-million-yuan subsidies and sending out coupons worth over 500 million yuan.

The two most popular sports activities among citizens are mountain climbing and hiking. Aside from those two, citizens also like long-distance jogging and walking, badminton, basketball, swimming, yoga and table tennis, according to the report.

Due to the growing awareness on fitness, citizens spent more on buying sporting equipment. E-commerce platforms also spurred the trend with promotions, according to Shenzhen Economic Daily.

With the country’s successful handling of the pandemic, the fitness industry has gradually resumed normal operations.

Gender differences are also apparent in sports consumption. In general, men spent 769.4 yuan higher than women in the city. Males are also the main consumers in terms of e-sports and sports animation games, while women are more inclined to spend on fitness and leisure, physical education and training.

Those born in the 1980s and 1990s spend relatively more on sporting goods and smart fitness tracking devices, while retirees are more willing to spend on health and rehabilitation services, according to the report.  (Wang Jingli)