The 26th Shandong Province Sports Games opened in Linyi, Shandong on Aug 26, marking a historic first for the revolutionary base area. The grand ceremony, featuring a stunning visual spectacle of light, drones, and intangible cultural heritage performances, captivated over 50,000 on-site spectators and 21 million online viewers.
The event is more than a sporting showcase; it is a testament to Linyi's transformation from a once-isolated mountain city into a modern logistics hub and commercial powerhouse.
With an urbanization rate of 60.45 percent, Linyi's central urban area now meets the national criteria for a Type I large city. The city has been recognized as a national demonstration city for sponge city development, one of China's first freight hub strengthening cities, and a provincial four-star smart city. Additionally, its green coverage rate of 46.3 percent in built-up areas ranks second in Shandong.
Formerly hemmed in by natural barriers, Linyi has blossomed into China's logistics capital — a place where goods flow in from around the world and ship out across the globe. Its rise as a national market powerhouse is a testament to the city's unwavering commitment to reform, resilience, and openness.
Driven by internationalization and digitalization, Linyi Trade City is accelerating the expansion of its business footprint both online and offline, as well as domestically and globally.
As a key pivot for the Belt and Road Initiative, Linyi Trade City achieved a market transaction volume of 708.53 billion yuan ($105.41 billion), total logistics volume of 1.08 trillion yuan, and foreign trade value of 124.52 billion yuan in 2025.
Linyi transforms itself from a former revolutionary base to a dynamic hub, as sporting passion meets modern city pride. [Photo/Linyi Daily]
Copyright © The Information Office of Linyi Municipal People's Government.
All rights reserved.
Presented by China Daily.
