A sports tourism hub is taking shape by Yangcheng Lake, simmering with vitality fueled by sports games, recreational activities and sightseeing tours.

The Sungent International Tennis Center formally came into operation this summer. The 8,788-square-meter complex integrates competitive events, industry development, tourism and youth training. It offers 11 international-standard courts—nine hard courts and two clay courts—suiting both professional players and casual enthusiasts

The hard courts feature the same quality as those for Australian Open. Among them, the center court has seating for 1,000 spectators. The clay courts are identical to those used in the French Open.

Moreover, the tennis center is equipped with weatherproof canopies to ensure uninterrupted training and matches, and a Sheraton hotel, with half of its 162 guest rooms offering breathtaking views of Yangcheng Lake and the other half facing the tennis center, will open in the fourth quarter of this year.

“The courts are almost fully booked. Especially on weekends, the courts with canopies are almost fully booked from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is necessary to make a reservation one week in advance,” said Shao Yunqing, the director of operations at the tennis center.

The Yangchenghu Peninsula Football Park, not far away from the tennis center, is dubbed “an engine for vitality”. It features five waterside natural grass football fields that meet the highest domestic standards, each achieving a FIFA quality score of over 90.

The turfs are green throughout the year. TifSport, a hybrid variety selected for tolerance to close mowing, high density and regeneration from activity damage, is grown.

Moreover, EVEN Hotels, a member within InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, is building a football culture-themed upscale hotel near the football park. The hotel will provide athletic rehabilitation and tailored catering and other services for athletes and sports enthusiasts.

July 15, 2025