‘Sportcation’ gains popularity among China youth, transforms romantic getaway into athletic hub

Fitness-friendly young Chinese travellers are turning to a new trend known as “sportcation” which blends physical health with leisure.Health conscious tourists are spending 20,000 yuan (US$2,800) not to relax, but to endure military-style tennis camps, turning the romantic island of Bali into a gruelling Indonesian sporting getaway.In the trend, which as the name suggests blends sport and holiday, physical activity becomes the central focus of travel.A Chinese woman prepares to serve during a tennis match. So-called boot camps involving the sport are growing in popularity. Photo: ZhihuInstead of sightseeing or lounging on the beach, Chinese travellers are choosing to “sweat it out” through intensive training activities such as diving, skydiving, skiing and cycling.Yiqian, 18, said that during China’s National Day holiday in 2025, he signed up for a seven-day, six-night tennis boot camp in Bali.He spent more than 20,000 yuan, including the airfare and camp fees.For Yiqian, it was both a holiday and a training mission: his itinerary focused on training with curated local experiences and scenic exploration.