Shanghai Sports Lovers' Guide to the 2026 National Day Holiday

Sports fans spending the National Day holiday, from October 1 to 7, in Shanghai are in for a treat. In addition to the 2026 Rolex Shanghai Masters and its pre-tournament carnival starting on October 1, there is also the Shanghai International Horse Culture Festival and a wide range of activities at Shanghai Citizen Sports Park suitable for participants of all ages.

The 2026 Shanghai International Horse Culture Festival is being held at the Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Center. The festival kicked off with an International Horse Industry Partner Summit on Tuesday, and will be followed by a series of equestrian competitions through the seven-day holiday.

From October 1 to 3, the Rising Star Equestrian Tour Final will take place. Young riders from the Yangtze River Delta region and across the country will compete in seven categories.

The China City Polo Open is scheduled for October 4 to 5, adopting a three-on-three sand polo format. Compared with conventional grass polo, sand polo involves more frequent transitions between offense and defense and places greater demands on riding skill and horse agility. For spectators who have never seen a polo match, this is a great opportunity to experience this ancient sport live.

The 2026 Emirates Arabian Horse Global Cup (China) will be held on October 6 and 7. This is a beauty contest for nearly 100 Arabian horses, showcasing the world’s oldest and most recognizable horse breed.

In addition to the competitions, the concurrent Shanghai International Equestrian Fair brings together 13 exhibitors, covering fields such as equestrian equipment, art and design, lifestyle aesthetics, and sports and wellness. The market on B2 offers food, interactive games, and live broadcasts of the competitions.

In suburban Jiading District, the Day and Night Energy Spark Carnival at Shanghai Citizen Sports Park will run from October 4 to 6, calling all sports enthusiasts, young trendsetters, and pet owners in the city.

During the day, visitors can watch football, baseball, and other matches of the 18th Shanghai Municipal Games free of charge on site. The interactive sports area offers venues for tennis, pickleball, basketball, as well as activities such as luxury car test rides and racing simulator experiences.

Residents with pets can also bring their furry friends to the Pet World and take part in various games. Nearby, the intangible cultural heritage area showcases a number of handcrafts from Jiading, including bamboo weaving, cloth dyeing, embroidery and traditional Chinese painting.

When the sun sets, Shanghai Citizen Sports Park switches into night mode with a themed market featuring food and trendy goods, performances and upbeat music. There is also open-air film screening, allowing visitors to enjoy Shanghai’s autumn nightlife.

If you go:

• Shanghai Juss International Equestrian Center 上海久事国际马术中心

Address: No. 251, Tongyao Rd 通耀路251号

• Shanghai Citizen Sports Park 上海市民体育公园

Address: No. 999, Anchen Rd, Jiading District 嘉定区安辰路999号