Equestrian sport expands in China, with LGCT Shanghai as flagship

by Qiao Qi

More than 30,000 people attended the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour Shanghai during the May Day holiday, held at the Juss International Equestrian Centre in Pudong. The three-day event featured 99 elite horses and top-ranked riders, including Olympic champions. It concluded on May 4 with British rider Scott Brash winning the Longines Grand Prix after a flawless performance.

As one of the highest-level show jumping events sanctioned by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the Shanghai stop has grown into China’s most internationally recognized equestrian competition since its debut in 2014. This year’s edition set a new record for the number of participating horses and drew a strong global lineup.

The event was held for the second time at the Juss International Equestrian Centre, a permanent venue located in the Shanghai Expo Cultural Park. The facility—China’s first built to international equestrian standards—includes competition and training grounds, stables, and seating for 5,000 spectators. It officially opened in May 2024.

The horses arrived in two chartered batches from Europe, flying via Doha to Shanghai in a journey lasting nearly 16 hours. Each flight included a support team of grooms and a veterinarian. Upon arrival, the horses were transported in custom vehicles and housed in stables meeting FEI standards, with full veterinary care and quarantine procedures in place.

The event’s smooth logistics and rising profile continue to attract top-tier riders worldwide. According to the 2024 China Equine Industry Development Report, the country had 2,815 equestrian clubs as of November 2024—down from 2021, but with better facilities and management. Over 66% were founded after 2016, highlighting rapid industry growth.

In 2024, China hosted 18 international equestrian events and more than 200 competitions in total. Industry revenue rose to 23.48 billion yuan (US$3.25 billion) from 20.99 billion yuan in 2023. Once considered an elite pastime, equestrianism in China is now reaching younger audiences and middle-class families.

Brash later said the horses and riders received strong support in Shanghai, which contributed to his success. He also noted the presence of many young spectators and expressed hope that more young people in China would take up the sport.