DANGDONG -- Dandong, a city in China's northeastern border, is embracing a new identity as a hub for pickleball, a paddle sport gaining popularity in multiple countries around the world, with aims to leverage the sport to drive economic growth.

Dubbed one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on a smaller court with lightweight paddles and a perforated ball, it is often praised for its accessibility and affordability.
These traits have made it appealing to the city's policymakers seeking to promote grassroots sports and community engagement.
Since launching the city's pickleball campaign last December, local officials have pushed for the construction of hundreds of courts, and plan to further improve infrastructure and host more training events.
At a public port, 61-year-old Zhou Huili, president of Dandong City Pickleball Assocation, demonstrates proper paddle technique to beginners with an unexpected analogy.
To further promote the sport craze which is catching on, the city recently hosted its first national pickleball tournament, the first stop of China Pickleball Circuit CPC-1000 which attracted players from across China and from many other countries and regions.
Some international students from a local university were also excited to take part.
The city's strategy revolves around integrating sports with tourism.
Local officials hope such events will draw visitors to Dandong's scenic riverfront and nearby attractions, while also boosting local businesses.
Betting on the sport's popularity, a local entrepreneur has opened a factory producing pickleball paddles and balls.
In a few weeks, the city plans to set up hundreds of pickleball courts along the river and host a massive tournament with 10,000 participants.