Ningjin, Dezhou: Acrobatic Culture Empowers Fitness Equipment Industry to Shine Overseas
宁津县委宣传部2025-03-31 09:25
On March 27, at the SPOEX Outdoor Sports & Fitness Equipment Exhibition in Seoul, South Korea, the booth of Shuyoute Fitness Technology Co., Ltd. from Ningjin County, Dezhou City, Shandong Province, stood out with a performer dressed as a "clown" drawing widespread attention. With remarkable agility, the performer balanced a massive water jar on his head while moving steadily through the crowd, then swiftly twisted balloons into adorable shapes, eliciting cheers from onlookers. These dazzling acrobatic acts instantly made Shuyoute’s booth the center of attention at the event.
Held from March 27 to 30, the SPOEX exhibition covered 30,000 square meters, attracting over 300 exhibitors and more than 20,000 visitors. More than 10 fitness equipment companies from Ningjin County participated. At this exhibition, Ningjin’s acrobatics and fitness equipment industry made a joint appearance, creating a powerful synergy. This collaboration not only promoted China’s intangible cultural heritage but also brought tremendous foot traffic to the fitness companies’ booths, drawing over 6,000 visitors and generating intended orders exceeding 40 million yuan.
Ningjin County is China’s largest production base for commercial fitness equipment, home to nearly 3,000 businesses. Its products are exported to over 170 countries and regions, including the U.S., Germany, and South Korea. More than 70% of gym equipment in China comes from this county, with its output value reaching 13.9 billion yuan in 2024, making it a pillar industry for Ningjin.
At the same time, Ningjin boasts another shining identity—the "Hometown of Chinese Folk Art (Acrobatics)." Ningjin acrobatics, a national intangible cultural heritage, is renowned for its five artistic features: thrill, risk, wonder, beauty, and innovation. In recent years, Ningjin Acrobatic Troupe has performed in over 50 countries and regions, including the U.S., Canada, Thailand, and South Korea, winning prestigious awards such as the "Golden Clown Award," "President of the French Republic Award," and "Golden Lion Award."
By leveraging its cultural strengths to empower its leading industry, Ningjin has not only boosted economic gains for local businesses but also forged a new path for cultural promotion and industrial development. Moving forward, Ningjin County aims to further explore synergies between acrobatics heritage and the fitness equipment sector, pioneering more "sports + culture" integrated models. This effort will continue to enhance the reputation of the "Ningjin Fitness Equipment" regional brand, showcasing the unique charm of blending traditional Chinese culture with modern industry on the global stage.
（通讯员 孟娟 王丽婕 石岩）