In Chengdu – famed for its fiery Sichuan cuisine and teahouse culture – a new generation is reshaping the city's identity through competitive gaming. Over 300 e-sports venues have emerged in China's southwestern tech hub since 2020, with Chengdu attracting 42% of Sichuan Province's gaming companies, according to recent industry reports.
'We're not just playing games – we're building careers,' says 24-year-old Zhang Wei, co-founder of a local e-sports training academy. His startup has coached over 800 players in three years, capitalizing on China's $445 million e-sports education market.
The trend contrasts with Chengdu's traditional reputation for leisure. While older residents frequent mahjong parlors and bamboo-shaded courtyards, youth-driven gaming cafes buzz until midnight with tournaments streamed globally. The shift aligns with China's booming digital economy, which added 13 million tech sector jobs in 2023.
Local cuisine remains central to the culture, with livestreamers often showcasing Chengdu's iconic hotpot alongside gameplay. The municipal government recently allocated ¥200 million ($27.5 million) to develop 'e-sports + cultural tourism' integration projects.
Reference(s):
China's food culture: E-sports not simply about playing games
cgtn.com
