Changchun Secures Hosting Rights for 2027 Winter Universiade
Changchun, the capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, has been officially selected to host the 33rd FISU Winter World University Games in 2027. The announcement was made by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The Games are slated to take place from January 15 to 25, 2027, bringing together student-athletes from across the globe.
A Significant Return to China
This will be the second time China has hosted the biennial Winter Universiade, with the city of Harbin having previously staged the event in 2009. The selection of Changchun further solidifies China's prominent role in international winter sports, following the successful 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the upcoming 2025 Asian Winter Games, also to be held in Harbin.
The host contract for the Games was jointly signed by FISU, the China Student Sports Federation, and the Changchun government. FISU President Leonz Eder expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, 'I'm really looking forward to welcoming the best student-athletes of over 60 countries and regions in the twin clusters of Changchun, Lake Songhua and Beidahu Ski Resort, and I'm sure that their excitement, friendship and performances, as well as the welcome they will receive here, will be sufficient to warm everyone up in January 2027.' An official from China's Ministry of Education, Chen Dongsheng, highlighted the event's broader impact, noting that 'The World University Games serves as not only a global platform for young athletes to demonstrate their sporting talent and foster friendship, but also an important stage for education and cultural exchange.'
Preparations and Expectations
The 33rd Winter Universiade is expected to attract student-athletes from over 60 countries and regions, with FISU events typically drawing more than 2,500 participants from over 50 countries. Competitions will be held across various venues, including the twin clusters of Changchun, Lake Songhua, and Beidahu Ski Resort, as well as the Jingyuetan ski resort. These facilities are set to host a wide array of winter sports disciplines, showcasing the region's capabilities as a premier winter sports destination.
About the FISU Winter World University Games
The FISU World University Games, formerly known as the Universiade, is an international multi-sport event organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). Held biennially, it is one of the largest winter multi-sport competitions globally, second only to the Winter Olympic Games. FISU, founded in 1949, is responsible for the organization and governance of worldwide sports competitions for student-athletes aged between 17 and 25. The Games embody FISU's motto of 'Excellence in Mind and Body,' integrating an educational component with high-level athletic performance.
5 Comments
Stan Marsh
Hosting these games will undoubtedly boost Changchun's profile and tourism. However, the immense financial investment often comes with questions about long-term economic benefits versus initial outlay.
Kyle Broflovski
These events often displace locals and cause significant disruption for little long-term gain.
Stan Marsh
It's positive that China is investing in winter sports infrastructure and promoting healthy competition. But we must also consider whether these large-scale events are sustainable and truly benefit the local population beyond the games themselves.
Kyle Broflovski
Another massive sporting event. What's the real cost to taxpayers and the environment?
Eric Cartman
Fantastic news for Changchun! This will be an amazing experience for student-athletes.