News & Stories
Mar 5, 2025
Pickleball is booming in China, and at the heart of this electrifying movement is an unexpected game-changer: a paddle factory in Gansu province. Tucked away in Liangping village, this factory isn’t just cranking out top-tier carbon fiber paddles—it’s shaping the future of the sport in China and beyond.
The Factory That’s Changing the Game
Step into the buzzing workshop, and you’ll find a symphony of whirring machines and skilled hands meticulously crafting paddles with expert precision. Among them is 55-year-old Dou Xincai, whose trained eye ensures that every paddle leaving the factory meets top-tier standards. Paddles pile up so high on his table that he practically disappears behind them—proof of just how fast the sport is taking off.
Founded in 2020, this factory has become a major player in China’s pickleball industry. While the sport originated in the United States and Europe, it’s gaining serious momentum in China, with over 200,000 players in Guangdong province alone. And this is just the beginning.
(Photo Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202402/07/WS65c2db9ca3104efcbdaea199.html)
Pickleball: The Sport Everyone’s Talking About
"Pickleball is a game for everyone," says Yang Kai, the factory’s owner. "The ball is lightweight, full of holes, and the impact is far less than tennis. That makes it easy on the body and fun for all ages."
And the paddles? They’re the perfect mix of power and precision. Bigger than a table tennis paddle but smaller than a tennis racket, these carbon fiber beauties are designed to make the game accessible to all. With a meticulous 10-step production process—from cutting and molding to polishing and spraying—each paddle is crafted to bring out the best in every player, whether they’re just starting out or already hooked on the game.
Boosting the Local Economy, One Paddle at a Time
Beyond putting world-class paddles into players’ hands, this factory is changing lives in Liangping. Before it arrived, many villagers had never even heard of pickleball. Now, over 120 local workers are earning stable incomes of over 3,000 yuan per month, and the factory has attracted nearly 900,000 yuan in investment from the village and local governments.
Yang and his team didn’t stop there. They built a pickleball court right outside the factory, giving employees and villagers a place to play, connect, and experience the thrill of the game for themselves. "We’re not just making paddles—we’re building a pickleball community," Yang says with pride.
(Photo Source: http://shandong.chinadaily.com.cn/dongying/2024-08/19/c_1013908.htm)
The Future of Pickleball in China: A Movement on the Rise
Pickleball’s momentum in China reached new heights with the formation of the country’s first pickleball sports working committee, backed by the General Administration of Sports of China. This initiative is set to supercharge the sport’s growth, ensuring that it reaches new players across the nation.
For trailblazers like Yang, this is just the beginning. "With the committee’s support, I’m more confident than ever about the future of pickleball in China," he says. His next moves? Expanding production, launching more factories, starting local pickleball associations, and bringing the game to campuses nationwide.
A Global Sport, A Chinese Powerhouse
China is stepping up as a powerhouse in pickleball’s expansion. From a rural village in Gansu to international markets, the journey of this fast-paced, addictive sport is fueled by passion, innovation, and a thriving community.
With pioneers like Yang leading the charge, the future of pickleball in China isn’t just bright—it’s unstoppable. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or picking up a paddle for the first time, one thing is clear: the pickleball revolution is here, and it’s only getting bigger.
