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The Qinhuangdao Boat Show is taking a new step forward. Held in two phases?from May 29 to June 1, 2026, at Aranya, and then from June 5 to 8, 2026, in the Westport neighborhood?this second edition brought together 69 marine exhibitors, 26 boat brands, and 148 vessels on display. The organizers reported a total attendance of 100,000 visitors across both venues, in addition to 500 invited buyers and nearly 100 Chinese media outlets.
Beyond the number of visitors, several sales were closed directly during the show. Models such as the Beneteau Antares 8, Chaparral 23 Surf, and Jiahang Axis A225 found buyers. Boats designed for recreational fishing also attracted significant interest, particularly the Huanzhu, Oceanmaster, Triton, and Chaser lines, reflecting the trends currently favored by the Northern Chinese market.
An offering tailored to a developing market
Unlike the major boat shows in southern China, which have historically focused on yachts and large vessels, Qinhuangdao is developing an offering geared more toward day boating, recreational fishing, water sports, and family activities.
This focus is tailored to the profile of future participants, particularly those from Beijing?located about 300 kilometers away?which represents a catchment area of more than 22 million people accessible by high-speed train. The organizers are thus seeking to support the gradual emergence of a water sports culture that is still in its infancy in this part of the country.
An economic strategy spearheaded by the Port of Hebei
For the Hebei Port Group, the event's organizer, the trade show goes far beyond the scope of a typical commercial event. It is part of a broader strategy to develop the regional maritime economy.
The investments being made focus simultaneously on port infrastructure, the modernization of older docks, the development of marinas, tourism facilities, and the establishment of a comprehensive boating industry. The stated goal is to attract manufacturers, equipment suppliers, boat builders, and service providers to an ecosystem that is set to grow in the coming years.
This policy also supports the transformation of the Qinhuangdao waterfront, a seaside destination that already welcomes more than 10 million visitors each year.
Grand Pavois Organisation continues to provide support
For the second consecutive year, Grand Pavois Organisation is supporting the development of the Chinese boat show. Its involvement focuses both on organizing the event and on sharing expertise regarding the development of the boating industry.
According to Alain Pochon, president of Grand Pavois Organisation, the primary goal is to facilitate exchanges between Chinese stakeholders and European companies interested in this emerging market.
The next Grand Pavois in La Rochelle, scheduled for September 22?27, 2026, will mark a new phase in this cooperation. The Port of Hebei will present its development strategy at the event and meet with French and European industry representatives interested in exploring the opportunities offered by Northern China.
A market that is still in its infancy but is already attracting the attention of industry players
While recreational boating remains far less developed in northern China than in the southern provinces, several indicators are now drawing the attention of European industry professionals. Public investment, infrastructure development, the rise of coastal tourism, and the local authorities? stated commitment to building a boating industry are all trends being closely monitored by companies in the sector.
In this context, the Qinhuangdao trade show is gradually emerging as a meeting point between the needs expressed by Chinese stakeholders and the expertise of European manufacturers in the fields of boats, equipment, marinas, services, and training.
