The IWUF 4th Taolu World Cup successfully concluded in Haikou, Hainan, China, on July 8, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the sport of wushu. The event featured 11 men's and 11 women's events across four categories—fist routines, long weapons, short weapons, and duilian—with 22 gold medals contested over two days. This competition is one of the six flagship events of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) and is recognized as the highest-level elite professional taolu competition globally.
The importance of this World Cup extends beyond the medals. This November, wushu will make its historic debut as an official medal sport at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first time this traditional Chinese martial art has been included in the Olympic program. The successful execution of the World Cup reinforces the sport's readiness for the Olympic stage and highlights the growing international recognition of wushu.
This event was the first high-level international wushu single-discipline competition hosted by Hainan since the establishment of the Hainan Free Trade Port. It attracted 206 participants, including 117 elite athletes, from 29 countries and regions. Athletes from 18 countries and regions secured medals, demonstrating the global reach of the sport. The Hainan Free Trade Port's unique policies, such as visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries and a 240-hour transit visa-exemption, facilitated smooth entry for overseas participants, technical officials, and media. Additionally, specialized competition equipment benefited from zero-tariff treatment and simplified customs clearance procedures.
Hainan's rich wushu heritage added cultural depth to the event. The region has developed a distinctive "Qiong-style" wushu system, blending various martial arts schools with local island folklore. Two counties and one city—Tunchang, Qiongzhong, and Wanning—have been designated as "National Wushu Hometowns," reflecting deep-rooted local traditions. Indigenous fighting styles like Li Family Fist, Tunchang Pochen Five-Form Stakes, and Wanning Mazai Kung Fu are treasured aspects of Hainan's folk culture.
Concurrently, Hainan hosted the inaugural Hainan International Wushu Culture Month, featuring multiple "wushu + tourism" travel routes. These activities allowed domestic and international guests to enjoy Hainan's island scenery and duty-free shopping while attending the high-level competition. Looking ahead, Hainan plans to integrate wushu into its sports-tourism product system, developing themed destinations, research bases, and signature events to promote "spectator travel" as a new cultural tourism model. The island aims to become a global hub for wushu development and cultural exchange by hosting international competitions, training camps, and cultural activities.
Separately, the 43rd Executive Committee Meeting of the IWUF decided that Haikou City will host the 12th Sanda World Cup, further cementing Hainan's role in the international wushu community.
