The IWUF 4th Taolu World Cup successfully wrapped up 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 a total of 22 gold medals contested over two days. As one of the six flagship official events of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), the Taolu World Cup represents the highest level of elite professional competition in global taolu discipline.
The importance of this year's World Cup is amplified by the upcoming historic debut of wushu as an official medal sport at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in November. This will mark the first time this traditional Chinese martial art has been incorporated into the Olympic sports program, a development that underscores the growing global 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 athletes, team leaders, and coaches from 29 countries and regions, including 117 elite competitors. Athletes from 18 countries and regions secured medals, demonstrating the sport's international reach.
Hainan's unique geographical and policy advantages as a free trade port played a key role in the event's success. Overseas participants, technical officials, and media personnel benefited from fast-track customs clearance, thanks to visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries and the 240-hour transit visa-exemption policy. Additionally, specialized competition equipment enjoyed zero-tariff treatment and simplified cross-border customs clearance procedures, as detailed in the Hainan Free Trade Port policies.
Hainan's rich wushu culture was also on display. The region has developed a unique "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 a deep-rooted tradition. Indigenous fighting styles such as the Li ethnic group's Li Family Fist, Tunchang Pochen Five-Form Stakes, and Wanning Mazai Kung Fu have been passed down through generations.
During the event, Hainan concurrently 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 benefits while taking in high-level wushu competitions. Looking ahead, Hainan plans to integrate wushu elements into its sports-tourism product system, developing wushu-themed tourist destinations, study and research bases, and signature events. This will make "spectator travel" a new model for Hainan's cultural tourism.
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 as a global hub for wushu development and cultural exchange.
