2026-FISU-WUC-Mindsports-Bulletin-1
Bulletin
The official Bulletin contains all essential information about the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports, including schedules, fees, registration, venue, and regulations.
Key Information Summary
The Event
The 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports will take place in Liaocheng, China, from October 11 to 16, featuring chess and bridge. The event will offer university athletes and Mind Sports enthusiasts from different countries and regions a valuable opportunity to connect ideas and exchange wisdom in a collaborative and competitive environment. Here, participants will showcase their strategic and critical thinking skills, convey the power of youthful intellect in a vibrant atmosphere, and jointly create a celebration that blends competitive passion with cultural exchange.
Registration
Fees
📌 FISU Fee Note: There will be no on-site payment. All members need to do is to have the HoD signing the confirmation of the delegation numbers. FISU will issue an invoice to the NUSFs at the end of the season.
📌 Participation Fee Payment: The Organizing Committee will send invoices to each delegation on August 31. All delegations must remit the total participation fee no later than September 28. There is no need for a separate deposit. In accordance with the FISU General Regulations, if a delegation fails to participate on time, 50% of the Participation Fee will be deducted, and the remaining amount will be refunded via the original payment method.
Chess
Individual: Max. 3 men + 3 women
Mixed Team: Max. 1 team (3 men + 3 women)
Max. 8 athletes per delegation (5 men + 3 women, 4 men + 4 women, or 3 men + 5 women)
All athletes must meet the eligibility criteria of their National/Regional Chess Federation and FIDE. During the General Technical Meeting, the head of the delegation must confirm and sign the FISU-certified list of participants.
Officials: Each delegation may have a maximum of 3 officials.
Bridge
Open: Max. 3 teams (6 individuals) per delegation
Max. 18 athletes per delegation
All athletes must meet the eligibility criteria of their National/Regional Bridge Federation and the World Bridge Federation (WBF). During the General Technical Meeting, the head of the delegation must confirm and sign the FISU-certified list of participants.
Officials: Each delegation may have a maximum of 6 officials.
Accommodation
All participants will be accommodated at the Arcadia International Hot Spring Hotel in Liaocheng (No. 20 Hunan Road, Dongchangfu District). The hotel features Chinese garden-style architecture with a variety of room types, including standard rooms, king rooms, and suites, fully equipped with internet access and en-suite bathrooms.
The Organizing Committee will follow the principle of room allocation by delegation, with final arrangements subject to actual room availability. Due to variations in room type configurations, the room types assigned to each delegation may differ.
The participation fee (€80 per person per night) covers accommodation, meals, and transportation services provided by the Organizing Committee.
Food and Beverage
The OC will provide all participants with a wide variety of Chinese and Western cuisine, including halal food and vegetarian options. All delegation dining venues are located on the first floor of the Reception Center.
🍽️ Main Restaurant (Aegean Café): Seating capacity of 200
🕌 Main Halal Restaurant (Yantaoyuan): Max. 30 persons
🕌 Backup Halal Restaurant (Yanqionglin): Max. 30 persons, activated as needed based on the actual number of halal diners
Should the competition schedule be adjusted, meal times will be updated accordingly in the latest Bulletin.
Official Points of Arrival and Departure
The two official entry points are:
✈️ Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport
Approximately 136 km from the hotel, travel time 90-100 minutes by car.
🌐 https://www.jnairport.com/
🚄 Liaocheng West High-Speed Rail Station
Approximately 6-7 km from the hotel, travel time 10-20 minutes by car.
🌐 https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html
⚠️ Important: The Organizing Committee provides dedicated arrival services only at the official points of arrival, including an event welcome center, delegation pickup, luggage assistance, and transfer shuttle services. Delegations arriving at non-official points of entry will not receive pickup, ground transfer, or other arrival/departure services, and shall be responsible for all transportation and customs clearance procedures from the point of entry to the event venue.
Transportation
All participating delegations must submit arrival and departure information for all members via the FISU GMS by the individual registration deadline of September 11, 2026.
Based on the submitted schedules, the Organizing Committee will provide pickup/drop-off services at official points and dedicated shuttles for all official activities.
⚠️ Note: Failure to submit correct information by the deadline may mean that the Organizing Committee cannot guarantee airport pickup and other transportation services.
Insurance
Each participating delegation shall independently purchase insurance for its personnel and take full responsibility for insurance-related matters. Neither the Organizing Committee nor FISU will provide group insurance cover.
Medical Service & Doping Control
Medical Services
Medical stations with professional medical staff will be available at competition venues during matches, ceremonies, and official events. First-aid treatment for minor injuries is provided free of charge. A medical room staffed 24 hours a day will be set up by the Organizing Committee in the accommodation zone; its precise location will be communicated to delegations upon check-in.
In cases of serious illness or severe injury, the Organizing Committee will assist with transportation to local hospitals, yet all subsequent medical expenses shall be covered by the respective delegation. Treatment for pre-existing chronic illnesses is not included within event-related medical support.
Anti-Doping
This event strictly complies with the anti-doping regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and FISU. Doping tests will be carried out on selected athletes. All participants must cooperate with doping-control procedures. Violations will result in disqualification of results and disciplinary sanctions.
Currency
The official currency of China is the Renminbi (CNY). Credit card payments are widely accepted in commercial establishments in Liaocheng.
The Local Organising Committee does not provide official currency exchange services. Participants are advised to exchange currency via local banks or authorised exchange outlets.
Time Zone
Liaocheng is in the UTC/GMT +8 time zone (Beijing Time).
Electrical Voltage and Power Outlets
The standard voltage in Liaocheng is 220 volts, with a frequency of 50 hertz. Power outlets typically use Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (three flat pins with grounding) plugs. Participants are advised to check the voltage compatibility of their personal devices in advance and, if necessary, bring appropriate plug adapters or voltage converters. Adapters can also be purchased at local convenience stores and electronics shops.
Contact Information
📞 Contact Person: Roxy ZHENG
📱 Phone: +86 156 2506 1840
📧 Email: fisu2026_ms_lia@163.com
📋 Registration: https://gms-fisu.net/#/login
🌐 Official Website: https://mindsports2026.fisu.net/
Entry and Visa
Policy of Entry Permits and Visas
Except for those eligible for visa exemptions, foreigners participating in the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports in Liaocheng shall apply for a Chinese visa in advance from the Chinese embassies, consulates, and other institutions stationed abroad entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
⚠️ Note: Delegations requiring a visa should submit their visa application at least four weeks before the planned date of travel.
Visa-exempt Countries
Citizens of certain countries do not require a visa to enter China for a short stay. The full list is available on the official government website or through your local embassy.
Visa Application
All participating teams requiring a visa to enter China must provide the necessary personal details and scanned passport copies for all team members. These details must be submitted through the FISU Global Management System (GMS).
📌 Deadline: The deadline for individual Forms registration is September 11, 2026. Once this information is received, the OC will begin issuing the official invitation letters required for the visa application process. If individual registration is not submitted by September 11, the Organizing Committee cannot guarantee that your visa will be issued in time.
Delegations requiring invitation letters or other supporting documents from the Organizing Committee may send an email to the OC specifying the required documents, and the OC will provide the corresponding materials promptly. Organizing Committee Email: fisu2026_ms_lia@163.com
For detailed information on the visa process, please visit the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre:
🌐 https://www.visaforchina.cn/globe/
or consult the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
— End of Official Bulletin —
2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports • Liaocheng, China