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2026-FISU-WUC-Mindsports-Bulletin-2 LATEST

2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports · Liaocheng, China · Updated August 27, 2026

Welcome Letter

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1. Overview

1.1 The Host City — Liaocheng

Liaocheng, located in western Shandong Province, China, has a semi-arid continental climate, covering an area of 8,628 square kilometers with a permanent population of 5.9 million. Born of water and beautified by its lakes, the city embodies both the profound heritage of Yellow River agrarian civilization and the openness of canal-based commerce, earning it the title ‘Water City North of the Yangtze, and Pearl of Two Rivers’. Dongchang Lake, shimmering with rippling waves, is hailed as the ‘Venice of Northern China’, while the Guangyue Tower, standing for over six centuries, bears witness to the city’s enduring history. As an emerging hub for mind sports in China, Liaocheng promotes ‘wisdom empowerment’ and has built a system that spans all age groups. The city has over 400,000 enthusiasts, and more than 400 schools and kindergartens offer chess and related programs, demonstrating rapid growth in mind sports. Looking ahead, Liaocheng aims to expand its ‘mind sports +’ strategy, building an integrated ecosystem of competitions, training, research, and industrialization, and to become a model smart city that blends tradition with modern vitality.

1.2 The Climate

In October, Liaocheng enjoys crisp and pleasant autumn weather, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Days are comfortably warm while nights turn cool and refreshing. This period, marking the transition from summer to autumn, brings little rainfall, dry air, and mostly clear skies with gentle sunshine, creating ideal conditions for the Mind Sports. Athletes from around the world can stay at their best, fully focused on strategic play and the minds exchanges, and immerse themselves in this vibrant celebration of youthful intellect.

1.3 Basic Event Information

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.

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2. Registration

2.1 Registration Deadlines

Entry Type	Deadline
General Entry	April 11, 2026
Quantitative Entry	July 11, 2026
Individual Entry	September 11, 2026

2.2 Chess Delegation Composition

Athletes: Maximum of 8 athletes per delegation (combinations: 5 men + 3 women / 4 men + 4 women / 3 men + 5 women).

Eligibility: All athletes must meet the eligibility criteria of their National / Regional Chess Federation and FIDE (World Chess Federation). During the General Technical Meeting, the Head of Delegation must confirm and sign the FISU-certified list of participants.

Officials: Maximum of 3 officials per delegation.

Tournament	Men’s	Women’s
Individual	Max. 3 athletes	Max. 3 athletes
Mixed Team	Max. 1 team (3 men + 3 women)

2.3 Bridge Delegation Composition

Athletes: Maximum of 18 athletes per delegation.

Eligibility: 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 Delegation must confirm and sign the FISU-certified list of participants.

Officials: Maximum of 6 officials per delegation.

Tournament	Men’s	Women’s
Open	Max. 3 teams (6 individuals) per delegation

2.4 Athlete Eligibility

Only athletes who meet all of the following conditions may participate:

• Be a national of the country they represent.
• Be at least 18 and no older than 25 years of age on December 31 of the event year. For the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports, athletes must be born from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2008.

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3. Financial Conditions

3.1 Participation Fee

The Organizing Committee will send invoices to each delegation on August 31 to collect the Participation Fee. There will be 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.

3.1.1 Payment Deadline

3.1.2 Bank Account Information

Full company name	Beijing Rapidsports Co., Ltd
Company address	Room 3-3, Film Industrial Park Dawang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020 P.R.China
Company number	9111 0105 3354 2697 8B
Bank name	China Merchants Bank H.O. Shenzhen
Bank address	China Merchants Bank Tower No.7088, Shennan Boulevard, Shenzhen, China
Bank account number	1109 1559 7810 802
Swift Code	CMBCCNBSXXX
IBAN number	N/A (Not Applicable)

3.2 FISU Registration Fee

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4. Visa Information

4.1 Visa Application Rules

Except for those eligible for visa exemptions, all foreign nationals traveling to Liaocheng, Shandong to participate in the 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports must apply for a Chinese visa in advance from embassies, consulates, or other institutions abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

4.2 Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of certain countries may enter China for a short stay without a visa. The complete list of visa-exempt countries is available on the official website of the Chinese government or through your country’s embassy or consulate in China.

Visa policy consultation: https://www.visaforchina.cn/CPH3_EN/qianzhengyewu

4.3 Visa Application Process

All participating teams requiring a visa must submit scanned passport copies and personal details of all team members through the FISU Global Management System (GMS). The deadline for individual registration is September 11, 2026. Upon receipt of the required documents, the Organizing Committee will issue official invitation letters for the visa application. Please note that both the invitation and visa issuance processes may take time. We strongly recommend completing individual registration as early as possible to ensure timely visa processing.

4.4 Detailed Visa Information

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 Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.

4.5 Documents Required for Visa Application

In addition to standard visa application materials, delegations requiring invitation letters or other supporting documents from the Organizing Committee may send an email to the OC specifying the required documents. The OC will provide the corresponding materials promptly.

Organizing Committee Email: fisu2026_ms_lia@163.com

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5. 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.

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6. Official Points of Arrival

Official Arrival Points for the Championship: Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, China and Liaocheng West High-Speed Rail Station, China.

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7. Preliminary Schedule

(Subject to the schedule distributed at accreditation.)

Day	Date	Activity
-2	October 9	Arrival and Check-in, Accreditation, Training
-1	October 10	Arrival, Training, Accreditation, General Technical Meeting
1	October 11	Competition, Opening Ceremony
2–5	October 12–15	Competition
6	October 16	Finals, Awarding Ceremony, Closing Ceremony
+1	October 17	Departure

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8. Venue

The 2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports will be held at the Arcadia International Hot Spring Hotel in Liaocheng. The venue features elegant gardens and distinctive hot spring amenities, complemented by a professionally equipped mind sports arena with international-standard chess and bridge tables, soundproof competition equipment, and a modern event support system. Surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil water features, the venue creates a focused and comfortable competitive atmosphere.

Participants can engage in intellectual battles while also enjoying hot spring wellness and experiencing the rich historical and cultural heritage of Liaocheng, letting youthful intellect shine in this serene and elegant environment.

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9. Accommodation and Catering

9.1 Laundry Service

The hotel provides a complimentary laundry allowance for all hotel-accommodated personnel, at the rate of one item per person per day. Unused allowances are not cumulative and cannot be exchanged for cash. Coverage is limited to regular water-washable items. Dry cleaning, specialty care, and express service are not included.

9.2 Accommodation

The Arcadia International Hot Spring Hotel features Chinese garden-style architecture with a variety of room types including standard rooms, king rooms, and suites. Guest rooms are fully equipped with internet access, en-suite bathrooms, and complete living amenities, providing a quiet and comfortable environment that ensures a pleasant stay and meets the overall accommodation needs of delegations during the event.

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. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

9.3 Catering Services

All delegation dining venues are located on the first floor of the Reception Center. Should the competition schedule be adjusted, meal times will be updated accordingly in the latest Bulletin.

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10. Ceremonies

10.1 Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to take place at Liaocheng Gymnasium from 19:30 to 21:00 on 11 October, and will be conducted in accordance with the FISU Protocol Guidelines.

10.2 Award Ceremony

The award ceremony will be held in the Lecture Hall on the first floor of the Conference Center upon completion of all competitions. The Organising Committee will notify each delegation of the exact time in advance according to the competition schedule.

The medallists are expected to attend the ceremony in the uniforms they wore at the opening ceremony but are also allowed to attend the official ceremony wearing sports uniforms when the ceremony takes place immediately after the sport event.

10.3 Closing Ceremony

The Closing Ceremony will be held after all competitions, tentatively after the award ceremony on 16 October, in the Lecture Hall on the first floor of the Conference Center. The Organising Committee will notify each delegation of the exact time in advance based on the competition schedule.

Delegations may only carry the flag of their respective country / region. Only officially accredited delegation members are permitted to take part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. All the people shall wear official uniforms. The Head of Delegation shall designate one flag-bearer to participate in the march-in session.

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11. Cultural Experience Activities

11.1 Intangible Cultural Heritage and Creative Zone

The mind sports culture exhibition and the intangible cultural heritage exhibition will be set up in the front plaza of the Competition Building at the Arcadia International Hot Spring Hotel. Through chess books, chess equipment, creative cultural products, and human-versus-AI gameplay, the exhibitions will allow delegation members from around the world to experience the charm of mind sports and the unique culture of Liaocheng.

11.2 Liaocheng Water Ancient City Check-in Activity

Participants may collect an Ancient City Mind Sports Check-in Passport. Completing interactive experiences at five designated spots earns stamps. A fully stamped passport can be redeemed for event souvenirs, ancient city creative products, and other gifts. To invite university students from around the world to step into this historic and cultural city — blending the cultures of chess and bridge, the check-in activity and on-site interactive games in the ancient city will help participants discover Liaocheng, understand Liaocheng, and fall in love with the ancient city.

Transportation: The Organizing Committee will provide shuttle buses between the hotel and the Water Ancient City. Delegations will travel collectively under the guidance of event staff.

11.3 Cultural Day Half-Day Tour

Dongwan Garden is themed on the Ming and Qing dynasty marketplace life and the Grand Canal grain-transport culture (featuring the Linqing Prefectural Administration, Qixiu Tower, Grand Wharf, Three Streets and Twelve Alleys, and covered bridges and pavilions). By strolling through the garden, participants can intuitively experience Qilu culture and the character of a renowned canal city, enriching their Liaocheng experience.

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12. Medical Services & Anti-Doping

12.1 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 Organising 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 Organising 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.

12.2 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.

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13. Practical Information

13.1 Currency and Exchange Rate

The official currency of China is Renminbi (CNY). Credit card payment is widely accepted at 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.

13.2 Time Zone

Liaocheng is in the Eastern 8th Time Zone (Beijing Time, UTC+8).

13.3 Voltage and Socket Standard

The local domestic mains supply is 220 V, 50 Hz. Socket types include Type A two-flat-pin plugs and earthed Type I three-flat-pin plugs. Participants are advised to check the voltage compatibility of their electronic devices in advance and bring adaptors if necessary. Adaptors are available for purchase at local convenience stores and electrical shops.

13.4 Official Language

English. All technical briefings, referees’ meetings, and communications between athletes and officials will be conducted in English.

13.5 Insurance

Each participating delegation shall independently purchase insurance for its personnel and take full responsibility for insurance-related matters. Neither the Organising Committee nor FISU will provide group insurance cover.

13.6 Transport for Cultural and Tourism Activities

For cultural activities organised by the Organising Committee during the event, shuttle buses will be provided to transport participants between the event venues and their accommodations. Delegations will be notified in advance of assembly time and meeting point.

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14. Contact Information

— End of Bulletin 2 —
2026 FISU World University Championship Mind Sports • Liaocheng, China

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