Skateboarding in China

Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang played a role in the early development of skateboarding in China. He bridge the gap between the US and China by serving as a direct line of communication, this opened up trade of skateboard decks, trucks, wheels, other hard goods, and soft goods. With this new influx of new look from skate and streetwear hitting Shanghai, this helped shape the look of skateboarding and trends in China. Danny was interviewed and appeared in Shanghai 5 ^[5] a documentary about skateboarding in Shanghai. Directed, Filmed, produced and edited by: Charles Lanceplaine^[6] Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang also appeared in various other media.^[7] including Transworld Skateboarding^[8] "San Diego resident Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang, now one of skateboarding’s go-to men in China. Danny was involved in organizing the first International Skateboarding Open in Nanjing". Vice Media^[9] China Daily.^[10] to both 2016 and 2017 FISE World Series ^[11] in Chengdu China. "After four global stops in Montpellier, France, Osijek in Croatia, Denver in the United States and Edmonton in Canada this year, the FISE World Series will be in Chengdu from Friday to Sunday," said Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang, Media and Marketing Director of FISE World Series.

Later Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang served on the panel of the original ISJC^[12][13] members, International Skateboarding Judging Commission (group of expert judges coming from National Federations (NF) and Professional Event Organizers (PEO) that will define Skateboarding Judging Criteria and procedures^[14]) for Skateboarding at the 2020 Summer Olympics. More recently he has been involved in international and Olympic qualifying events as the role of Master of ceremonies including 2024 Olympic Qualifier Series and Vans Park Series Shanghai . His expertise and insights has elevated the profile of skateboarding in China but also connected local talent to the global skateboarding scene. Through his many contributions, Danny Zhang has helped shaped the landscape of skateboarding in China, inspiring a new generation of skaters and promoting the sport on an international stage. Danny (with Andrew Guan) co-founded an English podcast about Skateboarding in China. 5MoreMins is intended to link news about the Chinese skate market and trends to the rest of the globe.^[15] With a list of skateboarding heavy hitters such as Erik Ellington on partnering with China Sports Giant, Li-Ning, Rodrigo Petersen, and many others.

In the early 90's as a co-founder and Fly Streetwear, one of the first skate brands in the country, Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang played a crucial role in popularizing skate culture among Chinese youth. His vision led to the establishment of one of the first dedicated skateshops in all of China. Which became a major hub for skateboarders and enthusiasts alike, fostering a culturally significant and vibrant community on Changle Lu in Shanghai.

Yuan Fei (AKA Panda Mike), who runs a skateshop in Qingdao and has the well-received skateboard brand, Lady. Yuan Fei the recipient of Powell's first board in China, who in his 40's and is still skating hard.

Xia Yu (actor), who is now a well-known movie star and avid skateboarder and snowboarder.

Che Lin- "known as China's first pro skateboarder, skated for Nike SB, Quicksilver, and currently rides for Li Ning Skateboarding.

Fly Streetwear Co founder Jeff Han (Han Minjie) . After a decade-long career with a milk company, in 1999 Han quit and the first skate and streetwear shop Fly Streetwear was opened with Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang. Together creating of the first skateshop and Streetwear brand in Shanghai.^[3] He and Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang went on to co found Gift Skateboards, Cart Wheels, and Skatehere.com, one of the most popular Chinese-language skateboarding website.^[3] In addition to his companies, he runs a professional skateboarding team.^[3] In 2007, Nike Skateboarding created the Fly Milk Blazer Premium sneaker in tribute to Han.^[16]

Skateboarding was introduced to China in the late 1980s, primarily through the influence of Western culture and national sports channel CCTV-5 broadcasting Gleaming the Cube. The first skateboarders were mainly urban youth who adopted the sport as a form of self-expression. Although formal competitions were scarce, and the skateboarding community was small but tight knitted. The first skateboarding competition was held in Qinhuangdao, and skaters from all over China gathered to socialize and meet. This first of a kind meet up allowed China skateboarding to progress and skateboarders to exchange communication information, therefore expanding.

The early 2000s marked a significant turning point for skateboarding in China. As urbanization increased and Western skaters started touring China, skateboarding began to gain popularity. Historical skateboarding events such as the Danny Way Great Wall Jump in 2005 drew national and international attention to skateboarding in China.^[17] International actor, singer Edison Chen was also on site. The Great Wall project was put together with contributions of trusted skate media site Kickerclub.com founder Andrew Guan.^[18][19]

As more and more international teams started touring China, the need for international relations and communications was more crucial then ever before. Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang's role as an international affairs liaison was increasingly significant.

Skate parks started to emerge in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, providing dedicated spaces for skaters to practice and compete. In 2004 SMP^[20] Shanghai wrapped up construction and the world's largest skatepark was ready to go. This skatepark drew its fair share of international visitors including the Flip Skateboards team along with Thrasher (magazine) in the August 2007 issue^[21] and The "PJ Ladd Asia Granite Tour" refers to the DC Project Granite Asia Tour, The "PJ Ladd Asia Granite Tour" refers to the DC Project Granite Asia Tour, a 2009 skateboarding trip where legendary pro skater PJ Ladd and the DC Shoes team visited Asia (including Taiwan, Japan, China)^[22] the visiting team was led by Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang and Johnny_Tang.

By the 2010s, organized skateboarding competitions began to take root. Events like the "International Skateboarding Open" and domestic competitions such as ProJam Finals,^[23] attracting both amateur and professional skaters. These competitions served as platforms for showcasing talent, promoting, and further legitimizing the sport within the country.

After the announcement of inclusion of Skateboarding at the 2020 Summer Olympics. The road to Tokyo was introduced as a pathway to the Olympics. Olympic qualifying competitions began to emerge such as the (ISO) International Skateboarding Open^[24][25] held in Nanjing China paved the way for broader participation by Chinese skaters to compete in international events. The rise of social media also played a crucial role in popularizing skateboarding, allowing local skaters to share their skills and experiences with a global audience. In 2016 the inaugural PUSHFEST, a one-of-a-kind community skateboarding event that celebrates the perspective of the skate community through curated films and interactive installations from a community of local skateboarders. The inaugural event included special guest Patrick O'Dell founder and creator of the influential blog and documentary series from Vice Media Epicly Later'd and hosted by Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang.^[26]

The inclusion of Skateboarding at the 2020 Summer Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic) and Skateboarding at the 2024 Summer Olympics significantly boosted the sport's profile in China. Notable contributor Danny Yuan Yuan Zhang (2017-2021) Served as program Director for the Chinese Olympic and National Skateboarding Team, overseeing athlete development, preparation for international competitions, and ensuring a supportive and inclusive team environment leading into the Tokyo 2020 Olympic cycle. Chinese national team skaters such as Zoe Zeng-Wenhui, Cui Chenxi, Zhu Yuanling Skateboarding at the 2024 Summer Olympics – Women's street. While Zheng Haohao coached by former pro skater Danny Wainwright for women's park emerged as prominent figures, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Today, skateboarding competitions in China are thriving, with numerous events held annually across the country. The sport has gained institutional support, with various organizations promoting skateboarding as a viable athletic pursuit. The growth of skateboarding culture has also led to increased investment in infrastructure, including skate parks and training facilities.

1) International Skateboarding Open^[27]

2) ProJam^[28]

3) FISE Shangai

4) Grand Masters

5) 2024 Olympic Qualifier Series

6) X Games Asia

7) National Games of China

8) Park World Skateboarding Championship

9) World Skate Games (formerly World Roller Games)

10) Asian Skateboarding Championship^[29]

From its small beginnings to becoming a recognized sport with international competitions, Skateboarding in China has undergone a huge transformation. As the sport continues to grow, it is probable to inspire even more athletes and enthusiasts, solidifying its place in the fabric of Chinese youth culture.

Along with Jeff Han and Danny Zhang's companies, one of the oldest and most important Chinese skateboard companies is Shehui (Chinese: 社会; pinyin: Shèhuì; English: Society) Skateboards.^[2] Headquartered in Beijing, it was founded by Ralph Cooper, a USC alum who had studied abroad at Peking University in 2000.

A number of Western skate shoe brands have presences in China. These brands include Vision Street Wear, Vans, DC Shoes Nike SB, Converse and Adidas. In the domain of skateboarding apparel, Jeff Han reports that

Vans is the No.1. Adidas is the newcomer in China. I still remember that on the first opening day of Vans at Fly, we sold RMB 50,000 of Vans. As a matter of fact, before Vans’ official launch in China, it was already superbly popular in Beijing. Converse was replaced by Vans as the symbol of cool. Nike successfully launched some limited editions that are more expensive…^[3] Vision Street Wear China in recent years have overtaken Vans in the core market, making impressive leaps towards national recognition. Vision Streetwear China's contribution to the core community is embraced by the community. VSW leaving a mark with its sponsored riders, events such as a unified Go Skateboarding Day with over 70 local skate shop partners involved, in 50 cities. VSW China is one of the only international brands to bring it's Chinese team riders to international tours.

Han regards Nike Skateboarding's history in China as a major success story. Though not respected as a skate brand at the time they launched in the Chinese market in 2004, through sponsorships of successful Chinese skateboarders such as Che Lin and Zeng Guanhao as well as intense local marketing efforts, they won broad recognition in China. ʻAukai is well known too.

The Biggest Skateboards Company is "Challenge Skateboards" and now they start their new company "FDskateboarding" (沸点滑板有限公司) to promote their domestic business. They have 11 skateboard (and skateboard related) brands: Symbolic Skateboards, Boiling Skateboards, Justice Skateboards, Black Knight Skateboards, Psychos Skateboards, Peer Trucks, Donuts Wheels, a Chinese skateboarding portals website and a printed magazine Whatsup skateboard magazine (Chinese).