An aerial view of the Linping Sports Center Gymnasium in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

The 2026 Karate World Cup will be held from Nov 20 to 22 at the Linping Sports Center Gymnasium in Linping district, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, marking the first time the World Karate Federation's premier team competition will take place in China.

Top karate athletes from more than 50 countries and regions are expected to compete in four events: men's team kata, women's team kata, men's team kumite, and women's team kumite.

Linping hosted all the karate events during the Hangzhou Asian Games. Since then, it has continued to attract major international competitions, including the 2024 Asian Karate Championships and Asian Para Karate Championships, the Hangzhou leg of the 2025 Karate 1-Premier League, and the Asian Youth Karate Open and training camps.

The district has received positive feedback from athletes for its competition facilities and event-organizing capabilities.

Alongside the tournament, Linping will host a market featuring local food, cultural and creative products, and traditional cultural experiences. Visitors will be able to explore karate-themed merchandise, traditional crafts, and local specialties.