Chongqing's motorcycle biz revs up
City produced around 7.78 million units in first eight months of 2026
During an interview with China Daily, Wang Shangqian, managing director of Chongqing Endurance Zhongyi Shock Absorber Liability Co, expressed optimism about the industry's growth.
He noted the company's success in Southeast Asia and North America, and said he's eyeing opportunities in emerging markets like India, Russia and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
"Nowadays, motorcycles aren't just a means of getting around, they hold significant emotional value as well," Wang said.
His company, with 30 years of experience specializing in motorcycle engine cylinder heads and shock absorbers, is now focusing on promoting USD (Upside-Down) suspension for motorcycles with mid-to-large displacement engines over 250cc. This shift is being driven by strong market demand for performance upgrades and tuning improvements, highlighting a promising growth area in the industry.
Chongqing, celebrated as China's "Motorcycle Capital", has reinforced its status as the nation's largest motorcycle production hub, boasting the country's most comprehensive motorcycle industry system. It leads the nation in both production and exports, Wang Han, deputy director of the Chongqing Economic and Information Commission said on the opening day of the exhibition.
Wang noted that from January to August, the city produced approximately 7.78 million motorcycles, marking a 50.5 percent growth in output. One in every three motorcycles made in China originates from the municipality.
The exhibition featured more than 60 events, including forums, matchmaking sessions, new product launches and competitions, including the Knight of Labor Festival and award ceremony, test ride camps, the 11th "TIMSUN CUP" Gecko Rider International Stunt Championship, and the 2026 China Chongqing "Shineray Cup" Off-Road Motorcycle Grand Prix.
As the world's largest motorcycle producer and market, China is witnessing rapid technological development in the industry, with Chinese products becoming more high-end and intelligent.
Chongqing's comprehensive motorcycle production capacity is supported by 51 large-scale manufacturers and over 410 parts suppliers, boasting an annual production capacity of 10 million vehicles and 20 million engines.
Last year alone, the city produced approximately 7.86 million motorcycles, accounting for 35.5 percent of China's total motorcycle production. Statistics show that one in every three exported motorcycles is made in Chongqing, and five of the country's top 10 motorcycle exporters are based in Chongqing.
The "Chongqing Motorcycle One-Hour Industrial Circle", a new concept of a motorcycle industry cluster, was recognized at the 2026 Summer Davos Forum in June by Premier Li Qiang, alongside the Yangtze River Delta Electronics Information One-Hour Innovation Circle and the Shenzhen Robotics Half-Hour Supporting Circle as representative examples of specialized industrial clusters with Chinese characteristics.
The one-hour industrial circle means within a one-hour drive from Chongqing's central urban area, nearly all core components of motorcycles can be locally procured, prototyped and supplied, underscoring the region's comprehensive industrial capabilities.
Chongqing is also regarded as the most motorcycle-friendly city in the country. It is the only megacity in China without a blanket ban on motorcycles, making it a haven for motorcyclists. Registered motorcycles can access most regular urban roads in the central area, though some districts have time-based restrictions, and they are prohibited on inner-ring expressways, airport expressways and highways.
Tourists from around the world have been embracing a quirky new trend called the "Motorcycle Landing Visa", a unique cultural and tourism experience in Chongqing. It involves capturing the city's stunning night views through motorcycle nightscape photography. These 15 to 30-second videos, complete with iconic gestures and custom soundtracks, serve as a distinctive souvenir of Chongqing's vibrant nightlife, reminiscent of a Chinese version of the movie franchise Fast and Furious.
The city's unique ecosystem integrates industry, culture and governance, allowing both traditional giants like Zonsen Group and emerging brands like Zxmoto to thrive. Earlier this year, Zxmoto clinched a historic victory in the Portuguese leg of the 2026 FIM Supersport World Championship, marking the first win for a Chinese manufacturer in the Supersport class. As of mid-June, the team had secured its sixth win in the 2026 World Superbike Championship season.
Contact the writers at dengrui@chinadaily.com.cn
