On June 13th, 2025 Shandong Pickleball Tourism Carnival opened in Dongying Port Economic Development Zone, Dongying City, with over 500 participants. Themed "Meet at the Yellow River Estuary, Play Pickleball Together", the event aims to further facilitate the integration of cultural tourism and sports, better satisfy public needs of leisure experiences, and boost Shandong's tourism industry through sports events.

As an emerging sport blending fun, competition and social interaction, pickleball has been rapidly popularized in Dongying. Xianhe Town, in particular, has provided the sport with fertile ground thanks to its vibrant athletic culture and well-developed infrastructure. During the opening ceremony, Xianhe Town, which is regarded as the “World Pickleball Federation Town”, was officially designated as the "Travel with Tournaments · Pickleball Tourism Observation Base" .

Representatives from three cities of east China’s Shandong Province, namely Dongying, Rizhao, and Dezhou, delivered video presentations at the event, and the original song Play Pickleball Together made its debut.

During the carnival, a series of activities have been launched, including the Shandong Pickleball Exchange, the 2025 China Pickleball Tour – Dongying Stop and "Good Luck Shandong" Yellow River Estuary Pickleball Open, and a Pickleball Fun & Art Market. Integrating competitions, sports-tourism promotions, intangible cultural heritage food displays and cultural creative product sales, the event strives to amplify its flow and impact.