China Open 2026 Ultimate Guide: Schedule, Draws, Tickets, Live Stream & TV Coverage

🎾 2026 China Open Ultimate Guide: Schedule, Players, Tickets, Live Stream, Venue & Beijing Travel Tips

Alright, tennis fans and curious travelers, gather 'round! As your on-the-ground "court radar," I'm here to spill all the insider info on the 2026 China Open.

The 2026 China Open is returning to the iconic Beijing National Tennis Center! As one of China's most prestigious international tennis events, it draws the world's top male and female players to Beijing every year.

If you're searching for "When is the 2026 China Open?", "Where can I watch the China Open live?", "How to buy 2026 China Open tickets?", "Which stars are playing?", or "How to get to the Beijing National Tennis Center?" – you've come to the right place.

This ultimate guide covers everything from a fan's perspective: match schedules, ATP/WTA events, formats, venues, tickets, live streaming, players, on-site tips, transport, ticketing pitfalls, and FAQs.

🎾 China Open 2026 in a Nutshell

The 2026 China Open is an international professional tennis event held in Beijing, featuring both an ATP men's and a WTA women's top-tier tournament simultaneously.

The official 2026 China Open carnival period is:

📅 September 13 – October 11, 2026

📍 Beijing National Tennis Center

Specifically:

• ATP Beijing ATP 500: September 30 – October 6

• WTA Beijing WTA 1000: September 30 – October 11

So, if you see different dates like "starts September 13," "starts September 30," or "ends October 11" on different platforms, they're all correct – they refer to the full carnival, the ATP main draw, and the WTA main draw respectively .

🏆 What Exactly is the China Open?

For newbies: Think of it as a major stop on the global professional tennis tour in Asia.

The coolest part: It hosts both an ATP men's and a WTA women's high-level event at the same venue.

⚠️ Key Point: This is not an amateur event. It brings together ATP and WTA world-class players, Grand Slam champions, and China's own tennis talents. It's one of the most accessible opportunities all year to watch world-class professional tennis live in China.

It actually consists of two events from different professional tours :

• 🎾 ATP Men's China Open: ATP 500

• 🎾 WTA Women's China Open: WTA 1000

Pro Tip: When searching for "2026 China Open live stream," note that the ATP and WTA events, while both called the "China Open," might have different broadcast arrangements and pages.

📅 An Unprecedented "4-Week Carnival": More Than Just Tennis!

The biggest news? The China Open has expanded to a massive four-week festival, covering the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Golden Week! It's a four-act show :

🎾 Week 1 | Future Stars (September 13–20)

ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J300 kicks off. This is China's tennis "star factory" – players like Wu Yibing and Wang Xinyu won titles here. Perfect for spotting future champions.

💡 Note: Junior events have no mainstream commercial broadcast; follow live scores on the China Open website.

🏆 Week 2 | Amateur Showdown (September 21–24)

The newly introduced ITF World Tennis Masters Tour MT400. Over 600 top amateur players from around the world compete for ITF amateur ranking points.

💡 Note: The amateur event is not part of CCTV, Migu, or Youku's broadcast plans .

🔥 Week 3 & 4 | Pro Showdown (September 28 – October 11)

September 28–29: ATP & WTA Qualifying Rounds – players fight for main draw spots; more affordable tickets.
September 30 – October 11: The WTA 1000 and ATP 500 main draws – the heart of the carnival.

• ✅ ATP Men's Singles Final: October 6

• ✅ WTA Women's Singles & Doubles Finals: October 11 (Tournament closer)

💡 Pro Tip: The main draw covers the entire National Day Golden Week. After October 7, ticket prices drop, but the tournament enters the women's deep rounds (quarterfinals, semifinals) – great value!

📋 Main Draw Reference Schedule

[Important]: This is a media-projected reference schedule, not the final official one. The official "Order of Play" will be published closer to the event on the China Open website and is subject to change.

Note: This refers to singles matches only. Doubles have a separate schedule. Check the official daily schedule. 

📌 2026 China Open Quick Facts

🏆 ATP Men's Event | ATP 500

• Singles Draw: 32 | Doubles: 16 teams

• Dates: September 30 – October 6

• Total Prize Money: $4,016,050

👑 WTA Women's Event | WTA 1000 (Mandatory)

• Singles Draw: 96 | Doubles: 32 teams

• Dates: September 30 – October 11

• Total Prize Money: $9,415,725

Did you know? The tournament was established in 2004, moved to the Beijing National Tennis Center in 2009, and is co-organized by the General Administration of Sport of China, the Beijing Municipal Government, and China Central Television (CCTV) .

🌟 2026 China Open Player Lineup

Let's be clear: The final entry list, draw, and actual on-court appearances are always subject to official confirmation. Past champions are listed for historical context only.

【Past Men's Singles Champions】(Historical Reference ≠ Confirmed for 2026)

2025: Sinner | 2024: Alcaraz | 2023: Sinner | 2019: Thiem | 2016: Murray | 2014, 2015: Djokovic

【2026 First-Wave Confirmed Men's Players】

The men's lineup is stacked, with 6 of the world's Top 10 confirmed :

• Jannik Sinner (World No. 1, Defending Champion) – Returning for his fourth straight China Open. After winning his fifth Grand Slam at Wimbledon, his top spot is secure. Aiming for his third Beijing title.

• Alexander Zverev (World No. 2) – First-time Grand Slam champion, winning this year's French Open.

• Félix Auger-Aliassime (World No. 4)

• Alex de Minaur (World No. 6)

• Daniil Medvedev (World No. 7)

• Flavio Cobolli (World No. 9) – French Open finalist, breaking into the Top 10 for the first time.

• Andrey Rublev (Confirmed)

• Alexander Bublik (Confirmed)

🇨🇳 Chinese Men to Watch: Zhang Zhizhen, Shang Juncheng, Buyunchaokete. They'll need to navigate qualifying or wait for wildcards to reach the main draw.

🌍 WTA Women's Lineup: WTA 1000 Star Power

As a WTA 1000 mandatory event, it's second only to the Grand Slams and WTA Finals. The 96-player draw guarantees blockbuster matchups from the first round. The World's Top 75 players gain direct entry .

【2026 First-Wave Confirmed / Qualified Women's Players】 :

• Aryna Sabalenka (World No. 1, 4-time Grand Slam champion)

• Iga Świątek (Former China Open champion)

• Coco Gauff (Former China Open champion)

• Naomi Osaka (Former China Open champion)

• Elena Rybakina (Reigning Australian Open champion)

• Mirra Andreeva (Reigning French Open champion)

• Linda Nosková (Reigning Wimbledon champion, last year's finalist)

• Amanda Anisimova (2025 China Open champion)

🇨🇳 Chinese Women:

• Wang Xinyu – Direct entry into the women's singles main draw.

• Zhang Shuai – Veteran, expected to compete in women's doubles.

• Guo Hanyu – This year's Wimbledon women's doubles champion, expected to play doubles.

❓ FAQ: Will Zheng Qinwen play the 2026 China Open?
As of August 11, the first official list doesn't mention her. Don't assume she'll play; wait for official announcements.

📺 Where to Watch the 2026 China Open Live?

For those who can't make it to Beijing, here's your guide.

Important: All channels below cover the ATP/WTA pro qualifying and main draws starting September 28. ITF Junior and MT400 amateur events are not included.

🇨🇳 Viewing Options in Mainland China

1. CCTV System | Official Partner, Free-to-Air for Key Matches

As a co-organizer, CCTV is the main broadcast partner .

• TV Channels:

  • CCTV5: Prioritizes Diamond Court night sessions, matches featuring Chinese players, semis, and singles finals. Schedule is subject to other major events.

  • CCTV5+: Supplements with qualifying, daytime, and doubles matches.

• Mobile & Web:

  • 🔗 CCTV Sports Tennis Page

  • App: CCTV App (央视频). Supports casting and free highlights.
    💡 Drawback: Doesn't cover all daytime outer court or parallel matches; picks the highest-profile games.

2. Migu Video | WTA's Listed Rights Holder for China

• 🔗 Migu Video
  Source: WTA's global "Where to Watch" list shows Migu as the rights holder for WTA events in Mainland China. Migu has been a partner since 2023 .

Covers: ATP 500 men's and WTA 1000 women's qualifying + main draw. Supports multi-signal viewing for outer courts, Chinese commentary, player stats, and multi-angle replays.
Access: App, web, and TV version (咪视界). Some matches free; full access usually requires a tennis/event pass.
⚠️ Key Distinction: While Tencent has WTA rights for overseas tournaments, Tencent has no rights for the China Open, as it's a home event .

3. Youku | ATP's Listed Broadcaster for Men's Event

• 🔗 Youku Sports
  Source: ATP official list shows Youku as the partner for ATP 500 Beijing (men's China Open) in Mainland China and Macau.

Covers: Complete ATP men's singles and doubles with expert commentary. No WTA live rights, only post-match highlights for women's singles.

4. Tencent Video / Tencent Sports | No Live Rights for China Open

• 🔗 Tencent Sports
  Tencent's 2026 WTA rights cover overseas tournaments only. Do not buy a Tencent membership expecting to watch the China Open live.

🌍 For Overseas Fans / Viewers Outside Mainland China

⚠️ Important: Tennis TV and WTA TV are geo-blocked and not accessible in Mainland China without a VPN. They are for fans permanently residing overseas.

ATP China Open (ATP 500 Men's)

• Official Stream: Tennis TV – Full coverage of qualifying and main draw, English commentary.

• 🔗 ATP TV Schedule

WTA China Open (WTA 1000 Women's)

• Official Stream: WTA TV – Complete coverage of all women's singles and doubles.

Regional TV Options  :

• North America: Tennis Channel, ESPN+

• UK / Europe: Eurosport, Sky Sports (with Now TV streaming)

• 🔗 Hong Kong: Now TV

• Canada: TSN

👉 Tip: For Chinese commentary overseas, check local Chinese media listings. Remember, all streams are geo-locked; confirm coverage before traveling.

🧭 Best Viewing Plans by Fan Type

❌ Red Lines & Common Pitfalls

• Youku covers ATP men's only; Tencent has no China Open rights.

• Douyin, Kuaishou, Bilibili have authorized highlights only, not live streams.

• Pirated streams from unknown sites are risky – avoid them.

• WTA Unlocked covers overseas lower-tier WTA 125 events only, not the China Open WTA 1000.

⏰ Live Streaming Tips

• Schedules are fluid! Prior matches dragging on or rain delays can push back start times. Tune in 30 mins early.

• Diamond Court night sessions usually start no earlier than 7:30 PM.

• Qualifying (Sept 28–29) has limited broadcasts; follow official scores. Main draw coverage expands significantly from Sept 30.

• Replay Policy [based on past, not final]: CCTV offers finals/semis; Migu keeps full replays; Youku only ATP men's.

• Rain: Diamond Court has a roof; matches continue. Lotus and outer courts are open; matches pause for rain, platforms show notifications or highlights.

📱 Follow Live Scores (Ad-Free)

• 🔗 China Open Official Website – Daily Order of Play & live results

• 🔗 ATP Tour – Men's draw & live scores

• 🔗 WTA Tennis – Women's rankings & match stats

🏟️ Venue: Beijing National Tennis Center

📍 Address: No. 2 Lincui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Home to the 2008 Olympic tennis events, the park features multiple practice and match courts. Here are the 3 main stadiums:

💎 Diamond Court | The Showpiece

The iconic 15,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof – rain is not an issue. Hosts semifinals, finals, and top-billed matches. The night session atmosphere is electric. Top choice for first-timers.

🌸 Lotus Court | The Intimate Second Arena

Smaller than Diamond Court, but offers a closer view – you can really hear the thwack of the ball and see player movement clearly. Great value. Lotus tickets let you watch all outer court matches.

🎾 Outer Courts (Yingyue, Brad Drewett, etc.)

For hardcore fans. Features multiple simultaneous singles and doubles matches. Practice courts are also here during the main draw, offering a chance to see players practice up close.

🎟️ 2026 China Open Tickets: Purchase, Discounts, & Selection

⏰ General On-Sale: August 5, 10:00 AM
🎁 Member Discounts: August 5–18, registered members get up to 20% off. Register early! Members registered before July 31 can also use points for tickets .

✅ Official Channels ONLY

• "中网票务" WeChat Mini Program

• Official Ticketing Site: 🔗 https://tickets.chinaopen.com

• Hotline: 400-707-6666

⚠️ Scam Alert: All tickets are strictly real-name, e-tickets. Cannot be transferred after name binding. Beware of below-market prices, "internal tickets," or "player passes." Staged refund policy applies – read the terms carefully.

🎫 Ticket Types

• Diamond Court: Separate day session / night session tickets.

• Lotus Court: All-day pass for that specific court (plus outer courts).

• Ground Pass: Access to all outer courts and practice areas. No access to Diamond or Lotus main stands.

  Important: Ground Passes go on sale when the carnival starts on September 13.

• Special Packages: Finals combo packages, Golden Week passes, Diamond Court "Mystery Box" tickets, etc. 

👶 Children Entry:

• Children 1.1 meters and under: Free entry to the venue and outer courts with a guardian.

• Children under 1.1 meters: Not allowed in Diamond or Lotus grandstands.

• Children over 1.1 meters: Regular ticket required.

💰 Ticket Selection Guide

⚠️ Important: Buying a ticket does not guarantee seeing a specific player due to potential withdrawals.

📊 ATP vs WTA: Key Differences

⚠️ Correct Terminology: It's Men's ATP 500, Women's WTA 1000 – not "ATP 1000" .

🧮 Basic Tennis Terms (For Newbies)

• Game: 15 → 30 → 40 → win the game. At 40-40 (Deuce), a player must win 2 points in a row.

• Set: First to win 6 games with a 2-game lead. At 6-6, a tiebreak is played.

• Match: At the China Open, all singles are best of 3 sets. Win 2 sets to win the match.

🚇 Getting to the National Tennis Center

Use Public Transport! Traffic around the venue gets heavy during the Golden Week.

✅ Subway (Best Option)

Line 8, Lincuiqiao Station, Exit C2. About a 500m walk to the South Gate. Leave early for night sessions.

🚌 Bus

Routes 510, 40. Get off at Lincuiqiao North.

🚗 Driving

Not recommended. Parking is extremely limited and traffic is heavy, especially on finals days. If you must drive, check official parking and shuttle plans beforehand.

🏨 Hotel Tips for Out-of-Town Fans

🍜 Food, 🛍️ Merch, & 📸 Photo Rules

• Food: Over 80 food stalls. You can bring an empty water bottle; water stations are available.

• Official Merch: Shop sells gear. Online channels start selling August 18; the 1000 sqm flagship store opens September 12 .

• Photos: Phone photos are allowed. No flash (distracts players). Tripods, pro video/photo gear, and commercial recording are restricted.

🎒 What to Bring

✅ Must: ID, e-ticket, phone, power bank, water bottle.
✅ Recommended: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a light jacket (Beijing nights in autumn get cool), rain gear, tissues.
❌ Banned: Flammables, large luggage, banners, pets, tripods, dangerous items. No smoking in the venue.

🌧️ What if it Rains?

• Diamond Court has a roof – play continues.

• Lotus and Outer Courts are open. Play pauses for heavy rain or lightning. Matches may be delayed or rescheduled. Follow venue announcements.

⚠️ Ticket note: Tickets guarantee entry for a session, not a specific match schedule, which can change due to weather.

💡 5 Pro Tips from a Veteran Fan

1. Don't just stay at Diamond Court – outer courts often have high-quality matches with a more relaxed atmosphere.

2. Watch practice sessions on outer courts during the main draw – a great chance to see players up close.

3. Arrive 60–90 minutes early for night sessions to avoid crowds.

4. Don't just watch the score – study player tactics, serve placement, and movement.

5. To see a specific star, wait for the official draw before buying tickets.

🏅 4 Key Reasons to Watch the 2026 China Open

🔥 1. WTA 1000 Star Power: 96-draw depth means stars and dark horses clash from the first round.
🔥 2. Home Crowd: Cheering for Chinese players.
🔥 3. ATP 500 Stakes: Post-US Open Asian swing, with top players fighting for year-end ranking points.
🔥 4. Asian Swing Connector: The China Open ends, and the Shanghai Masters (Oct 7–18) starts right after. Hardcore fans can do a Beijing → Shanghai tennis trip!

🏆 Points & Prize Money Significance

Both the ATP 500 and WTA 1000 offer significant ranking points and prize money. At this point in the season, points directly affect year-end rankings and qualification for the finals .

📈 The China Open's Value to Chinese Tennis

Beyond bringing in international stars, it's a window for the public to connect with pro tennis. It inspires young players and builds a tennis culture in China.

🧒 Bringing Kids?

Highly recommended for kids learning tennis. Seeing the speed and power live is eye-opening.
Tip: Avoid late nights. Choose daytime sessions and outer courts for younger children.

🧭 One-Day Itinerary Ideas

⭐ Casual Fan Route

10:30 Arrive → 11:00 Explore venue → 11:30 Watch outer court match → 13:00 Lunch break → 14:00 More outer matches / practice watching → 16:00 Rest, buy snacks/merch → 19:30 Diamond Court night session → 22:00 Depart.

🎾 Hardcore Fan Route

Arrive early → Straight to outer practice courts → Rotate between outer court singles/doubles throughout the day → Afternoon main court matches → Evening break → Night session main event.

💰 Budget Planning

💡 On a budget? The early rounds before the finals offer better value.

❓ China Open 2026 FAQs

Q: When is the 2026 China Open?
A: Carnival: Sept 13 – Oct 11; ATP Pro: Sept 30 – Oct 6; WTA Pro: Sept 30 – Oct 11.

Q: Venue address?
A: Beijing National Tennis Center, 2 Lincui Road, Chaoyang District.

Q: Tournament level?
A: Men's ATP 500, Women's WTA 1000 Mandatory.

Q: Where to buy tickets?
A: Official site 🔗 https://tickets.chinaopen.com or "中网票务" WeChat mini-app.

Q: Can I watch player practice?
A: Yes, practice courts on outer courts are generally open to ticket holders during the main draw. Check the daily schedule.

Q: Can I bring a camera?
A: Phone photos allowed. No flash. Pro video/photo gear and recording of matches are restricted.

Q: What if it rains?
A: Diamond Court has a roof; play continues. Play on outdoor courts pauses for severe weather. Follow official announcements.

Q: Can a Lotus Court ticket get me into Diamond Court?
A: No. Diamond and Lotus tickets are separate. Both give you access to all outer court matches.

Q: Will it be crowded during National Day?
A: Yes, Oct 1–6 is peak. From Oct 7, crowds thin out – a good time for a more relaxed experience.

Q: Is there full qualifying coverage?
A: CCTV5+ airs selected qualifying matches. Migu covers all qualifying rounds.

Q: Can I cast the live stream to my TV?
A: Yes, the apps (CCTV, Migu, Youku) support casting. Respect the platform's user agreement.

Q: Where to see the daily Order of Play?
A: The China Open website updates the complete schedule each evening.

Q: How can fans in HK/Macau watch?
A: Hong Kong: Now TV. Macau: Youku for ATP men's events. No local WTA broadcaster; overseas streams are an alternative.

Q: Why can Tencent (with WTA rights) not show the China Open?
A: Tencent's WTA rights cover overseas tournaments; the China Open is a home event with a separate broadcast deal .

🏁 Conclusion: Is the 2026 China Open Worth It?

From a sports fan's perspective, my answer is a resounding YES! 🎾

One venue, two top-tier events (ATP 500 and WTA 1000), homegrown heroes, and it's the perfect launchpad into the Shanghai Masters. This is the golden window for Chinese tennis fans to catch live action.

On a budget? Grab a Ground Pass and watch outer courts. Got the funds? Go for the semis and finals. Hardcore? Plan the "Beijing China Open + Shanghai Masters" double-header!

And to all first-timers: Don't just go for one star. The real magic often happens when you least expect it – discovering a new favorite player in a thrilling match you weren't planning to watch. The speed, the spin, the sheer power... TV just doesn't do it justice. It's a completely different experience live.

🔗 Official Links (Bookmark These!)

• 🏆 China Open Official Website – Schedule, news, player updates

• 🎾 ATP Tour – Men's live scores, draw, TV schedule

• 🎾 WTA Tennis – Women's scores, rankings, global viewing

• 📺 CCTV Sports Tennis – Free-to-air broadcasts (China)

• 📱 Migu Video – Full coverage (China)

• 🎞️ Youku Sports ATP – ATP coverage (China)