A wave of niche and trendy sports is gaining momentum in Shanghai, China's commercial and financial capital, boosted by major sporting events held in recent years and a push by major shopping districts to host sports-themed pop-ups.

In a mall in Xuhui District, an amateur kickboxing open tournament drew fighters from dozens of clubs across the Yangtze River Delta, pulling in crowds of locals and tourists.

"I think hosting games in the mall is a great choice -- it keeps them unaffected by rain or wind. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the kid players are so energetic," said a local resident.

Across the city, another commercial hub hosted a "modern carnival" featuring multiple trendy sports

Some 600 fitness enthusiasts raced up a 58-floor landmark tower in a vertical running challenge.

Under a 6,500-square-meter overhead LED canopy, visitors at this commercial hub also experienced golf, tennis, aerobics, running, pickleball, cycling and Zumba, bringing an outdoor-sport feel to the downtown core.

Organizers say such flexible, fast-changing sports formats break the constraints of traditional venues and meet young people's demand for "anytime, nearby exercise."

The mix of events and brand partnerships is also giving a lift to sports-related consumer spending.