DOTA2 The International 2026 Shanghai: Tickets & Travel Guide

TI is finally returning to China!

This August, the world's best Dota 2 teams will gather in Shanghai to compete for the Aegis of Champions at The International 2026. With thousands of fans expected to attend from around the world, it's set to be one of the biggest esports events of the year.

Whether you're traveling overseas or coming from another city in China, this guide will walk you through ticket information, venue details, and a few useful tips to help you plan your trip.

📅 Quick Event Overview

• Event Name: DOTA2 - The International 2026 (TI 2026)
• Main Event Dates: August 20 – August 23, 2026
• • Group Stage: August 13 – August 16, 2026
• Venue: SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center, Shanghai
• Official Ticket Partner (International): Trip.com

🎟️ How to Buy TI 2026 Tickets?

TI is back in China for the first time since 2019, so tickets are expected to sell out fast. If you’re buying from outside China, here’s the key info:

• International Tickets Go On Sale: June 10, 2026, at 2:30 PM CST (UTC+8)
• Where to Buy: Trip.com (official international partner only)
• Limits: Each account can buy up to 2 tickets per day

👉 See more details

⚠️ Heads-Up Before You Buy

• Tickets are tied to your name – You can’t give them to a friend or resell them. Make sure you’re buying for yourself (or the person who’s actually going).
• Passport matters – The name on your ticket has to match your passport exactly. No nicknames or shortcuts!
• Trip.com account needed – If you’re coming from outside China, you’ll need a Trip.com account and a valid passport to buy tickets.
• Ticket limit – You can grab up to two tickets per day on one account, so plan ahead if you’re coming with a buddy.

🏟️ SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center

This stadium is in Shanghai’s Pudong area, and people often call it the “Sea Crown” because of its wave-like roof design. It’s pretty massive—holding up to 18,000 fans—so when TI is on, the atmosphere is going to be insane in the best way.

Seating Info

• All seats are assigned this year. You don't have to show up too early for a goos spot!

Getting there

• You can easily get there by metro. Take line 6, 8, or 11 to Oriental Sports Center Station. Well, you can also take taxis or use DiDi (just like Uber).

Quick tips

1. Arrive early to avoid crowds!
2. You can bring a bottle of water or light snacks. Line can get long during breaks.
3. Leave extra time to hang around the arena. It feels like a mini festival with fans everywhere.

✈️ Shanghai Travel Tips for International Fans

Visa

• U.S. citizens need a tourist visa (L visa) to attend the full TI 2026 event in Shanghai.
• You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months, a recent photo, and an itinerary for your trip (flight and hotel info usually required).

👉 See details about China arrival card

Connectivity & Payment

• You must have VPN to access your apps like Whatsapp and Instagram. But do not worry! Get a fast & reliable China eSIM to get well-connected!
• You should be used to using WeChat & Alipay in China. Because it's quite easy for you to pay here. Make sure you have linked your international credit card to them.

Getting Around

• The venue is right by the Oriental Sports Center Metro Station (Lines 6, 8, and 11).
• For you, it's quite convenient to get around by metro.

🔥 Hot Hotel Deals in Shanghai