Competition is due to take place next year in north-west China's Shaanxi Province.

It is likely the dates in September were decided on to accommodate the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

The Olympics were postponed to July 24 to August 8 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and will be followed by the Paralympics from August 24 to September 5. 

Shaanxi is set to host a number of celebrations next week to celebrate the one-year-to-go countdown. 

Spectators are set to be allowed in despite the threat of the global health crisis, with tickets scheduled to go on sale in June. 

A number of marathon events will also be organised in the run-up to the National Games of China, with the victors selected to take part in mass-participation contests at the event. 

The event, held every four years, is expected to attract 14,000 athletes in 501 events across 41 sports next year. 

First held in 1959, the Games are best known outside China for the 1993 event in Beijing.

Then, the group of female Chinese runners known as "Ma's Army", after their coach, Ma Junren, produced a series of amazing performances and set world records in the 1500, 3000 and 10000 metres.

The performances have since been largely discredited following accusations of doping. 

It has also been announced the 11th edition of China's National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the eighth edition of China's National Special Olympic Games will be held between October 22 and October 29 2021 in Shaanxi.