Pitch is guaranteed? Were the surfaces etc. better quality?

Why did you ask him in English, you are Chinese? Some parks etc are free for locals. They want money from you because you do not speak the local dialect.

They have private athletic facilities in the west too. Tennis, batting cages etc... you have to pay rent to the city to reserve soccer fields for league play and such. 

Hi Matty

first of all in light of the notice served today I would like to thank you for your question

and wish you well on this fine day

As nevermind has pointed out it is common in the west to pay for sporting facilities

 and  I also  think it is partly for the reservation system

also the quality of the Facilities like having lighting and change rooms

It could well be that it is a way for people to join teams and add to their social networks

Just like those clean nice smelling public toilets that China is renowned for .

I hope I have been help full to you and your friends 

Swimming, golf, gyms, many things at home are not free. There is an indoor soccer arena near my home, man does that place stink. Theres alot to be said for playing outdoors.

Is paying for a hooker the same as a sport? It rates a score and good exercise, fun but maybe not for the whole family.