Jiangsu Grassroots Football League Boosts Local Tourism and Economic Development
Jiangsu's "Su Chao" football tournament boosts local tourism and economic growth in hosting cities.
A surge of excitement is sweeping through Jiangsu Province as its grassroots football tournament, locally known as "Su Chao", continues to captivate audiences and fuel economic growth. As passionate fans fill stadiums across the region, the league has rapidly evolved into a major engine for both tourism and consumer activity.
According to official figures, more than 180,000 spectators have attended matches so far this season, flooding host cities with vibrancy and business opportunities. The influx of visitors has translated into substantial economic spillover effects, rippling across sectors from hospitality to retail. In fact, six host cities—Xuzhou, Yancheng, Changzhou, Nanjing, Nantong, and Lianyungang—have all reported a 14.63 percent year-on-year rise in out-of-town tourism spending during the latest round of the tournament.
Local governments have moved swiftly to capitalize on the football fever. A series of incentives—including discounts at tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels—have been launched to encourage longer stays and broader exploration by visiting fans. Among the standout examples, Changzhou welcomed 60,000 travelers from neighboring Yangzhou, highlighting the growing appeal of inter-city excursions tied directly to the league’s fixtures.
The tournament's popularity has also spurred significant infrastructure upgrades. Cities like Nanjing, Suzhou, Nantong, and Changzhou have all invested in modernizing their stadiums, expanding capacities and improving facilities to accommodate ever-greater crowds. Local officials are optimistic that these enhancements will not only enrich the matchday experience but also pave the way for hosting larger sporting events in the future.
As "Su Chao" continues to unite communities and energize local economies, its remarkable blend of sport and tourism is redefining grassroots football's role in regional development. The league’s ongoing success offers an inspiring model for other regions seeking to harness the power of sports as a catalyst for prosperity and cultural exchange.
