Jiangsu Grassroots Football League Boosts Local Tourism and Economic Development
Jiangsu's "Su Chao" football tournament boosts local tourism and economic activity, transforming host cities into vibrant sports hubs.
Jiangsu Province's grassroots football league, popularly known as “Su Chao”, is making waves beyond the football pitch this year. The energetic competition is emerging as a potent force for regional tourism and local economic growth, with communities across the province reporting an influx of sports enthusiasts and visitors.
According to data from the Jiangsu Provincial Sports Bureau, tournament matches have already drawn more than 180,000 live spectators in 2025. This surge in attendance has translated into what officials describe as substantial economic spillover effects for host cities. Local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retail shops, are witnessing a noticeable uptick in activity on game days, with venues crowded by both local fans and traveling supporters.
The effects are perhaps most striking in tourism statistics. Host cities such as Xuzhou, Yancheng, Changzhou, Nanjing, Nantong, and Lianyungang together have seen a 14.63 percent year-on-year increase in out-of-town tourism spending during the latest round of matches. City officials note that this boost has been accompanied by a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere, with fans often extending their stays to explore local attractions and sample regional cuisine.
Recognizing the opportunity, local governments have partnered with businesses to offer special discounts on attractions, dining, and accommodations, aiming to transform match days into city-wide celebrations and longer visits. In Changzhou alone, more than 60,000 visitors from neighboring Yangzhou attended matches, illustrating the rising demand for inter-city travel and leisure experiences fostered by the football league.
In response to surging crowds, several cities—including Nanjing, Suzhou, Nantong, and Changzhou—have initiated or accelerated upgrades of their sports venues. These improvements, which include increased seating capacity and enhanced fan amenities, are designed not only to accommodate larger audiences but also to further cement Jiangsu as a destination for top-tier sporting events.
With community spirit running high and local economies reaping the benefits, the impact of “Su Chao” appears set to extend well beyond the soccer field, shaping a new chapter of sports-driven urban growth in Jiangsu Province.
