Jiangsu Province's grassroots football league, dubbed "Su Chao," has emerged as an unexpected economic catalyst, blending sports enthusiasm with tourism growth across the region. The amateur tournament, featuring local teams from Nanjing to Suzhou, has drawn over 180,000 spectators this season alone, according to data from the Jiangsu Provincial Sports Bureau.
Weekend matches have transformed into cultural events, with visitors flocking to host cities to enjoy matches while patronizing local hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. "The league creates a ripple effect – every goal scored translates to economic activity," noted a bureau spokesperson. Analysts highlight increased foot traffic in commercial districts near match venues, particularly in Yangzhou and Wuxi, where tourism revenue spiked 12% during tournament weekends.
