Chongqing—NBA superstar Stephen Curry made a triumphant return to Chongqing this week, captivating fans with his on-court presence and an unforgettable evening under the city’s night sky, where a spectacular drone show brought his career highlights to life.

On August 18, 2025, fans queue up to enter the Chongqing International Expo Center. (Photo/Li Yuheng)

On August 18, 2025, the atmosphere is lively inside the main exhibition hall of the Chongqing International Expo Center. (Photo/Li Yuheng)

A Basketball Icon Meets His Fans

From August 18 to 20, the Under Armour Curry Brand Asia Tour brought Curry back to the mountain city for the first time since 2015. On August 18, he appeared at Chongqing International Expo Center, drawing fans from across China and beyond.

Some came from as far as Fujian, even transporting a Curry-themed car more than a thousand kilometers to the event. Others, like university student Li Yimin from Wuhan, arrived by high-speed rail to catch a glimpse of their idol. Australian student Luke Faulkner, currently living in Hong Kong, traveled to Chongqing to volunteer at Curry’s training camp.

Victor Sun, Co-Founder of Sole Collector China, believes that Curry can truly change the game of basketball. They traveled from Beijing, passing through Taiyuan, Wuhan, and Xi’an before finally reaching Chongqing. Curry was deeply moved when he saw the unique gifts and fan videos collected from various places on the car.

Inside the packed venue, Curry was greeted by thunderous chants of “MVP!” He quickly thrilled the crowd by attempting a high-arcing shot into a specially designed hoop towering over five meters high. After two near misses, he calmly adjusted his release and sank the third attempt, drawing a roar of applause as a CurryCon gift box unlocked beneath the basket.

Later in the afternoon, Curry guided young players through drills and challenges, sharing tips and encouragement. Fans also flocked to the CurryCon fan zone, where interactive games, customized cars, and lifelike Curry statues turned the event into a basketball carnival.

Many fans stated that, in addition to attending Curry’s event, they would also visit famous landmarks in Chongqing and try the local cuisine. "Chongqing is a city full of love and warmth, and we really like it here."

Awe-Inspiring Night of Drone Show

On the evening of August 18, Curry experienced another highlight of his visit: a stunning drone light show staged along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. More than 5,000 drones painted the night sky with scenes from his career—signature three-pointers, his famous “night-night” celebration gesture, and the phrase “Curry Meets Chongqing” in lights.

“This is crazy!” Curry exclaimed as he watched the performance. “This is probably my favorite.” He expressed his gratitude to his fans for the warm welcome and for bringing him back to the city after a ten-year absence.

Curry noted the similarities between Chongqing and San Francisco, both vibrant waterfront cities, and expressed excitement about the possibility of holding more training camps in the city.

The evening also featured cultural symbols of Chongqing—from Sichuan opera masks to depictions of the city’s iconic mountains and rivers—blending sport, technology, and local heritage.

In a symbolic gesture of friendship, Guan Hong, Chairman of the Chongqing International Culture Association, presented Curry with a “Chongqing · Flower of Friendship” cultural gift. Curry responded with a personalized autographed basketball.

For fans, the Curry Tour was more than a sports event—it was a citywide celebration. Visitors took the opportunity to explore Chongqing’s sights and cuisine while following their idol. As one fan put it: “Chongqing is such a passionate city. Coming here to see Curry makes it even more special.”

A drone formation of a "three-pointer" perfectly sinks into the basket. (Photo/Diyiyan News)

Drones depict Curry high-fiving a giant panda in mid-air. (Photo/Diyiyan News)

Drones in the sky display Chongqing's new cultural and tourism slogan: "Majestic Landscapes, Dynamic Chongqing." (Photo/Diyiyan News)

From electrifying moments on the court to a breathtaking night of lights, Curry’s return to Chongqing underscored the global bond between basketball, culture, and community.