Chongqing - On the evening of September 13, the newly renovated Chongqing Datianwan Stadium was lit up and filled with cheers as the 2025 Chongqing Football League (hereinafter referred to as “CQFL”) kicked off magnificently. A total of 21,680 fans packed the stands to witness this historic moment for football in Chongqing.

Amid roaring chants of "Xiongqi!" (meaning "Go Strong!"), the Yuzhong Team and the Jiulongpo Team delivered a thrilling match. In the end, the Yuzhong team secured a 3-2 victory with a last-minute goal by player No. 7 Li Haowen in the 90th minute.

Historic Stadium and Symbolic Ticket Pricing

Datianwan Stadium is far from an ordinary sports venue. First built in 1951 and completed in 1956, it was the first first-class stadium constructed after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Covering an area of 120,000 square meters, it was one of Chongqing's Ten Major Buildings in the early years of New China and once served as the home ground for top-tier Chinese football clubs such as Qianwei Huandao, Chongqing Longxin, and Chongqing Lifan.

The ticket price for the opening match was set at 5.6 yuan (0,78 USD), a figure with special meaning. An official from the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Sports explained: "56 represents Datianwan's origin story. Using it as the ticket price allows us to remember the past while also witnessing Datianwan’s glorious new chapter."

Electrifying Opening and Match Highlights

The match began at 7:30 PM with the referee's whistle. It took only two minutes and thirty seconds for Yuzhong’s No. 3 Li Feiya to stun the audience with a spectacular long-range worldie, sparking waves of applause across the stadium.

The match is about to begin. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Despite falling behind early, the Jiulongpo team kept its composure. In the 19th minute, they earned a penalty during a counterattack, which was calmly converted by No. 10 Xiang Jun to equalize. In the 36th minute, Jiulongpo’s No. 15 Wang Xinyu scored another long-range goal to take the lead.

The most thrilling moment came in the 90th minute when Yuzhong seized a counterattack opportunity. No. 7 Li Haowen slid in to score the winning goal, triggering roaring cheers throughout Datianwan Stadium.

Tifo display at the match. (Photo/Deng Nan)

At the post-match press conference, Ran Qiang, Coach of the Yuzhong team, stated: "I think the key factor in winning is the team effort. Although we had a dream start, after we conceded two goals, we were relatively passive during the game. But all our players and staff, with the cheers of the audience, managed to score the winning goal in the end. So I think this game was a relatively exciting one among amateur football leagues."

Star Shines as Coach Praises Leadership

As a guest player for Yuzhong, Zhao Mingjian, a former member of the Chinese Men's Football Team, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a crucial free-kick that tied the game.

Players on the field fought until they cramp. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Ran praised Zhao’s influence: “His role on the field was obvious - he led by example, not only leveling the score but also inspiring the team with his leadership and relentless effort.”

Vibrant Atmosphere On and Off the Pitch

"You can see so many people coming to support, and I really love the atmosphere. I have this feeling that China will be great in football," expressed Moises, a Kenyan Football Fan. As early as 3 PM, the area around the stadium was buzzing with fans taking photos, chatting, singing, and enjoying local snacks - everyone found their own way to join the celebration.

Various team merchandise outside Datianwan Stadium. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Outside the venue, queues formed near food stalls offering hot Chongqing-style snacks, while young fans adorned their faces with national flag stickers. Live band performances and traditional “Chuanjiang Haozi” boatman songs elevated the pre-match atmosphere.

Various team merchandise outside Datianwan Stadium. (Photo/Deng Nan)

During halftime, cheerleaders from Chongqing No. 29 Middle School took to the field with an energetic performance of the popular internet dance “Da Zhan Hong Tu,” motivating the audience to join in with cheers and chants.

League Sets Out to Empower City Football Culture

The CQFL has attracted 41 teams who will compete in 178 matches over the next eight months. Using a two-phase model that includes divisional rounds and finals, the league aims to include all districts and counties of Chongqing, making it the largest city-level football league in China.

Fans arrived early outside Datianwan Stadium. (Photo/Deng Nan)

More than just a competition, the league serves as an essential platform for integrating sports with cultural tourism in Chongqing. Natural wonders like the Three Gorges, along with local delicacies such as Wushan Crisp Plums and Rongchang Braised Goose, will be promoted through the league, adding new energy to the image of "Majestic Landscape, Dynamic Chongqing."

Fans take photos to commemorate the occasion. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Chongqing in September is alight with passion for football, and the night sky shines with dreams. This electrifying evening at Datianwan proved that football is more than a sport here - it is a way of life and a symbol of cultural identity.