Chongqing - Unlike “Suchao” and other city-level amateur leagues across China, the “Yuchao” football league is standing out not only for its passion on the pitch but also for transforming stadiums into vibrant showcases of Chongqing’s local culture and artistic flair.
In western China’s largest municipality, football is merging with culture, film, and tourism to strengthen regional identity and drive growth, as seen at Yunyang County’s October 12 home opener featuring a 32-minute show celebrating its history and craftsmanship.
The performance began with Zhang Fei Arrives, a martial arts scene inspired by the Three Kingdoms legend, followed by dances, depicting Yunyang's ancient culture and its handmade noodle industry.
"This was more than a football game; it was a cultural journey," said director Xiong Zhu, who described the production as a showcase of Yunyang's deep roots and growing tourism.
A creative opening ceremony marked Dazu District’s first home match. (Photo/Dazu District)
In Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, dragon and lion dances and Miao ethnic songs energized the crowd. Dazu District combined sports with heritage through a lighting show featuring the Thousand-Hand Guanyin from the Dazu Rock Carvings- Chongqing's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Fengdu County, local performances brought ancient folk tales to the football field.
Fengdu's parade float “Yuchao Divine Bird” made a debut. (Photo/Fengdu County)
In Liangping District, local fans created a 4-minute-33-second microfilm titled Teenager Chasing the Wind, set to Leslie Cheung’s 1986 classic, depicting everyday workers—from delivery riders to mechanics and cashiers—finding joy and connection through football.
The microfilm titled Teenager Chasing the Wind. (Graphic/Liangping District)
"We wanted to salute grassroots passion and promote Liangping in our own style," said Li Xiaozhu, co-creator of the project. The idea emerged over a casual barbecue, he recalled, and local media helped bring it to life.
The short film gained 6,300 likes and 7,000 shares online, with viewers praising its authenticity. "These vivid individuals are the soul of football," said Li.
Li Ji, a film critic at Chongqing College of Mobile Communication, said the work struck a chord- football and filmmaking both thrive on spirit and joy. Zhang Xiaoqiang, associate dean at Chongqing University, added that the film's use of nostalgic Hong Kong music and Shaolin Soccer references created an emotional echo between content and form.
Liangping's team is already scripting a second microfilm, adapted from a real fan's story and continuing the retro style.
Experts say Yuchao shows how sports events can evolve into powerful cultural and tourism brands. Huang Xiaoling, dean at Southwest University's College of Physical Education, said that integrating stadiums and city landmarks can turn football into a moving advertisement for urban branding.
Luo Zibo, chief expert at the China Tourism Academy's Yangtze River base, noted that "sports + culture and tourism" converts event traffic into economic growth." He urged planners to avoid repetitive models and tailor development to local strengths.
Mu Hong, professor of Tourism Management at Chongqing University of Technology, said Yuchao demonstrates strong cultural creativity. "Each district should focus on its most distinctive assets," Mu advised. "Find your unique resource, keep working until it produces results."
As Yuchao continues to grow, its blend of football, cultural heritage, and creative storytelling is offering a new model for community participation and regional revitalization in western China.