Chongqing—Wang Zemei's weekend schedule reads like a logistics puzzle. On a recent Friday afternoon, he left Hong Kong for Shenzhen. That night, he flew from Shenzhen to Chongqing. By noon the next day, he was on a high-speed train to Yunyang. The following afternoon, he headed to Tongnan. Early the next morning, he flew back to Hong Kong.

Wang Zemei, a student in Hong Kong, often returns to Chongqing on weekends to commentate on "Yuchao." (Photo/The interviewee)

This is the routine of a 24-year-old graduate student at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University(PolyU) who commentates for the Chongqing Football League, known locally as "Yuchao." Because he studies in Hong Kong, Wang flies back to Chongqing on weekends, calls matches, and returns overnight. He commented on 24 Yuchao matches last season.

On the other side of the commentary bench sits Song Yang, 43, known to fans as "Lao Song." For nearly two decades, he ran an IT company. A one-off guest stint behind the microphone changed that. He has been a semi-regular commentator ever since.

Why does an amateur league attract so many crossover enthusiasts? The answer lies in Yuchao's accessibility and its grassroots character.

A Football Commentator Who Commutes by Air

Wang grew up in Wansheng, Chongqing. As a child, watching hosts on CCTV's football programs, he decided he wanted to express his love for the game the same way. He studied broadcasting at the Communication University of Zhejiang and is now pursuing a master's degree in international communication and hosting arts in Hong Kong.

At university, he commented on matches ranging from the China University Football Association, which paid 50 yuan (about $7) each, to the CFA Futsal Super League and the Zhejiang Super League. But he always wanted to call matches back home. Last season, he was discovered by a streaming platform and began working on Yuchao. From Chengkou to Zhongxian, Fengdu, Xiushan, Jiangjin and Liangping, his voice became familiar to Chongqing fans.

Reference materials Wang Zemei prepares before commentating. (Photo/The interviewee)

Studying in Hong Kong has complicated the logistics. Wang often takes the cheapest Friday-night or Saturday-morning flight back. When holiday airfares spike, he takes the earliest high-speed train from Shenzhen. "I am now a time-management master," he said with a laugh.

He never cuts corners on preparation. He collects materials from district culture and tourism departments and football associations, and has produced video analyses of more than 20 teams. "I taught myself Photoshop, video editing and AI-generated transitions," he said. "When players and fans give it a like, I feel all the effort is worth it."

From IT Boss to Semi-Professional Commentator

Song Yang has loved football for nearly 30 years and spent years volunteering at youth training sessions. At a youth match, he filled in as a commentator. That single appearance tied him to the microphone. Last season, he made his first call on formal 11-a-side matches.

Song Yang, 43, successfully transitioned into a "Yuchao" commentator. (Photo/The interviewee)

At first, he tried to imitate CCTV commentator He Wei, known as the "football poet," and prepared fitting poems. He soon realized he needed his own rhythm. After 28 matches last season, "Yuchao commentator Lao Song" became a familiar name.

To stay neutral, Song prepares meticulously. Before each match, he calls both head coaches to learn about team form and player characteristics. On match day, he arrives four hours early, with more than 10 pages of printed and handwritten notes. "After commentating in a district, it is often 10 p.m., and I often get home after midnight," he said. "But I am happy to do it."

Song wants more Yuchao participants to be seen. In Xiushan, head coach Gao Ming coached from the sideline on crutches, a scene that spread through Song's commentary and media reports. In Qianjiang, a young fan who shouted himself hoarse in the stands became better known. Beyond commentary, Song introduces county specialties such as Xiushan tea and Fengdu spicy chicken.

"I am not great, but I am lucky," he said. "I turned what I love into work at 41. Now I just want to do a good job promoting every Yuchao match, so more football stories and local specialties can be seen."

A Bench Built on Love

Others are also active on the Yuchao stage out of love. Zhang Ke, 24, works in youth football training and refereeing and played in Yuchao last season. Zhou Yu, a host at the Nanchuan District Converged Media Center, regularly appears at both Yuchao and YuBA. Former Chinese women's national team captain Xu Yuan often appears as a guest commentator on Chongqing Broadcasting Group's Hongyan Culture Channel.

Zhang Ke played for "Yuchao" last season. (Photo/The interviewee)

"Whether running on the pitch or sitting in the stands commentating, letting more people know about Yuchao has always been my wish," Zhang said. "We all share the same wish: that Yuchao gets better and better and more people fall in love with football."

In the eyes of these commentators, Yuchao is more than a competition. It carries hometown honor, city memory and ordinary people's passion. The commentary bench may look like a supporting role, but it connects teams, players and fans. With their voices, they make amateur sound professional, turn local stories into narratives, and turn love into action. As more people join, Yuchao is growing from an amateur football competition into an event with commentators, fans, and topics- a true city IP.