Grassroots football league sparks tourism, economic boom in Jiangsu

The growing popularity of the Jiangsu Football City League, a grassroots regional competition in east China's Jiangsu Province, is driving notable economic growth in local dining and tourism industries.

Dubbed the "Su Super League" and celebrated as China's most watched summer football league, the competition brought together 13 teams from Jiangsu Province for matches running from May till November.

With over 180,000 spectators attending matches so far, the tournament has transformed into a powerful economic driver.

In Lianyungang's scenic spot of Yanhe Alley, seafood barbecue restaurants are operating at full capacity at night, with many football fans arriving to explore the city views and culinary offerings.

"We toured Liandao Island and Mount Huaguoshan during the day, then came straight to Yanhe Alley for seafood and barbecue at night," shared one tourist.

Meanwhile, local restaurants are experiencing a notable surge in businesses.

"We're now serving about 100 tables [of guests] daily. There is an increased flow of people, as previously we normally had 30 to 40 tables each day," said Geng Maoran, manager of a seafood restaurant.

The football league has birthed a vibrant outdoor dining culture, blending football screenings with lively summer night festivities.

"Since the 'Su Super League' began, our street has become much more crowded, especially on weekends. There is a significant increase in visitors," said Zhang Lei, a local restaurant owner.

Grassroots football league sparks tourism, economic boom in Jiangsu

China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the "law of the jungle," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday.

During the call, Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in Iran, saying the recent unrest was incited by external forces and that the situation has now returned to stability.

Saying that Iran has made preparations to respond to external interference while keeping the door wide open to dialog, Araghchi expressed hope that China would play a greater role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China consistently upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the "law of the jungle."

He said that the Chinese side believes the Iranian government and people will stay united, overcome difficulties, maintain national stability, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

Wang also called on all parties to cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialog, adding that China is willing to play a constructive role in this regard.

Chinese, Iranian FMs have phone conversation