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

The south-central U.S. state of Texas is reeling from severe flash floods that struck early Friday, leaving at least 82 dead and over 40 missing.

Kerr County, the hardest hit among 20 affected counties in the region, alone accounts for at least 68 of the fatalities, including 21 children, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday.

Local residents and authorities are grappling with the catastrophic aftermath, as the landscape is littered with uprooted trees, debris, and mud, all jumbled into chaotic heaps.

Metal road signs have been completely torn away, leaving no trace of their former presence. Many vehicles have been swept to the roadside by the sheer force of the floodwaters, their windows shattered and frames twisted.

The deadly floods have left many homes in the region damaged and cordoned off with caution tape.

Residents are desperately sifting through the wreckage in search of personal belongings, while cleanup crews work tirelessly to restore a sense of order to the devastated communities.

As authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, efforts are ongoing to locate missing individuals and provide assistance to those affected.

Texas flash floods claim at least 82 lives, leaving trail of destruction