Village basketball league bolsters cultural, tourism consumption in Zhejiang

The just-concluded county-level qualifiers of a grassroots amateur basketball league in east China's Zhejiang Province have provided a notable boost to local summer cultural and tourism spending.

The 2025 Zhejiang Basketball Association City League, known as "ZheBA," with "Zhe" meaning Zhejiang in Chinese, kicked off on July 4, featuring 250 matches held intensively across 11 cities in Zhejiang and attracting a large number of spectators.

The basketball courts buzzed with intense action, while the surrounding areas offered equally exciting experiences. Across all competition zones, vibrant "basketball carnivals" complemented the sporting events.

Hangzhou City's approach of blending spectator zones with themed market stalls proved particularly successful in drawing crowds and stimulating local spending.

"We've recorded a visit count of 30,000 to 40,000. On the day [of the semifinals,] the sales totaled over 300,000 yuan," said Ye Lianzhong, organizer of a themed market stall.

In Hangzhou's Fuyang District, the carnival was deeply tied to the Fuchun River. Spectators could enjoy river cruises and local delicacies alongside the games.

"It really showcases Fuyang's unique charm. The fermented rice buns and Longmen gluten snacks are delicious, and the cultural creative products are beautifully designed," said a tourist.

Changxing County of Huzhou City highlighted intangible cultural heritage (ICH), allowing visitors to not only watch the games but also savor ICH-themed foods and enjoy traditional performances.

Beyond the venues, many areas rolled out special offers, including free entry to scenic spots, half-price theater tickets, and discounts on hotels and dining, all aimed at attracting spectators to explore local attractions.

"came from Wujiang District of Suzhou. Everything here is so well-organized. The 'ZheBA' games are being held, plus my love for basketball, it is perfect timing to visit," said a tourist.

As the second phase of "ZheBA" approaches, additional special initiatives will be introduced to boost cultural and tourism consumption, including the distribution of special vouchers.

A powerful winter storm swept through Toronto and surrounding areas on Thursday, causing school closures and travel delays as heavy snowfall reduced visibility and affected transportation services.

Meteorological authorities warned that heavy snowfall would greatly reduce visibility, while local transportation officials reported that several roads had been completely closed and major surface transit routes were operating at reduced speeds due to the storm.

Toronto Pearson International Airport officials announced Thursday that air traffic control measures had been implemented due to severe weather, affecting several inbound and outbound flights. Meanwhile, several local school boards in Toronto fully suspended classes, while others enacted partial closures in response to the storm.