“Jiangsu Super League” Ignites Weekend Economy in Lianyungang with 444,000 Tourists during Matches

From: Lianyungang Daily Updated: 2025-06-30 09:11

The “Jiangsu Super League” (JSL) clash between Lianyungang and Huai’an on the evening of June 28th not only electrified the post-rain city but also injected vitality into its cultural tourism sector. According to Lianyungang’s Smart Cultural Tourism Platform, during the June 27-28 JSL home matches; the city received 444,000 tourists—marking a 7.5% increase from the previous week and a 32.4% year-on-year surge. Among them, non-local tourists grew by 18.7%, with Huai’an visitors skyrocketing by 650.6%. Despite thunderstorms, 16 major 4A-level and above scenic spots saw a 12.71% rise in visitor numbers compared to the prior week. UnionPay cultural and tourism consumption during match days reached RMB 134 million, up 8.5% from the same period last week.

On the morning of June 29th, mist-shrouded Huaguo Mountain Scenic Area echoed with Huai’an dialects. Rain failed to dampen enthusiasm as free entry tickets lured Huai’an tourists like Mr. Xue, who queued with his family, “We’ve long wanted to visit Sun Wukong’s hometown. The free tickets and JSL matches made this trip perfect—even rainy Huaguo Mountain is enchanting!” Scenic area staff reported a 47.83% surge in Huai’an visitors on June 28th compared to the previous Saturday.

At Lian Island, Huai’an residents in raincoats strolled the sandy shores, capturing rain-drenched sea views on their phones. Others gathered under sunshades, savoring the ocean's rhythm. The island’s June 28th visitor count rose 25% from June 14th, with free entry policies proving a powerful catalyst for cross-city tourism.

On match night, large screens at street-side seafood restaurants along Yanhe Lane simultaneously broadcast the thrilling clashes of the Jiangsu Super League (JSL), drawing crowds of fans to enjoy dishes and cheer. “Goal!” erupted a restaurant as Lianyungang scored. This JSL charm permeated major venues citywide from the Garden Expo Park and Haizhou Bay Resort to Donghai Crystal City and Lianyungang Old Street, all offering live screenings. Under starry skies, locals and tourists alike relished barbecue and beer while watching the game.

The momentum generated by the tournament continued to build, with many Huai’an football fans choosing to stay in Lianyungang after the match on the evening of June 28th. Hotels in our city, particularly those near Lianyungang Sports Center, experienced a surge in occupancy rates. A manager at Chunhuiyuan Hotel (Huaguo Mountain University Town branch) noted most guests were provincial tourists, primarily from Huai’an. Gefei Hotel (Wanda Plaza Huaguo Mountain Food Waterfront branch) reported full occupancy, “Nearby hotels were packed. Many guests checked out on the 29th to visit Huaguo Mountain and Yuwan Scenic Area before returning home.”