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Yangzhou hosted a home match against Suzhou in the first round of the 2026 Jiangsu Football City League, or Suchao, on April 11, igniting passion on the pitch.
Team Yangzhou faces off against Team Suzhou at the 2026 Suchao opener on April 11. [Photo/IC]
Beyond the pitches, the match triggered a surge in spring tourism across the city, thanks to various incentives under the "Follow Suchao to Yangzhou" campaign.
Before the match, Yangzhou rolled out multiple benefits, spanning scenic areas, accommodation, dining, and shopping. Ticket holders of the Yangzhou home games can enjoy free daytime entry to all pay-to-visit state-owned scenic spots.
A young man in traditional Chinese clothing carries flowers through the blooming viburnum at Geyuan Garden. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]
Scenic spots also launched an array of special activities. Geyuan Garden kicked off its second viburnum and red maple season on April 11, offering unique springtime scenery. Heyuan Garden also saw high visitor turnout, with its white Chinese snowball viburnum complementing the late-Qing (1644-1911) architecture.
That same day, Yangzhou Zhuyuwan Zoo held a party celebrating the first birthday of a baby giraffe, featuring a fun football kicking activity for children.
Taking advantage of the football league's popularity, Yangzhou has promoted the integration of sports, culture, and tourism, turning game-day visitors into longer-stay travelers and giving its spring tourism season a fresh boost.
The Slender West Lake scenic area is bustling on the first weekend as Yangzhou hosts a Suchao match. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]
