Home » SPORTS TOURISM » China Transforms Its Hidden Cave Into a Groundbreaking Basketball Venue, Blending Sports Tourism Culture and Community Growth
Published on
September 3, 2025
China sports news is abuzz with the first-ever Yanhe Cave Basketball Invitational Tournament held in Fengming Cave, Cuantang village, Yanhe Tujia Autonomous County, Guizhou Province. The event captured nationwide interest by combining grassroots basketball with the region’s unique landscapes and local culture. Fans from across China flocked to this extraordinary venue, showcasing the growing potential of sports tourism and how it can intertwine with cultural heritage, community development, ethnic culture, and the local economy.
A Unique Sporting Venue Amid Karst Landscapes
Fengming Cave, situated about 17 kilometers from the county seat, was transformed into a fully functional basketball arena, offering an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators.
A standard basketball court was installed inside the caveBright lighting brought the cavern to lifeBleachers accommodated thousands, far exceeding the cave’s official capacity of 2,500–3,000
Cars from distant provinces, including Zhejiang, navigated the winding mountain roads leading to the village, emphasizing the national appeal of the event. The combination of sport and natural beauty created a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that left spectators in awe.
Highlighting Cultural Heritage and Ethnic Culture
The tournament was more than just basketball. It celebrated the traditions of the Tujia ethnic community, bringing culture to the forefront.
Traditional Tujia music and dance accompanied the matchesDecorations and ornaments highlighted the cave’s natural architectureCheering fans and commentators amplified the energy inside the cavern
By blending basketball with local cultural elements, the event created a space where visitors could enjoy sport while appreciating the region’s cultural richness.
Boosting Community Development and the Local Economy
The tournament had a noticeable impact on the village, both economically and socially.
Over 5,000 spectators attended the opening ceremony, with more than 6,000 showing up for the finalsLocal vendors saw a surge in business, benefiting from the large crowdsThe event opened up opportunities for small enterprises and community services
According to Cuantang village Party chief Wang Chunnian, the tournament has opened new paths for combining culture, sports, and tourism in ways that support sustainable community development and strengthen the local economy.
Government Support and Project Development
The success of the Fengming Cave basketball court came from a collaboration between local residents and government authorities.
Villagers started raising funds in 2023 to convert the cave into a basketball venueConstruction stalled due to limited financing but gained momentum after Yangnan village’s nearby cave court drew national attention in 2024With government approval, construction began in April 2025 and was completed by August
This project in the latest China sports news shows how community initiative backed by official support can transform natural spaces into innovative venues for sports and cultural activities.
Expanding Sports Tourism Across Guizhou
Guizhou has long promoted outdoor activities and capitalized on its karst landscapes for recreation. Counties like Ziyun and Libo have previously developed climbing sites, concerts, and other cultural and sports activities, achieving notable success. The Fengming Cave tournament builds on these efforts, offering:
A venue that combines natural beauty with sporting infrastructureA stage to showcase grassroots basketball talentOpportunities for visitors to experience both sports tourism and the local cultural heritage
The tournament positions Cuantang village as an emerging destination for cultural and sporting events, offering a blueprint for sustainable tourism initiatives in other regions.
Key Highlights of the China Sports NewsVenue: Fengming Cave, Cuantang village, Yanhe Tujia Autonomous CountyTeams: 12 grassroots basketball teams participatedAttendance: Over 5,000 at the opening, 6,000+ at the finalsCommunity Impact: Strengthened local economy and promoted community developmentCultural Integration: Showcased ethnic culture and cultural heritageTourism Boost: Attracted spectators from multiple provinces, enhancing sports tourismConclusion
The Yanhe Cave Basketball Invitational Tournament is a perfect example of how sports events can achieve more than just competition. By connecting sports tourism, cultural heritage, ethnic culture, community development, and the local economy, the tournament has become a landmark event for Cuantang village.
China sports news highlights this event as a model for sustainable growth, demonstrating the potential of combining sport, culture, and government-supported initiatives to enrich communities and attract national attention.
The success of the tournament shows the power of creativity and collaboration. It offers inspiration for other regions aiming to boost tourism, support local economies, and preserve cultural identity through innovative sporting events.
In summary, the Yanhe Cave Basketball Invitational Tournament has proven that with vision and cooperation, grassroots sports can foster cultural pride, stimulate the local economy, and turn a remote village into a must-visit destination for sports and culture enthusiasts alike.
