Soccer fever spurs tourism, consumption boom in Taizhou

A home match in Taizhou attracts a large number of visitors. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Taizhou is experiencing a surge in cultural and tourism consumption, thanks to the popularity of the Jiangsu Football City League. To capitalize on the event's momentum, the city launched a series of initiatives including free admission and discounts at scenic spots, attracting large numbers of visitors.

From July 18 to 20, nearly 60,000 tourists visited the Fengcheng River Scenic Area, marking a 13.37 percent increase from the previous period. On July 19 alone, 13 ticketed attractions welcomed over 5,000 visitors, a 70.8 percent year-on-year jump. The Taizhou Museum, often the first stop for out-of-town visitors, received 2,519 guests that day, showing a clear rise compared to the previous week.

Beyond scenic sites, local malls and shopping districts also saw a significant uptick in activity, offering exclusive deals and thoughtful services for traveling fans. On July 19, major commercial hubs, complexes, and night markets across the city drew more than 500,000 visitors, up 40 percent from normal levels, with overall revenue climbing 25 percent year-on-year.

A standout feature of the event, the soccer market at Taizhou Sports Park, attracted enthusiastic crowds and generated over 80,000 yuan ($11,186) in sales within just three hours. This lively market has become a vivid testament to the city's thriving sports-driven economy.