Lijiang Revives Football Heritage, Eyes a Future as a ‘Sports City’
Table of Contents
- 1. Lijiang Revives Football Heritage, Eyes a Future as a ‘Sports City’
- 2. A Legacy Forged Over Decades
- 3. Recent Efforts to Revitalize the Sport
- 4. The Path Forward: Youth Development and Integrated Planning
- 5. The Growing Importance of Football in China
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions About Lijiang Football
August 26, 2025
Lijiang, a city in Yunnan Province renowned for its Old Town and unique culture, is actively working to reclaim its legacy as a significant center for Chinese Football. A recent gathering of football veterans and officials signaled a renewed commitment to developing the sport at all levels, from grassroots programs to potential economic benefits through ‘sports tourism’.
A Legacy Forged Over Decades
The drive to reinvigorate Football in lijiang stems from a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, when returning students first introduced the modern game. by the 1930s, schools throughout the region had established playing fields, and local teams – like the “Jinjiang Team” and “Good Friend Team” – had begun to flourish. This momentum continued through the mid-20th century, even during the Second Sino-japanese War, with matches played against visiting American Flying Tigers pilots.
The 1970s represented a golden age for Lijiang Football. The Lijiang Youth team secured a provincial championship in 1974, and a remarkable 18 players from the city went on to represent the Yunnan Provincial Football Team – effectively forming half of the provincial squad. This period witnessed significant contributions to the rise of football within Yunnan Province.
| Era | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| Early 20th Century | Introduction of modern football by returning students; establishment of school fields. |
| 1930s-1940s | Formation of local teams; matches with American pilots during WWII. |
| 1970s | Provincial youth championship; 18 players representing Yunnan Province. |
| Present | Renewed focus on youth development and ‘sports tourism’. |
Recent Efforts to Revitalize the Sport
On july 21st, a key event – the “Footprints•Memory•Inheritance” football exchange – was held at the Lijiang Sports Development Center. Former players, coaches, and administrators convened to discuss strategies for nurturing the next generation of footballers and leveraging the sport for economic growth.Attendees emphasized the importance of building the Lijiang football brand and exploring opportunities in sports-related tourism.
The symposium also saw representatives from the China Railway Group and the Yuxi yukun Football Club of the Chinese Super League extend their support, offering video messages of encouragement. Officials presented commemorative items to the Lijiang football Association, symbolizing a commitment to future collaboration.
Did You Know? Lijiang was once referred to as the “hometown of football” in the China Youth Daily and Yunnan Daily following the success of a local team in the 1950s.
The Path Forward: Youth Development and Integrated Planning
Participants at the recent gathering highlighted the need for a robust youth development program. Ideas included expanding grassroots initiatives, attracting foreign coaching expertise – as demonstrated by the Lijiang Gucheng Football School – and fostering a culture of dedication and sportsmanship. Integrating football into the broader framework of Lijiang’s tourism and cultural offerings was also a key discussion point.
yang Guoqing, former director of the Standing Committee of the Lijiang Municipal People’s Congress, emphasized that investing in football woudl contribute substantially to Lijiang’s ambition to become a “plateau sports capital” and a recognized “healthy city”. Li Qunyu, a former editor-in-chief of Lijiang daily, connected the city’s football heritage to President xi Jinping’s vision for sustainable cultural and tourism development in the region.
Pro Tip: Successful youth football programs prioritize not only technical skill but also character development, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the game.
The Growing Importance of Football in China
China has made significant investments in football in recent years, with a long-term goal of becoming a major force in the sport. According to a 2024 report by the general Management of Sport of China, there are now over 27,000 registered football pitches nationwide, and youth participation rates are steadily increasing. The Chinese Super League continues to attract international talent, and the national team is striving to qualify for future World Cups. [SportsPro Media Report]
Frequently Asked Questions About Lijiang Football
- What is Lijiang’s past connection to football? Lijiang has a long-standing football tradition dating back to the early 20th century, earning it the nickname “hometown of football” in the 1950s.
- What were the key achievements of lijiang football in the 1970s? The Lijiang Youth team won the Yunnan Provincial championship in 1974 and provided half of the players for the Yunnan Provincial Football Team.
- What is the main focus of the recent football exchange in Lijiang? the exchange aimed to revitalize Lijiang football through youth development and leveraging the sport for economic growth via tourism.
- How is Lijiang planning to develop its football infrastructure? Lijiang currently has 232 football fields and is committed to further improving facilities and training programs.
- What role does tourism play in Lijiang’s football development strategy? Lijiang aims to integrate football into its tourism offerings to attract sports enthusiasts and boost the local economy.
- Who are some notable figures involved in Lijiang football’s resurgence? Key figures include former players, coaches, and administrators who gathered at the “Footprints•Memory•Inheritance” exchange.
- What is the current state of youth football in Lijiang? There are nearly 1,000 registered youth players and over 300 coaches in the city,with teams achieving success at the provincial level.
What are your thoughts on Lijiang’s efforts to revive its football heritage? How can cities like Lijiang balance sports development with cultural preservation and tourism? share your comments below.
