The 2025 Hubei National Top 100 Counties Basketball League promotion event is set to officially launch on August 8, marking the full commencement of this grand sports spectacle. Spanning eight cities—Xiantao, Qianjiang, Tianmen, Zaoyang, Yidu, Zhijiang, Daye, and Hanchuan—the league, themed « Meet Hubei, Dance with Basketball, » is not only a competition of county-level strength but also an innovative integration of « sports + culture and tourism. » Numerous highlights and local specialties will be showcased during the promotion event—let’s take a sneak peek.
Rooted in Local Culture, Basketball Ignites Passion
As a pinnacle showdown among Hubei’s top county economies, the league’s core appeal lies in its deep « local identity » and intense competitiveness. The eight teams, all from China’s Top 100 Counties, represent the economic vitality and urban spirit of their regions. Through a double round-robin home-and-away format, 56 matches will be played—14 rounds in total from August to December, with four venues hosting games every Saturday, ensuring basketball fever sweeps across Hubei.
The lineup emphasizes « mass participation. » Most players are local residents—factory workers, schoolteachers, small business owners, or students. To ensure quality, the league permits « high-level reinforcements, » allowing each team up to three local-born high-level athletes (excluding active professionals), with usage capped at « four quarters, eight appearances, » similar to professional leagues. This blend ensures teams retain their « hometown flavor » while maintaining competitive standards, with every steal and shot carrying the hopes of local fans.
Team selections and training are currently in full swing. Some regions are holding wide-ranging tryouts to « sift for heroes, » while others are leveraging historic local teams for rapid preparation—proving that on the court, strength speaks louder than reputation.
A Celebration for All: One Ticket, Eight Destinations
In Xiantao, don’t leave after the game—visit the hometown of gymnastics to touch Olympic gold medals, then savor steaming local dishes. In Qianjiang, pair victory cheers with spicy crayfish and a night tour of the Xinglong Water Project under the Han River’s glow. Tianmen’s « three-steamed feast » awaits, with pop-up stalls letting fans taste delicacies mid-game, while sugar sculptures make perfect souvenirs. Zaoyang’s fermented noodle soup and rice wine are irresistible.
Yidu’s Qingjiang River offers boat tickets for away fans—post-game, admire its « emerald ribbon » waters. Zhijiang’s liquor culture museum invites post-victory toasts, paired with handmade cloth shoes for a taste of local craftsmanship. Daye’s bronze motifs « climb » onto jerseys, while its museum bridges 3,000-year-old metallurgy with modern basketball fervor. Hanchuan’s signature black clay teapots become commemorative items, carrying the region’s « land of fish and rice » charm home.
From courts to scenic spots, jerseys to gourmet treats, all eight cities lay their finest offerings on this « basketball banquet. » For just 10 yuan, a game ticket unlocks eight slices of Hubei’s beauty.
This autumn, let the games guide your journey: cheer in Xiantao, feast on crayfish in Qianjiang, cruise Yidu’s rivers, and explore Daye’s bronze heritage—because this league transcends wins and losses, embodying Hubei’s « basketball + culture and tourism » celebration.
Xiantao
Xiantao is a county-level city in Hubei Province, China, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It was established during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) and is famous as the hometown of the legendary martial artist Zhang Sanfeng, the founder of Tai Chi. Today, Xiantao is also recognized for its thriving nonwoven fabric industry and as a key production hub for protective medical gear.
Qianjiang
Qianjiang is a county-level city in Hubei Province, China, known for its rich history as part of the ancient Chu culture and its role in the Three Kingdoms period. It is also famous for its natural resources, particularly salt production, which has been a key industry since the Han Dynasty. Today, Qianjiang is recognized for its wetlands and as a hub for crayfish farming, contributing significantly to China’s aquaculture industry.
Tianmen
Tianmen, located in Zhangjiajie, China, is a breathtaking natural landmark famous for its « Heaven’s Gate, » a massive natural arch formed by a collapsing mountain cave thousands of years ago. It is a sacred site in Chinese culture, often associated with Taoist legends, and is accessible via the world’s longest cable car ride or a steep stairway with 999 steps. The area gained global fame for its stunning scenery, including the nearby Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which inspired the floating mountains in *Avatar*.
Zaoyang
Zaoyang is a county-level city in Hubei Province, China, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. It is known for its role in ancient military strategies and was a significant site during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD). Today, Zaoyang is recognized for its agricultural production, particularly grain and cotton, as well as its cultural heritage.
Yidu
Yidu, an ancient city in Hubei Province, China, was the capital of the Ba State during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BCE). It later became an important cultural and political center during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Today, Yidu is known for its historical relics, including the Yidu Museum, which showcases artifacts from its rich past.
Zhijiang
Zhijiang is a county in Hunan Province, China, known for its historical and cultural significance, particularly as the site where the 1945 surrender of Japanese forces in the China theater was accepted (though the formal ceremony occurred in Nanjing). It is home to the Zhijiang Memorial, which commemorates this event and honors the sacrifices of the Chinese people during World War II. The area also features rich ethnic diversity, with a mix of Han Chinese and Dong minority cultures.
Daye
Daye is a city in Hubei Province, China, known for its rich history dating back over 3,000 years and its significance in bronze production during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. It is home to the Tonglüshan Ancient Copper Mine, one of the oldest and largest copper mining sites in China, which operated for over a millennium. Today, Daye remains an important industrial center, particularly for mining and metallurgy, while also preserving cultural heritage tied to its ancient past.
Hanchuan
Hanchuan is a county-level city in Hubei Province, China, known for its rich history dating back over 1,400 years. It is famous as the hometown of the Tang Dynasty poet Liu Zongyuan and features cultural sites like the Qujia Alley Ancient Architecture Complex. The area also played a role in ancient trade routes and retains traditional charm alongside modern development.
