Hainan’s rural heart is pulsing with new energy thanks to "Village VA," a homegrown sports brand turning local villages into vibrant hubs of community and competition.
The highlight is the Hainan (Wenchang) Township Volleyball League, which kicked off on June 15 with a record 32 teams battling across 68 matches. This year’s league is bigger and more high-profile than ever, drawing crowds from across the Chinese mainland and capturing national attention.
But sports are just the beginning. Villages have staged 1,000-person banquets featuring local flavors, hosted an aerospace bazaar showcasing the island’s cutting-edge ties to the space industry, and presented intangible cultural heritage performances that celebrate traditional music, dance and crafts.
By fusing high-energy matches with immersive cultural and tourism experiences, "Village VA" is pioneering a new model of sports + tourism + rural revitalization. Local businesses are seeing a boost, young travelers and digital nomads are discovering authentic Hainan, and communities are preserving their heritage while opening to the world.
From entrepreneurs and sustainability champions to sports fans and adventure seekers, "Village VA" offers a fresh blueprint for turning grassroots passion into lasting impact. As Hainan’s villages light up with competition and celebration, the league shows how creativity and community can drive real-world change.
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Hainan's 'Village VA' ignites rural passion with local banquets
cgtn.com
