Changzhou Sets Stage for 2026 ‘Su Chao’ Kickoff with Massive Tourism Incentives
The 2026 Jiangsu Urban Football League, widely known as “Su Chao,” is set to return with a high-voltage opening match on April 11, 2026. The season opener will see Changzhou host Nantong at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Center, a fixture that has already generated immense anticipation among local football fans.
To capitalize on the sporting fever, Changzhou’s culture and tourism departments have launched an aggressive “Sports + Tourism” strategy. By integrating the match with city-wide perks, officials aim to transform the 90-minute fixture into a comprehensive urban festival, driving economic growth through a blend of athletic passion and leisure travel.
The ‘Changbao 666’ Experience
Central to the city’s promotional push is the “Changbao 666” exclusive welfare package, running from April 10 to April 30, 2026. Under this initiative, any visitor or resident who spends 666 RMB at any one of 14 designated major attractions or commercial hubs can unlock exclusive benefits at the other 13 locations. The participating venues include the China Dinosaur Park, Tianmu Lake, Yancheng Chunqiu, Global Animation Wonderland, Oriental Salt Lake City, Shunshan Town, Tianning Temple, Hongmei Park, MixC, Jiangnan Global Harbor, the Cultural Square, Qingguo Lane, Changqing Li, and Xingyao City.
Exclusive Perks for Fans and Visitors
The city has tailored specific rewards for those attending the opening clash on April 11. For match-goers, the perks are significant:
- China Dinosaur Park: From April 11 to April 12, fans presenting a valid 2026 Su Chao match ticket (excluding screenshots) and identification can purchase full-price or discounted tickets at 30% off. This offer is limited to one dinosaur park ticket per match ticket.
- Yancheng Chunqiu Amusement Park: Between April 11 and April 19, holders of match tickets—including electronic stubs or winning records—can secure tickets for 66 RMB. Accompanying guests (up to three people) can purchase tickets for 99 RMB.
- Maoshan Oriental Salt Lake City: From April 9 to April 12, fans with a match ticket and ID can enjoy 30% off admission.
Changzhou is also extending a warm welcome to the visiting Nantong contingent. On April 11 and 12, Nantong citizens will receive free admission to the Tianmu Lake scenic area (including the Landscape Garden and Nanshan Bamboo Sea) and the Taihu Bay Camping Valley. Nantong residents can enjoy free access to the World Port Town at Jiangnan Global Harbor (excluding the Ferris wheel), and those visiting Qingguo Lane will receive 20 RMB no-threshold consumption vouchers.
Gamifying the Fan Experience
In a creative crossover between match results and tourism, Maoshan Forest World has introduced a performance-based discount from April 12 to April 19. The level of discount for visitors will be tied directly to the Changzhou team’s success: a single goal by the home team will trigger a 40% discount, with further “stacked” discounts available if the team scores multiple goals.
This integrated approach follows a successful trend of using “Su Chao” to boost the city’s profile. Previous seasons saw the league drive massive social media engagement, including viral campaigns that strengthened Changzhou’s city branding and significantly increased tourist arrivals and revenue at key scenic spots.
