The Football Hometown of Lijiang

Lijiang, located in Yunnan Province, is renowned for its long-standing football tradition and active sports industry, earning it the nickname “Football Hometown” (足球之乡). The city’s football history can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty, when the Naxi poet Mu Gong (木公) mentioned the ancient game of Cuju (蹴鞠) in his poetry. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, local residents engaged in football exchanges with the American military stationed in Lijiang. By the Republic of China era, football teams began to form, and standardized football fields were built.

Development of Football in Lijiang

Early Beginnings and Football Culture

During the Ming Dynasty, Naxi poet Mu Gong wrote poetry referencing Cuju, an ancient Chinese football game, which highlights the historical importance of football in Lijiang.

World War II: During the Sino-Japanese War, the American military stationed in Bai Sha Airport (白沙机场) played football with local residents, leading to the popular saying, “American big boots can’t match our barefoot feet.”

Republic of China Era: By the Republic of China period, Lijiang started building standardized football fields, and local football teams like the Provincial Lijiang Middle School “Old Hen Team” (省立丽江中学“老母鸡队”) played regularly.

Post-1949 Football Development

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, football became more widespread, with nearly half of the communes in Lijiang forming village football teams in the 1970s.

Reform and Opening-up: The sport saw a diversification in its development, with participation from government bodies, schools, enterprises, and local communities.

21st Century: Lijiang accelerated football field construction, and by 2024, there were 276 football fields, with a ratio of 2.2 fields per 10,000 people. The city also saw the development of a youth football league, international tournaments, and a strong football infrastructure, training nearly 100 professional players.

The Golden Era of Professional Football (2004-2018)

Establishment of Professional Clubs

2004: The Lijiang Dongba Football Club (丽江东巴足球俱乐部) was founded, marking the beginning of professional football in Lijiang. In its first year, the club achieved third place in the China Football League Two (全国足球乙级联赛).

2012: The Lijiang Jiayunhao Football Club (丽江嘉云昊足球俱乐部) was founded, becoming the second professional team from Lijiang to compete in the China Football League Two.

2016: Lijiang Flying Tigers Football Club (丽江飞虎足球俱乐部) won the League Two Championship and advanced to League One, marking the first professional football league title in Yunnan’s football history. The team later changed its name to Yunnan Flying Tigers Football Club (云南飞虎足球俱乐部).

2018: Due to financial difficulties, the Yunnan Flying Tigers was disbanded.

Key Moments in Lijiang Football

The Lijiang Dongba FC was hailed as “Yunnan’s football spark” and participated in the China Football League Two for three seasons. Despite facing challenges, it played an essential role in popularizing football in the region.

Lijiang Jiayunhao FC became the second team in Lijiang to participate in League Two, further establishing the city’s position in Chinese football.

Lijiang Flying Tigers reached the League One level in 2016 but ultimately folded due to financial constraints.

Origin of Lijiang’s Football History

Traditional Games and Early Influences

Naxi grass-ball (纳西草球) and other traditional games played by the Naxi people hold an important place in Lijiang’s football culture. In Lijiang, children would often play with a ball made from the leaves of the “Jing Kui” (锦葵) plant, tied together with string. Other local games like “Pig Bladder Ball” (猪尿泡) and “Thread Ball” (线球) were played, blending elements of ancient Cuju and modern football.

Introduction of Modern Football

In the early 20th century, foreign scholars and missionaries introduced modern football to Lijiang. Innovations in leather-making techniques by local craftsmen, such as Liu Pushan (刘璞山), enabled the production of the first footballs in Lijiang. This played a significant role in spreading football in the region, with Lijiang Middle School purchasing its first football from Shanghai.

Flourishing Football in the 1930s-1940s

Between 1930 and 1940, football in Lijiang flourished. Various schools, such as Lijiang Middle School, National Normal School, and Shuhe Primary School (束河完小), built football fields and participated in local football competitions. Lijiang’s football team made a notable appearance in the 1930 Provincial Student Games, winning several awards.

The Professionalization of Football in Lijiang

Local Professionalization Efforts

1995: The formation of the Yunnan Tianyuan Football Team (云南天元队) marked the beginning of football professionalization in Yunnan. This was the province’s first professional football club and paved the way for the future of football in Lijiang.

New Era for Lijiang Football

2004: The establishment of Lijiang Dongba Football Club marked the full-scale professionalization of football in Lijiang. Despite facing setbacks, the club achieved success in nurturing local players and promoting the sport.

Training and Nurturing Young Talent

Lijiang Football School provides high-quality football training for youth players, many of whom have gone on to play professionally.

Yuanheng Football Club (源亨足球俱乐部), in just a few years, has produced nearly 2,000 football talents, with 49 players earning the National First-Level Athlete title.

The Future of Lijiang Football

Developing Future Talent

In 2025, Lijiang plans to reorganize its League Two team, focusing on cultivating local talent through youth training programs. The goal is to continue the city’s football legacy and create new pathways for homegrown players to succeed in professional football.

Integration of Football with Local Culture

Events such as the Tianyu Liufang Cup (天雨流芳杯) will continue to foster the integration of football with ethnic culture, promoting the development of both the sports industry and tourism in the region.

Lijiang’s football history is rich with tradition, passion, and professional achievements. From its early origins in ancient games to the formation of professional clubs, Lijiang has played a vital role in the development of football in Yunnan Province. As the city looks towards the future, the focus on nurturing local talent and integrating football with cultural events will ensure the sport continues to thrive for generations to come.