Hainan's 'Village VA' ignites rural passion with local banquets

The heated competition of the Hainan (Wenchang) Township Volleyball League has made Hainan "Village VA" a rural sports brand attracting national attention. Kicking off on June 15, this year's event features 32 teams battling it out in 68 matches, making it larger in scale, longer and more high-profile than previous events, according to the Hainan Daily. A series of cultural and tourism activities such as a thousand-person village banquet, an aerospace bazaar, and intangible cultural heritage performances, have created a new model of "sports + tourism + rural revitalization."

"Rural flavor" is the core characteristic that distinguishes Hainan "Village VA" from professional leagues, and a grand village banquet is a direct manifestation of this idea. In Chongxing Village, Wenchang, a lively banquet unfolded after the event opened, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the game with the aromas of authentic local cuisine. The event drew villagers and tourists alike to savor traditional flavors and experience the unique charm of rural food culture.

A spectacular seafood banquet for over 1,000 guests is held during the Hainan "Village VA" in Puqian Town, Wenchang, Hainan. /Photo provided to CGTN

A spectacular seafood banquet for over 1,000 guests is held during the Hainan "Village VA" in Puqian Town, Wenchang, Hainan. /Photo provided to CGTN

A spectacular seafood banquet for over 1,000 guests is held during the Hainan "Village VA" in Puqian Town, Wenchang, Hainan. /Photo provided to CGTN

And in Puqian Town, the lively "Village VA" festivities were matched with a spectacular seafood banquet for over 1,000 guests. Locals, fans, and tourists came together to enjoy the flavors of coastal Hainan in a vibrant celebration of sport and community spirit.