On September 22, 2026, the 13th edition of the “Lihé Cup” Wujin District Xihu Street Basketball Invitational concluded in the Xitai Lake area, marking another milestone in a tradition that has transformed local sports culture. The event drew 300,000 total viewers, including over 90,000 in-person attendees and 208,000 online spectators, with 4,000 fans averaging per game. The tournament saw 12 teams compete, culminating in a victory for Lingyue Equipment, while also showcasing the growing influence of local enterprises and community engagement.
Local Teams Rise as “Lihé Cup” Evolves Beyond Competition
The 2026 edition featured 12 teams, with Lingyue Equipment claiming the championship, followed by Wanshun Plastics in second place and Jintan Anpu and Kangye Municipal Services tying for third. The tournament’s growth reflects its evolution from a simple basketball event to a broader cultural phenomenon. The “Lihé Cup” has linked Xitai Lake’s local enterprises, sports culture, and community life. The event’s 13-year history has solidified its status as a city landmark, with fans returning annually to support their teams.
Community Bonds Strengthen Through Shared Passion
The atmosphere in the stands highlighted the event’s unifying effect, with neighbors bonding over shared excitement.
Keppu Power’s rise highlighted the tournament’s role in nurturing grassroots basketball. The team’s parent company, Keppu Power Machinery Co., Ltd., established a dedicated basketball gym in 2012, which has hosted Lihé Cup games during inclement weather. The company’s commitment to the event includes technical support, such as live-streaming infrastructure, further cementing its partnership with the tournament.
Corporate Sponsorship Amplifies Event Impact
Local businesses have become integral to the Lihé Cup’s ecosystem, with sponsors like Aiskon Biopharma, Fulong Holdings, Ruifeng Rubber & Plastics, Fuxing Electrical, and Taimei Rui contributing to the event’s scale.
These collaborations extended beyond traditional sponsorships. The tournament featured a “sports and health market,” where vendors like Qifeng Water Sports Club and Jiu Tian Guanghe offered samples and demonstrations. Qifeng’s marketing manager, Liu Jiali, highlighted the event’s role in driving foot traffic to their location at Xitai Lake International Camping Island. Meanwhile, Jiu Tian Guanghe person in charge, Li Yuan, emphasized how the tournament provided a platform to promote regional specialties, stating, “The event has helped us reach a wider audience and convert spectators into customers.”
Economic Boost from “Game Day” Traffic
The Lihé Cup’s influence extended beyond the court, injecting vitality into the local economy. During the tournament, nearby restaurants reported full capacity, while street food vendors and barbecue stalls saw a surge in sales. The game-day crowds directly boosted revenue for catering and leisure consumption. The event’s ability to attract large crowds demonstrated its potential as a catalyst for commercial activity, aligning with efforts to integrate sports, culture, and tourism.
13 Years of Growth, 300,000 Fans, and a Brighter Future
The Lihé Cup’s 13-year journey reflects its deepening roots. From its inception as a modest local tournament to its current status as a city landmark, the event has consistently grown in scope and impact. Its ability to unite businesses, residents, and athletes shows it is more than a sports event—it reflects the community spirit.
The 2026 season stands as a milestone, proving that a simple game of basketball can ignite passion, foster connections, and fuel progress.
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