Underground hoops spark rural vitalization

Fengming Cave, on the banks of the Wujiang River, is ringed by mountains and naturally cool in summer. Villagers said the interior temperature stays around 10 to 20 C even when outside temperatures approach 40.

Before descending into the cave's inner area, visitors pass through a 64-by-36-meter arena. It includes a standard court and terraced seating for more than 2,000 people. Behind that is a scenic section with stalactites and flowstone formations. The complex also hosts a bar and lounge, a central viewing hall, and an exploration hall.

According to legend, the cave's passages form a Y shape, and the trickle of water sometimes sounds like a phoenix's call, a tale that gave Fengming its name, meaning "sound of the phoenix".

Playing basketball in a cave has brought unprecedented foot traffic, turning the cave into a lucrative attraction.

"Before, our village relied mainly on rice and corn farming and a small peach and pear industry," said Wang Chunnian, Cuantang's Party secretary. "We had five caves, and people mainly used them to cool off. Now, events bring steady visitors and new business."

Wang said villagers who sell snacks and drinks can earn 1,000 to 2,000 yuan ($140-$280) daily on busy days.

The idea originated in Yangnan, another village in Yanhe county. In early 2024, residents converted a large cave into an arena holding more than 4,000 people. Organizers said the project boosted local incomes and put Yanhe on the social media map. Since August 2024, the county has hosted roughly 200 basketball events involving more than 1,000 teams.