Underground hoops spark rural vitalization

The Yangnan example encouraged nearby villages. Cuantang's large cave spaces and its location 17 kilometers from the county seat give it an edge in attracting visitors.

"The venues inside the caves are sheltered from the weather and are quiet and suitable for community activities," Wang said. "People can exercise, cool off, and meet others. Villagers raised money to build this site."

Officials said community initiatives, together with county-led environmental and geological assessments, have spurred a wave of cave development. Sites are being positioned as tourist draws and as spaces for sports and events.

"Cave basketball is not a single event," said Wang Tao, Yanhe's deputy county head. "It is an experiment in combining sports with cultural tourism. We are exploring all possibilities."

Yanhe is a remote county with limited industry, according to Wang Tao. For years, the local government has sought ways to boost jobs and incomes.

New businesses are following the visitors. Some villagers have opened cave restaurants and bars. Others are aging sorghum liquor in caves.

In Shihua village, Zhang Liao stores his home-brewed baijiu underground. Local media reported that cave-aged liquor can sell for more than double the price of comparable brands.

Yanhe officials said they intend to focus on caves within a 20-minute drive of the county seat that have good transport access. Those sites will undergo safety inspections and environmental reviews before development proceeds.

After the cave events went viral, several companies and sports platforms approached local authorities. The deputy county head said any market-driven projects will move forward only after assessments.

"Cave basketball gave us a good start, but much work remains to create distinct, sustainable offerings that keep visitors coming back," he said.

Planners are also considering a regional basketball alliance to link cities across the Wuling Mountain area, where several provinces meet. Officials said a coordinated approach could help the region develop together and support small communities that lack industry.

"It's important that we use our cave resources to follow a development path that fits us, rather than copying tourism trends," Wang Tao said.