Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

Though the setbacks by the Chinese national team have cast a shadow over domestic football, this season's Chinese Super League (CSL) is enjoying a vibrant renaissance powered by packed stadiums and energetic tifos. 

Over one weekend, both Beijing Guoan and Dalian Yingbo attracted crowds in excess of 60,000, with Beijing's Workers' Stadium welcoming 62,291 fans for the clash against Shanghai Shenhua, a new record for the 2025 season. Dalian's Suoyuwan Stadium, too, witnessed a breathtaking turnout of 61,588 spectators for Yingbo's home fixture against Shandong Taishan, making it the second-highest attended CSL match in the 2025 season. 

These milestones, which are the second and third highest attendance in CSL history, underscore a powerful truth: China's professional league, even amid the national team's struggles, remains a force with significant social and economic resonance.

The intensity that drives high attendance, however, comes paired with risks. Electrifying rivalries and the passion they ignite can easily skirt the line into disorder if not carefully managed. This tension often prompts local authorities to adopt cautious approaches, such as segregating away supporters or limiting capacity, particularly in derby-style matches prone to flareups. 

A recent example has showed that sometimes fans can get out of line. A Tianjin Jinmen Tiger fan later identified as a man surnamed Jiang insulted Chengdu Rongcheng player Wei Shihao during a CSL match on Friday, an incident that has sparked strong condemnation across the league and beyond.

Jiang has been placed under administrative detention and banned from attending future matches in Tianjin, according to a statement jointly issued by the Tianjin police and the Tianjin Football Association on Sunday evening.

The league's governing body, the Chinese Professional Football League (CFL), issued disciplinary actions against Tianjin, including a one-match ban on the fan group section where ­Jiang led a group of fans to shout abusive insults during the match. 

Such measures are essential to maintain the high attendance momentum. By holding individuals and entire fan sections accountable, they are signaling a shift toward managed fervor rather than blunt restrictions. This approach allows for emotional expression on the pitch while fortifying public safety and sports integrity, making it a model for balancing spectacle with stewardship.

Beyond the attendance numbers, the vibrant tifos and choreographed displays add depth to fan culture. 

Dalian supporters unfurled a massive "We are Dalian" banner that stretched across the stadium, a striking expression of community identity and pride reminiscent of die-hard European fan groups. Seven of the all-time top 10 CSL match attendance figures come from Dalian in 2025, with their average attendance at 60,341.

In Beijing, almost 63,000 fans packed the revamped Workers' Stadium, using the capital's unique cultural heritage such as "Eight-armed Ne Zha City" and the gate tower to strengthen the atmosphere. 

Such spectacles foster collective emotion, intensify the matchday experience, and create memorable moments that linger beyond the 90 minutes.

The economic reverberations of packed stands extend far beyond the confines of a stadium. 

On matchdays, surrounding urban districts - from Beijing's Sanlitun to Dalian's Suoyuwan area - transform into hubs of cultural and economic activity. Vendors, restaurants, hotels, and transport services all benefit from the influx of spectators. 

Dalian is positioning itself as a "football carnival" city, with themed zones, street performances, souvenir markets, and hospitality offers designed to marry sports with tourism, commerce and culture. This mirrors trends seen in European leagues, where stadium precincts are intentionally woven into broader entertainment zones, propping up consistent local economies.

Notably, the consumption impact of the CSL is often overshadowed by media's obsession with match outcomes and transfer sagas. Yet the league's long-term value lies in its reliable attendance base. Unlike international friendlies or marquee tournaments that spike momentary interest, the CSL thrives on steady and season-long fan loyalty. 

The CSL's sports products are also resurging, a narrative intertwined with the league's growth. Young prospects like 18-year-old Wang Yudong of Zhejiang FC illustrate how emerging talents are fueling renewed public interest as he often receives applause for goals even from his opponents. Cities like Shanghai and Chengdu have been pinned for the potential to reach higher attendance due to their active fan engagement. 

Robust attendance and guided governance policies boost the league's credibility, which can help attract both domestic and international sponsorship - even amid global scrutiny of Chinese football's long-term trajectory.

Of course, the CSL's historical trajectory has been marked by volatility. Lavish spending on imported stars during the previous decade created initial blocks of excitement but also left many clubs financially unprepared, including 2020 champions Jiangsu FC's collapse in early 2021. Since then, the league's transition to prudence has accelerated. 

In January, the reconstituted CFL established a regulatory framework based on European models, featuring financial licensing, forecasting, and auditing. These reforms are the initial steps to safeguard the league's attendance and are not a fleeting phenomenon but part of a broader recalibration toward sustainable growth.

To sustain the current momentum, CSL stakeholders should deepen fan-focused and city-integrated strategies. Investing in crowd-monitoring technology and empowering fan associations to promote behavioral codes will help to productively harness passion. Strategic ticketing schemes - expanding away-fan quotas, variable pricing, and advance sales - can boost inclusivity while rewarding loyalty. Integrating stadium development with municipal planning enhances urban vibrancy and can transform matchdays into broader urban experiences.

The intangible asset in these surging crowds is cultural identity. Tifos and the collective energy of the fans point to a fandom rooted in local pride and cultural confidence. Encouraging such expressive fan art - while ensuring it remains inclusive and respectful - can enrich China's sports narrative. 

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn