Spreading the Sport

The hills of northern Guizhou are echoing with applause and cheers these days. The ‘hole baskets’, as villagers call them, are drawing crowds from across four provinces and cities thanks to an invigorating fusion of sports and tourism.

The first time I played a game in the cave, the temperature was cool and the audience was enthusiastic. The whole atmosphere was great!” – Peng Hongmiao, leader of Hunan Yongshun team.

From Fundraising to Full-blown Tournament

Inspired by a successful cave basketball event in Yangnan Village, 60 kilometers away, residents of Quantang Village raised funds and applied for government project approval. After two years of planning and construction, the Fengming Cave Basketball Court opened its doors in April 2025.

“This natural constant temperature air conditioner ” – Wang Chunnian, local village director – keeps the temperature between 15 to 25 degree Celsius year-round, making it an ideal sports and tourism hotspot.

Economic Boost for the Community

The Cavernous Games, as they’re now affectionately known, have brought an economic boom to the small village. More than 30 snack shops and stalls, like ‘Dong Bar’ by Zhang Zheng, have popped up around the court.

Dong Bar’s popcorn and grilled intestines are a big hit with spectators, with sales often exceeding 5,000 yuan a day.

“Dong Bar” shop owner, Zhang Zheng.

Did you know?

Plans for the Future

• Quantang Village plans to host basketball events regularly to drive integrated development of sports, culture, and tourism.
• The village aims to use the tournament to increase income for its residents and make it a long-term economic boost.

As the Cavernous Games continue to grow in popularity, Guizhou’s unique sports tourists attraction is bound to put this humble village on the map as a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike.