Resilience in the Face of Disaster: Rongjiang's Journey to Recovery

Strategic Insights -

Rongjiang County in Guizhou Province, China, was severely affected by rain-triggered floods on June 24 and 28, which submerged two-thirds of the main urban areas and destroyed almost all infrastructures, affecting tens of thousands of people. Just a month later, the Village Super League, or Cun Chao, resumed its soccer games, attracting tens of thousands of audience, a testament to the county's resilience and determination to rebuild and recover.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cun Chao resumed its soccer games on July 26, just a month after the devastating floods, with the theme "Gratitude, Rise Up, Guizhou's Super Power," honoring the rescue teams and donors who participated in the flood relief efforts.
  • The event drew Italian soccer star Roberto Baggio and Brazilian soccer star Roberto Carlos, who performed on the pitch and lit a torch, and were appointed as honorary head coach and advisor, respectively.
  • Over 96% of restaurants and hotels surrounding the Cun Chao stadium have reopened, with 96% of the commercial complex's outlets resuming business, thanks to government compensation and support.
  • The county's determination to rebuild and revive was fueled by the help of disaster-relief workers from around the country and the resilience of its 385,000 people.
  • The national finals of Cun Chao will begin on August 9, also serving as a crucial selection event for Chinese grassroots teams aiming to participate in the 2028 "Cun Chao World Cup."
  • Rural areas, like Rongjiang, can leverage their advantages in sports and culture to develop the tourism industry, gain economic returns, and improve business environments, as suggested by Liu Qingle, deputy director of the Department of Public Administration at the Central University of Finance and Economics.

Statistics:

  • Over 62% of the county's commercial complex outlets have resuming business (implying 96%).
  • 2,500 cups of milk tea were given away by the store at the stadium on July 26 and 27, and another 300 cups were distributed for volunteers, players, and staff.
  • The brand-new green field and the stadium show no traces of the disaster, with over 96% of the commercial complex's outlets resuming business.
  • Cun Chao will begin its national finals on August 9, serving as a crucial selection event for Chinese grassroots teams aiming to participate in the 2028 "Cun Chao World Cup."

Sources:

  • [www.eguizhou.gov.cn/2025-07/28/c_1112934.htm]
  • The People's Republic of China (Guizhou Province)