GUIYANG -- Cars lined up in long queues as thousands of spectators from across China flocked to watch a unique basketball tournament held deep inside a cave in Southwest China's Guizhou province.

The inaugural Yanhe "Cave Basketball" Invitational Tournament was staged in Fengming Cave in Cuantang village, Yanhe Tujia autonomous county, Tongren city. Situated near the junction of Guizhou, Hunan, Chongqing and Hubei, the event brought together 12 grassroots teams from the four provinces.

Banners along the road to Cuantang village from Guanzhou town proclaim the event as "a must-visit destination for basketball enthusiasts." The winding mountain road leading into the village was lined with cars carrying license plates from provinces as far as Zhejiang.

From above, Cuantang village, located 17 kilometers from the county seat, is surrounded by rolling mountains. At its heart sits Fengming Cave, transformed into a tournament venue with a standard basketball court, bright lights and bleachers packed with fans.

"Go! Go!" echoed from commentators and supporters as players ran onto the court. The cave ceiling was decorated with ornaments, and the roar of the crowd filled the cavernous space.

Cuantang village Party chief Wang Chunnian said the cave's seating capacity of 2,500 to 3,000 was far exceeded during the event. More than 5,000 attended the Aug 25 opening ceremony, and over 6,000 came for the Aug 30 finals.

"The cave basketball tournament has paved a new path for integrating culture, sports, and tourism in Cuantang village," Wang said. The village, home to about 1,500 residents, has long relied on rice and corn farming, with locals seeking new opportunities for growth.

Guizhou, known for its karst landforms, has in recent years promoted outdoor mountain sports such as marathons, trail running, mountain biking and paragliding. "Karst caves are a hallmark of karst topography. Counties like Ziyun and Libo have successfully developed climbing, concerts, and other cultural and sports activities, gaining market traction," Wang said.

Inspired by those successes, Cuantang villagers began pooling funds in 2023 to convert Fengming Cave into a basketball venue. Progress stalled due to lack of financing, but momentum returned after nearby Yangnan village unveiled a 5,000-square-meter cave court in July 2024 that attracted national attention.

With new funding and government approval, construction of the Fengming Cave court began in April 2025 and was completed in August. Once a cool refuge in summer, the cave now combines natural landscapes with modern facilities.

"The temperature inside remains between 15 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius year-round, serving as a 'natural air conditioner,'" Wang said. "Coupled with its shelter from wind and rain, this cave court, comparable to modern venues, has become a must-visit destination for tourists from near and far."

Players and fans alike embraced the novelty. "It was my first time playing in a cave -- the cool temperature, enthusiastic crowd, and amazing atmosphere made it unforgettable!" said Peng Hongmiao, leader of the Hunan Yongshun team.

"I didn't miss a single match from the opening day to the finals. Watching vibrant basketball in a cave was truly an eye-opening experience," said fan Tian Xiangyu, who traveled from Hunan by bus.

To enhance the experience, organizers included interactive performances featuring Tujia ethnic dances and songs. "These performances deepened my understanding of my hometown's culture," said Chen Xiyang, a 13-year-old student.

The most direct benefit the nearby villagers got was increased income. Around 30 to 40 stalls and snack shops inside and outside the cave saw brisk business. Zhang Zheng, a vendor from a nearby village, could earn as much as 5,000 yuan (about $700) for selling popcorn, sausages and soft drinks.

"The inaugural 'Cave Basketball' tournament has brought economic benefits to the villagers," Wang said. Cuantang plans to host regular basketball events in the future, using them to link sports, culture and tourism and to create a sustainable path for locals to stay healthy, entertained and economically empowered.