(SeaPRwire) – SHENYANG, China, May 27, 2026 — The 2026 Northeast China Football League officially commenced on May 23, with opening matches simultaneously held in Shenyang (Liaoning), Changchun (Jilin), Harbin (Heilongjiang), and Hohhot (Inner Mongolia).
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.
In the inaugural match, the Shenyang team secured a 3-0 victory over the Jixi team, attracting an audience of nearly 40,000 spectators. Other opening-round fixtures included Changchun against Tongliao, Harbin versus Dalian, and Hohhot playing Yanbian.
The regular season will adopt a single round-robin format with home and away games, where each team will play seven matches, totaling 28 games. The top four teams in the league standings will advance to the knockout stage. The semifinals will consist of two legs, played at home and away, while both the final and the third-place playoff will be decided in a single match. The tournament is slated to conclude on October 5.
Capitalizing on the excitement surrounding the Northeast China Football League, the Shenyang Municipal Commerce Bureau has established 134 “second venues” across the city for public viewing of the matches. In collaboration with districts, counties, and cities within the Shenyang metropolitan area, the bureau aims to enhance intercity commercial exchanges, foster cultural and tourism cooperation, and promote resource sharing. This initiative seeks to further integrate the cultural, tourism, sports, and commercial sectors, thereby sustaining the momentum of regional coordinated development.
The enthusiasm extends beyond the football field. Throughout the “second venues” in Shenyang, interactive events, food festivals, and consumer promotions are being organized. These activities blend the passion for football with the dynamic urban atmosphere, creating immersive viewing experiences for both residents and visitors, ultimately transforming the event into a football extravaganza for everyone.
Cao Yang, Director of the Liaoning Provincial Sports Bureau, expressed that the league’s unique intellectual property will be utilized to stimulate the regional football industry, strengthen the foundations of youth football training, and pioneer a distinct approach to football revitalization in Northeast China.
To enhance the fan experience, the four participating provinces have jointly launched the “League Tour Northeast” cultural IP. This initiative features seven curated travel routes and the establishment of multiple “second venues.” Fans presenting their league ticket stubs will receive exclusive discounts and benefits at all participating establishments, including restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and bathhouses.
Currently, the Northeast China Football League has secured partnerships with over 30 prominent enterprises, such as KELME, CATL, and Geely Auto. Additionally, the league has entered into licensing agreements with numerous small and medium-sized enterprises, with sponsorship contracts amounting to nearly RMB 100 million.
Source: Organizing Committee of the 2026 Northeast China Football League
CONTACT: Contact for media only: Contact person: Ms. Liu, Tel: 86-10-63074558.
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