Incredible Odyssey: After the Village Super League

Editor's note: Over the past decades, communication across the Taiwan Straits has fluctuated, yet cross-Straits connection has remained strong and resilient. As today's youth wield the ability to mold the future, it becomes imperative for the younger generations on both sides to get more closely acquainted. The three-episode documentary series, "Incredible Odyssey," tells three unique and exciting stories. From the majestic migration of Asian elephants in southwest Yunnan Province to the sports-driven rural revitalization in Guizhou's Rongjiang County and the awe-inspiring spiritual heart of Lhasa in Xizang, each episode reveals the remarkable stories shaping these regions.

In the summer of 2023, the Village Super League captivated Chinese social media, rekindling a fervor for football nationwide. Eager fans converged on Rongjiang, a secluded mountainous county in southwestern China's Guizhou Province, eager to watch this grassroots sports spectacle. Intrigued by its allure, Taiwan singer Liu Kuan-yu ventured to Guizhou for the first time.

At the end of 2020, Rongjiang County, nestled in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, has lifted itself out of extreme poverty. The ascent of the Village Super League has revitalized Rongjiang, catalyzing economic growth and drawing back the outflow of migrant workers. This innovative rural renaissance leverages sports as a rebranding catalyst, boosting tourism and the living standards of the locals. What's more, this resurgence facilitates familial reunions, helping left-behind children reunite with their parents.

Beyond the spectacle, the episode underscores Rongjiang's commitment to progress and the community's ardor for football. This sporting resurgence propels Rongjiang forward, instilling hope for future generations, and encouraging children to embrace the football pitch and fervently pursue their aspirations.

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