The Beijing stop of the Village Super League (VSL) Belt and Road Invitational, which is taking place alongside a local football festival, got underway at the Fengtai Sports Center on Saturday.

The Village Super League, which was originally organized by local players from Rongjiang County in southwest China's Guizhou Province, has gained great popularity and become a viral phenomenon on social media in recent years.

This weekend's event marks the first time for VSL teams to play in the Chinese capital, with sides from Beijing, Zibo and Rongjiang County competing on the southwest side of the Chinese capital.

Saturday's opening ceremony, which featured performers dressed in traditional outfits while showcasing folk songs and traditional dances, was set to be followed by the group stage, with the final scheduled for Sunday night.