The screenboard shows the attendance of the match between Nanjing and Suzhou in the Jiangsu City Football League at 60,396. Photo: Lu Wenao/GT

A highly anticipated Jiangsu City Football League match between Nanjing and Suzhou on Saturday in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province set a new record in football attendance at 60,396, though the match ended in a scoreless draw.

The rivalry between Nanjing and Suzhou in this football match is not only about sports but also reflects the competition and cooperation between the two cities in various sectors. 

The Nanjing-Suzhou match drew widespread attention as the province's name Jiangsu is derived from the combination of the first characters of Jiangning (ancient name for Nanjing) and Suzhou. 

Many fans dubbed Saturday's game as a battle to decide "who is No.1 in Jiangsu."

In terms of economic strength, Suzhou ranked first in Jiangsu Province in 2024 with a GDP of 2.67 trillion yuan, while Nanjing, on the other hand, also has a significant economic scale, ranking second in the province.

But inside the stadium, however, it's a friendly atmosphere as the Nanjing fans even lifted giant banners on the stand saying "Welcome Suzhou" ahead of the start of the match.

The Nanjing-Suzhou match's attendance number is just about 800 short of the Chinese Super League season-high of 61,185, set during Dalian Yingbo's home game against Beijing Guoan in May.

The Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Nanjing previously held the national record of highest attendance of a domestic football match at 65,769, when then Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Sainty hosted Guangzhou Evergrande in 2012.

The highest football attendance in China overall was recorded during a Chinese national team home match against Australia in March 2025, with 70,588 spectators.

The amateur league, nicknamed Suchao, features 13 teams representing each city in East China's Jiangsu Province, dominated social media discussion for weeks. This league has not only become a platform for football enthusiasts to showcase their skills but also a symbol of civic pride.

The intense atmosphere of the Suchao has boosted local cultural tourism and consumption, as shopping malls and tourist areas offer discounts to Suchao match ticket holders.