Chefs prepare hot-and-sour rice noodles for spectators during the Village Super League in Rongjiang county, Guizhou province on Aug 3. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

"It's good to eat hot-and-sour rice noodles while watching soccer games!" This sentiment was echoed by many on Aug 3 during the Village Super League, a grassroots soccer tournament held in Rongjiang county, Guizhou province.

The specialty hot-and-sour noodles from Wangcang county, Guangyuan, Sichuan province became an instant hit at the tournament.

On the day, chefs prepared the dish on-site using fresh ingredients. The aroma of the boiling, spicy and tangy soup filled the air, making mouths water. Many local families brought their children to savor the delicious feast.

A customer buys vacuum-packed hot-and-sour noodles during the Village Super League in Rongjiang county, Guizhou province on Aug 3. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

Hot-and-sour noodles, a traditional Sichuan specialty, are known for their spicy, fresh flavor without being greasy. Wangcang's version, made from sweet potato starch, is a pure natural green food. The base soup is crafted from a variety of Chinese medicinal herbs and spices, making it appetizing and gentle on the stomach. The dish is a favorite among locals and serves as a nostalgic balm for those suffering from homesickness, while also earning praise from tourists.

The competition featured a special opening parade, local cultural performances, promotions of cultural and tourism resources and displays and sales of Wangcang food and specialty products.

Players in action during the Village Super League in Rongjiang county, Guizhou province on Aug 3. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

"Through our competitive spirit and cultural presentations, we extend an invitation to local people to come to Wangcang, where they can walk on the ancient post road, admire the red leaves and taste good tea and food," said Zhang Weishan, captain of the Wangcang team.

Although the Wangcang team lost the games they played, it did not dampen their enthusiasm for the sport or their pride in their hometown's culinary culture.

"The Village Super League makes us love football and our hometown even more," one player said.