On April 18, 2026, Hong Kong-born actor He Rundong arrived in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, to support the local football team in the 2026 “Su Chao” league match against Nanjing. Known for his portrayal of Xiang Yu, the Western Chu Hegemon, in the 2005 television series “Chu Han Zhengxiong,” He Rundong wore traditional armor and rode a replica ancient war chariot while holding a long spear, circling the pitch before kickoff. His appearance was part of a cultural initiative by Suqian authorities to highlight the city’s historical identity as the birthplace of Xiang Yu.
The event drew significant attention from local residents and football fans, many of whom greeted him with chants of “Welcome home,” referencing his ancestral ties to the region. He Rundong interacted with supporters, signing autographs and posing for photos before taking his seat in the stands. The match, held at Suqian Dream Blue·Olympic Sports Center, marked the second week of the 2026 “Su Chao” season.
According to verified reports, He Rundong’s participation was coordinated with Suqian’s cultural and tourism bureau to promote regional heritage through sports entertainment. The actor expressed honor at being invited, stating he hoped to bring joy to fans through his involvement. No official match result or player performance details from the game were included in the verified sources consulted for this report.
He Rundong, born on May 30, 1974, in Hong Kong, has maintained an active career in film and television across Asia, with notable roles in historical dramas. His depiction of Xiang Yu remains one of his most recognized performances, particularly in mainland China where the historical figure holds cultural significance.
The “Su Chao” league, formally known as the Jiangsu Provincial Football City League, features clubs from cities across Jiangsu Province. Suqian FC, representing the host city, entered the 2026 season as a developing side with growing local support. Nanjing-based teams have historically been strong contenders in the league.
Prior to the match, Suqian’s municipal government had installed thematic decorations around the Olympic Sports Center, including murals and sculptures inspired by the Chu-Han Contention period. These visual elements were intended to reinforce the city’s connection to Xiang Yu and enhance the matchday atmosphere for attendees.
Footage shared by local media showed He Rundong waving to crowds from the chariot, dressed in Han-style armor with a red plume helmet and leather greaves. The vehicle, modeled after ancient Chinese war chariots, was pulled by two performers in period attire. The pre-match ceremony lasted approximately ten minutes before the teams took the field.
While He Rundong’s involvement was primarily ceremonial, organizers noted that such collaborations aim to broaden the appeal of regional football leagues by integrating cultural storytelling. Similar initiatives have been attempted in other Chinese cities, linking sports events to local historical narratives.
No verified sources indicated He Rundong participated in any tactical discussions, training sessions, or team meetings with Suqian FC players or staff. His role remained limited to pre-match activities and spectator engagement during the game.
The actor has previously participated in promotional events for sports and cultural projects in Jiangsu, including appearances at tourism festivals and heritage site openings. His 2026 Suqian visit marked his first known involvement with the “Su Chao” league.
As of the date of this report, no further public appearances by He Rundong linked to the 2026 “Su Chao” season have been announced by official channels. Fans interested in updates are encouraged to follow the Jiangsu Provincial Football Association’s verified social media accounts or the league’s official website for confirmed schedules and event details.
This report is based exclusively on information verified through official news outlets and public records available up to April 18, 2026. All claims regarding He Rundong’s itinerary, attire, and public interactions are drawn from directly sourced material.
Readers are invited to share their thoughts on the intersection of sports and cultural promotion in the comments below. If you attended the match or witnessed the pre-match ceremony, your perspective adds valuable context to this ongoing story.