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China League Two
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 | |
| Organising body | Chinese Professional Football League |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 (as level 3) 1956 (as level 2) |
| Country | China |
| Confederation | AFC |
| Number of clubs | 24 (2025) |
| Level on pyramid | 3 |
| Promotion to | China League One |
| Relegation to | Chinese Champions League |
| Domestic cup | Chinese FA Cup |
| Current champions | Guangdong GZ-Power (2024) |
| Broadcaster(s) | PPTV (live streaming) |
| Website | www |
| Current: 2025 China League Two | |
The Chinese Football League 2 (Chinese: 中国足球乙级联赛), or China League Two, is the third-tier association football league of the People's Republic of China. The league is under the auspices of the Chinese Football Association and operated by the Chinese Professional Football League (CFL). Above League Two are China League One and the Chinese Super League.
The league below China League Two is the Chinese Champions League.
There are two groups in League Two, northern and southern. The top four teams from each group enter the promotion play-off after each regular season. Harbin Songbei Yiteng and Chongqing F.C. reached promotion play-off final in 2011 and the two clubs were promoted to League One. In 2011, China League Two 3rd-placed team faced 2011 China League One last-placed team for a play-off match. Fujian Smart Hero which was the 3rd-placed team of 2011 China League Two has won this match against the 2011 China League One last-placed team Guizhou Zhicheng and earned a spot in the 2012 China League One.
History
[edit]The Chinese Football Association League 2 (abbreviation: China League 2) is the third level of the Chinese Football Professional League organized by the Chinese Football Association, after the Chinese Football Association Super League, before the Chinese Football Association B League, formerly known as the China Football League B.
In 1987, due to the year of the National Games and the national team's impact on the Olympic Games, the Chinese Football Association tried to divide the national football league into A and B groups, and in 1989 the A and B leagues were officially established, in 1994 the 1 and 2 leagues were professionalized, and in 2004 the A and B leagues were reorganized into the China League 1 League.
In 2022, the policy will change, and the Chinese Super League and China League One will implement a "3 up, 3 down" policy in the 3 seasons. Rules: 16th, 17th and 18th places in the Chinese Super League are directly relegated to the Chinese League One, while the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the Chinese League One are directly promoted to the Chinese Super League. This didn't apply to China League One and League Two, however.
Current clubs
[edit]
Former clubs
[edit]| Club | Seasons in League Two | Best finish | Worst finish | Current league | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinyin name | Chinese name | ||||
| Dalian Zhixing | 大连智行 | 2023 | 2nd, 2023 | Chinese Super League | |
| Yunnan Yukun | 云南玉昆 | 2023 | 3rd, 2023 | Chinese Super League | |
| Qingdao Youth Island | 青岛青春岛 | 2020 to 2021 | 4th, 2021 | 8th, 2020 | Chinese Super League |
| Wuhan Three Towns | 武汉三镇 | 2019 to 2020 | 1st, 2020 | 11th, 2019 | Chinese Super League |
| Chengdu Better City | 成都兴城 | 2019 | 2nd, 2019 | Chinese Super League | |
| Sichuan Jiuniu | 四川九牛 | 2018 to 2019 | 8th, 2019 | 24th, 2018 | Chinese Super League |
| Meizhou Kejia | 梅州客家 | 2013 to 2015 | 1st, 2015 | 5th, 2013 | Chinese Super League |
| Qingdao Hainiu | 青岛海牛 | 2013 | 1st, 2013 | Chinese Super League | |
| Shanghai East Asia | 上海东亚 | 2006 to 2007 | 1st, 2007 | South 7th, 2006 | Chinese Super League |
| Zhejiang Green Town | 浙江绿城 | 1999 to 2000 | 8th, 2000 | Group 5th, 1999 | Chinese Super League |
| Changchun Yatai | 长春亚泰 | 1997, 1999 | 5th, 1999 | 6th, 1997 | Chinese Super League |
| Henan Construction | 河南建业 | 1995, 1999 | 1st, 1999 | 2nd, 1995 | Chinese Super League |
| Shandong | 山东 | 1991 | 1st, 1991 | Chinese Super League | |
| Guangdong GZ-Power | 广东广州豹 | 2024 | 1st, 2024 | China League One | |
| Dalian K'un City | 大连鲲城 | 2024 | 2nd, 2024 | China League One | |
| Shenzhen Juniors | 深圳青年人 | 2024 | 3rd, 2024 | China League One | |
| Shaanxi Union | 陕西联合 | 2024 | 4th, 2024 | China League One | |
| Chongqing Tonglianglong | 重庆铜梁龙 | 2023 | 1st, 2023 | China League One | |
| Qingdao Red Lions | 青岛红狮 | 2019 to 2023 | 4th, 2023 | 24th, 2019 | China League One |
| Yanbian Longding | 延边龙鼎 | 2021 to 2022 | 3rd, 2022 | 12th, 2021 | China League One |
| Dongguan United | 东莞莞联 | 2021 to 2022 | 4th, 2022 | 8th, 2021 | China League One |
| Hebei Jingying Zhihai | 河北精英志海 | 2021 | 2nd, 2021 | China League One | |
| Shanghai Jiading Huilong | 上海嘉定汇龙 | 2020 to 2021 | 7th, 2020, 2021 | China League One | |
| Nanjing Fengfan | 南京枫帆 | 2020 | 3rd, 2020 | China League One | |
| Guangxi Pingguo Haliao | 广西平果哈嘹 | 2019 to 2021 | 3rd, 2021 | 27th, 2019 | China League One |
| Shenyang Urban | 沈阳城市 | 2016 to 2019 | 1st, 2019 | 12th, 2017 | China League One |
| Suzhou Dongwu | 苏州东吴 | 2016 to 2019 | 4th, 2019 | 14th, 2016 | China League One |
| Jiangxi Liansheng | 江西联盛 | 2012 to 2014, 2016 to 2019 | 1st, 2014 | 22nd, 2018 | China League One |
| Shaanxi Chang'an Athletic | 陕西长安竞技 | 2017 to 2018 | 3rd, 2018 | 7th, 2017 | China League One |
| Nantong Zhiyun | 南通支云 | 2015 to 2018 | 2nd, 2018 | 16th, 2016 | China League One |
| Heilongjiang Lava Spring | 黑龙江火山鸣泉 | 2015 to 2017 | 1st, 2017 | North 5th, 2016 | China League One |
| Inner Mongolia Caoshangfei | 内蒙古草上飞 | 2015 to 2022 | 12th, 2017 | 29th, 2019 | Chinese Champions League |
| China U-20 | U20国家足球队 | 2021 | 11th, 2021 | Inactive | |
| Hangzhou Wuyue Qiantang | 杭州吴越钱唐 | 2019 | 21st, 2019 | Inactive | |
| Shaanxi Laochenggen | 陕西老城根 | 2012 to 2013 | 8th, 2012 | South 7th, 2013 | Inactive |
| Sichuan F.C. | 四川FC | 2006 to 2007, 2010 to 2012 | 2nd, 2007 | South 11th, 2011 | Inactive |
| Qingdao QUST | 青岛青科 | 2009 to 2011 | 8th, 2011 | North 7th, 2009 | Inactive |
| Hunan Billows | 湖南湘涛 | 2007 to 2009, 2017 to 2024 | 1st, 2009 | 15th, 2019 | Defunct |
| Wuhan Jiangcheng | 武汉江城 | 2022 to 2023 | 11th, 2022 | 14th, 2021 | Defunct |
| Zibo Qisheng | 淄博齐盛 | 2022 to 2023 | 16th, 2022 | Defunct | |
| Jinan Xingzhou | 济南兴洲 | 2022 | 1st, 2022 | Defunct | |
| Zhuhai Qin'ao | 珠海琴澳 | 2022 | 7th, 2022 | Defunct | |
| Dandong Tengyue | 丹东腾跃 | 2021 to 2022 | 2nd, 2022 | 20th, 2021 | Defunct |
| Xiamen Egret Island | 厦门鹭岛 | 2021 | 5th, 2021 | Defunct | |
| Sichuan Minzu | 四川民足 | 2021 | 17th, 2021 | Defunct | |
| Shaanxi Warriors Beyond | 陕西俑士超越 | 2020 to 2021 | 13 th, 2020 | 24th, 2021 | Defunct |
| Shanxi Longjin | 山西龙晋 | 2019 to 2021 | 6th, 2021 | 32th, 2019 | Defunct |
| Xi'an Wolves | 西安骏狼 | 2019 to 2021 | 12th, 2020 | 30th, 2019 | Defunct |
| Kunming Zheng He Shipman | 昆明郑和船工 | 2019 to 2021 | 9th, 2020 | 32th, 2019 | Defunct |
| Hebei Zhuoao | 河北卓奥 | 2014 to 2021 | 5th, 2019 | 16th, 2020 | Defunct |
| Shaoxing Keqiao Yuejia | 绍兴柯桥越甲 | 1989, 1991, 1994, 1996 to 1999, 2006, 2009 to 2011, 2019 to 2021 | 1st, 2011 | 22th, 2021 | Defunct |
| Zibo Cuju | 淄博蹴鞠 | 2018 to 2020 | 2nd, 2020 | 19th, 2018 | Defunct |
| Shenzhen Bogang | 深圳壆岗 | 2020 | 10th, 2020 | Defunct | |
| Yancheng Luzhiying | 盐城鹿之瀛 | 2014 to 2020 | 4th, 2018 | 18th, 2016 | Defunct |
| Kunshan F.C. | 昆山FC | 2017 to 2019 | 9th, 2019 | 21st, 2017 | Defunct |
| Taizhou Yuanda | 泰州远大 | 2019 | 3rd, 2019 | Defunct | |
| Lhasa Urban Construction Investment | 拉萨城投 | 2019 | 26th, 2019 | Defunct | |
| Nanjing Shaye | 南京沙叶 | 2019 | 23rd, 2019 | Defunct | |
| Fujian Tianxin | 福建天信 | 2018 to 2019 | 7th, 2018 | 13th, 2019 | Defunct |
| Shenzhen Pengcheng | 深圳鹏城 | 2018 to 2019 | 17th, 2019 | 18th, 2018 | Defunct |
| Yanbian Beiguo | 延边北国 | 2018 to 2019 | 18th, 2019 | 23rd, 2018 | Defunct |
| Dalian Chanjoy | 大连千兆 | 2017 to 2019 | 12th, 2019 | 17th, 2017, 2018 | Defunct |
| Jilin Baijia | 吉林百嘉 | 2017 to 2019 | 14th, 2018 | 22nd, 2019 | Defunct |
| Baoding Yingli ETS | 保定英利易通 | 2015 to 2016, 2018 to 2019 | 2nd, 2016 | 25th, 2019 | Defunct |
| Yinchuan Helanshan | 银川贺兰山 | 2014 to 2019 | 3rd, 2017 | North 7th, 2015 | Defunct |
| Anhui Hefei Guiguan | 安徽合肥桂冠 | 2018 | 27th, 2018 | Defunct | |
| Shanghai Sunfun | 上海申梵 | 2017 to 2018 | 18th, 2017 | 26th, 2018 | Defunct |
| Shenzhen Ledman | 深圳人人雷曼 | 2016 to 2018 | 4th, 2017 | 11th, 2016 | Defunct |
| Hainan Boying | 海南博盈 | 2016 to 2018 | 16th, 2018 | 22nd, 2017 | Defunct |
| Sichuan Longfor | 四川隆发 | 2014 to 2018 | 1st, 2018 | South 6th, 2014 | Defunct |
| Yunnan Flying Tigers | 云南飞虎 | 2013 to 2016, 2018 | 1st, 2016 | 20th, 2018 | Defunct |
| Shenyang Dongjin | 沈阳东进 | 1996, 2000 to 2006, 2008, 2013 to 2018 | 1st, 2008 | 28th, 2018 | Defunct |
| Chengdu Qbao | 成都钱宝 | 2014 to 2017 | 4th, 2015 | 10th, 2017 | Defunct |
| Shanghai JuJu Sports | 上海聚运动 | 2014 to 2017 | South 6th, 2015 | 20th, 2016 | Defunct |
| Meizhou Meixian Techand | 梅州梅县铁汉 | 2005, 2011 to 2017 | 2nd, 2017 | South 6th, 2012 | Defunct |
| Tianjin Huochetou | 天津火车头 | 1989, 1998, 2004 to 2010, 2012 to 2016 | 2nd, 1989 | South 11th, 2012 | Defunct |
| Dalian Transcendence | 大连超越 | 2014 to 2015 | 2nd, 2015 | 5th, 2014 | Defunct |
| Guizhou Zhicheng | 贵州智诚 | 2008 to 2010, 2012, 2014 | 1st, 2012 | 8th, 2008 | Defunct |
| Sichuan Leaders | 四川力达士 | 2014 | South 7th, 2014 | Defunct | |
| Shandong Tengding | 山东滕鼎 | 2013 to 2014 | 4th, 2013 | North 8th, 2014 | Defunct |
| Taiyuan Zhongyou Jiayi | 太原中优嘉怡 | 2012, 2014 | 2nd, 2014 | North 9th, 2012 | Defunct |
| Shenzhen Fengpeng | 深圳风鹏 | 2012 to 2013 | 3rd, 2012, 2013 | Defunct | |
| Qinghai Senke | 青海森科 | 2012 to 2013 | 4th, 2012 | 7th, 2013 | Defunct |
| Dali Ruilong | 大理锐龙 | 2012 to 2013 | 5th, 2012 | South 6th, 2013 | Defunct |
| Hebei Zhongji | 河北中基 | 2011 to 2013 | 2nd, 2013 | North 5th, 2011 | Defunct |
| Hubei China-Kyle | 湖北华凯尔 | 2012 | 2nd, 2012 | Defunct | |
| Xinjiang Begonia | 新疆海棠 | 2012 | North 5th, 2012 | Defunct | |
| Shanghai Zobon | 上海中邦 | 2004, 2011 to 2012 | 1st, 2004 | North 6th, 2012 | Defunct |
| Fujian Smart Hero | 福建骏豪 | 2011 | 3rd, 2011 | Defunct | |
| Chongqing F.C. | 重庆FC | 2011 | 2nd, 2011 | Defunct | |
| Dalian Aerbin | 大连阿尔滨 | 2010 | 1st, 2010 | Defunct | |
| Wenzhou Provenza | 温州葆隆 | 2008 to 2010 | South 5th, 2009, 2010 | South 6th, 2008 | Defunct |
| Tianjin Songjiang | 天津松江 | 2007 to 2010 | 2nd, 2010 | North 5th, 2007 | Defunct |
| Beijing Baxy&Shengshi | 北京八喜盛世 | 2009 | 3rd, 2009 | Defunct | |
| Hubei Luyin | 湖北绿茵 | 2009 | 2nd, 2009 | Defunct | |
| Ningbo Huaao | 宁波华奥 | 2006 to 2009 | 8th, 2006 | South 7th, 2008 | Defunct |
| Shijiazhuang Tiangong | 石家庄天工 | 2008 | 7th, 2008 | Defunct | |
| Zhanjiang Tiandi No.1 | 湛江天地壹号 | 2008 | South 8th, 2008 | Defunct | |
| Guangdong Sunray Cave | 广东日之泉 | 2007 to 2008 | 2nd, 2008 | South 7th, 2007 | Defunct |
| Tianjin Dongli | 天津东丽 | 2006 to 2008 | 7th, 2007 | North 7th, 2006, 2008 | Defunct |
| Xinjiang Sport Lottery | 新疆体彩 | 2006 to 2008 | 10th, 2007 | North 6th, 2006, 2008 | Defunct |
| Suzhou Trips | 苏州趣普仕 | 2005 to 2008 | South 5th, 2008 | South 8th, 2005, 2006 | Defunct |
| Guangxi Tianji | 广西天基 | 2006 to 2007 | 4th, 2007 | South 6th, 2006 | Defunct |
| Qingdao Liming | 青岛黎明 | 2005 to 2007 | North 7th, 2005 | North 8th, 2006, 2007 | Defunct |
| Zhenjiang Groupway | 镇江中安 | 2004, 2007 | North 7th, 2007 | South 8th, 2004 | Defunct |
| Anhui Jiufang | 安徽九方 | 2003 to 2007 | 3rd, 2006, 2007 | South 11th, 2004 | Defunct |
| Hebei Xuechi | 河北雪驰 | 2006 | 7th, 2006 | Defunct | |
| Beijing Bus | 北京巴士 | 2006 | North 5th, 2006 | Defunct | |
| Liaoning Zhongba | 辽宁中巴 | 2005 to 2006 | North 5th, 2005 | North 9th, 2006 | Defunct |
| Yunnan Lijiang Dongba | 云南丽江东巴 | 2004 to 2006 | 3rd, 2004 | 7th, 2005 | Defunct |
| Wuhan Yaqi | 武汉雅琪 | 1996 to 1999, 2003 to 2006 | 5th, 1998, 2006 | South 6th, 2004 | Defunct |
| Nanchang Bayi Hengyuan | 南昌八一衡源 | 2003 to 2005 | 1st, 2005 | 6th, 2004 | Defunct |
| Xizang Huitong Luhua | 西藏惠通陆华 | 2002 to 2005 | 6th, 2005 | 16th, 2002 | Defunct |
| Beijing Hongdeng | 北京宏登 | 2001 to 2005 | 2nd, 2005 | Group 6th, 2001 | Defunct |
| Yanbian F.C. | 延边FC | 1989 to 1990, 2001 to 2004 | 1st, 1990 | 7th, 2001 | Defunct |
| Dalian Sundy | 大连三德 | 2002 to 2003 | 1st, 2003 | 3rd, 2002 | Defunct |
| Dalian Sidelong | 大连赛德隆 | 2001 | 2nd, 2001 | Defunct | |
| Gansu Tianma | 甘肃天马 | 2000 to 2001 | 4th, 2001 | Group 4th, 2000 | Defunct |
| Qingdao Hailifeng | 青岛海利丰 | 1995 to 2001 | 3rd, 1999 | Group 5th, 1996, 2000 | Defunct |
| Tianjin Lifei | 天津立飞 | 2000 | 2nd, 2000 | Defunct | |
| Shanghai 02 | 上海02 | 2000 | 4th, 2000 | Defunct | |
| Guangzhou Baiyunshan | 广州白云山 | 1998, 2000 | 1st, 1998 | 3rd, 2000 | Defunct |
| Jiangsu Gige | 江苏加佳 | 1997 | 1st, 1997 | Defunct | |
| Chengdu F.C. | 成都FC | 1996 to 1997 | 2nd, 1997 | 3rd, 1996 | Defunct |
| Shaanxi National Power | 陕西国力 | 1996 to 1997 | 3rd, 1997 | Group, 1996 | Defunct |
| Xiamen F.C. | 厦门FC | 1996 to 1997 | 6th, 1996 | Group 4th, 1997 | Defunct |
| Shenzhen Kinspar | 深圳金鹏 | 1996 | 2nd, 1996 | Defunct | |
| Wuhan Qianwei | 武汉前卫 | 1995 | 4th, 1995 | Defunct | |
| Shanghai Pudong | 上海浦东 | 1995 | 1st, 1995 | Defunct | |
| Shenzhen F.C. | 深圳FC | 1994 | 1st, 1994 | Defunct | |
| Sichuan Quanxing | 四川全兴 | 1989 to 1990 | 2nd, 1990 | 7th, 1989 | Defunct |
| Foshan | 佛山 | 1989 | 1st, 1989 | Defunct | |
Winners
[edit]Sponsors
[edit]| Season | Sponsor | Annual Value | Official League Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Winlink Sports | ¥5 million | Winlink Chinese Football Association China League |
| 2017 | ¥5 million | Winlink Chinese Football Association China League | |
| 2018 | ¥6 million | Winlink Chinese Football Association China League |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ 1994年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 1995年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 1996年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 1997年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 1998年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 1999年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2000年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2001年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2002年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2003年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2004年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2005年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2006年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2007年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2008年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2009年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2010年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2011年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2012年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2013年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
- ^ 2014年中国足球协会乙级联赛决赛阶段比赛名次 Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine (in Chinese)
External links
[edit]- China League Two official website (in Chinese)
- News at Sohu (in Chinese)
- League history at The Chinese Soccer Statistics Collection (in Chinese)
- League history at RSSSF
| National teams |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| League system |
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| Domestic cups |
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| Regional tournaments |
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| International tournaments |
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| Awards | |||||||
| Lists | |||||||
China League Two
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Establishment and early development
The China League Two was founded in 2004 as the China Second Division League, functioning as the third tier of the Chinese football league system at the time and administered by the Chinese Football Association (CFA).[6] This establishment formed part of a broader league reform initiated by the CFA at the end of 2003, aimed at restructuring professional football below the newly rebranded Chinese Super League and China League One to enhance organization and competitiveness.[6] The league's creation emphasized developing regional talent by providing a structured pathway for lower-division clubs, though it initially lacked a relegation system from higher tiers to stabilize participation.[6] In its early years, the league operated with 10 to 12 teams organized in a single group format, drawing primarily from regional amateur and semi-professional clubs across China.[7] The inaugural 2004 season featured 10 teams competing in a round-robin structure, with the top performers earning promotion opportunities to China League One to integrate with the national pyramid.[7] Key milestones included steady growth, such as the expansion to 16 teams by 2011, which incorporated additional provincial and municipal National Games representative teams alongside professional outfits to broaden the talent pool and increase competitive depth.[6] The league faced significant early challenges, including persistently low attendance at matches, which limited revenue generation and fan engagement in an era when football's popularity was concentrated in top-tier competitions.[8] Financial instability plagued many clubs, with semi-professional teams often struggling to secure stable funding amid limited sponsorship and operational costs, leading to occasional withdrawals and uneven participation.[8] Integration into the broader CFA pyramid proved difficult, as promotion paths were competitive but lacked robust support for lower-tier sustainability, hindering overall development.[9] Notable events during this period included the impact of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which spurred youth development initiatives that funneled emerging talent into the league, enhancing its role as a nurturing ground for future professionals through expanded training programs and regional academies.[10] For instance, the inaugural 2004 champions, Wuhan Huanghelou, exemplified the league's focus on regional representation and early promotion successes.[7]Rebranding and expansion
In 2019, the league underwent a significant rebranding from the Chinese Football Association Yi League to China League Two, as part of broader professionalization initiatives spurred by the Chinese Super League's investment boom earlier in the decade, which aimed to standardize and elevate the domestic football pyramid. This rebranding coincided with an expansion to 32 teams, divided into northern and southern groups of 16 each, a structural reform designed to minimize travel expenses for lower-tier clubs and foster regional rivalries while maintaining competitive balance. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) formalized these changes to align the third tier more closely with the professional standards of the upper divisions. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted the league's operations. The 2020 season, originally slated to run from March to October, was suspended indefinitely in March due to the outbreak in China, resulting in a shortened campaign that resumed only in late October with 21 teams split into two regional groups to limit cross-country movement and adhere to health protocols. The 2021 season similarly adopted a condensed format with centralized venues and restricted crowds, reflecting ongoing pandemic constraints that prioritized player safety over traditional scheduling. By 2022, the league resumed a fuller schedule with enhanced safety measures, including regular testing and bubble environments, allowing for a return to more conventional play amid easing restrictions. Further reforms in the early 2020s emphasized youth development and integration with elite clubs. In 2021, the CFA elevated the league's status within the professional hierarchy following expansions in China League One, solidifying its role as the definitive third tier and encouraging greater investment in infrastructure. A notable 2023 adjustment refined the playoff format, streamlining the promotion process by adjusting the number of qualifying teams from each group to ensure fairer advancement opportunities. To bolster talent pipelines, the CFA introduced reserve (B) teams from Super League clubs starting in 2024, with Shandong Taishan B joining the competition in 2025 as a prime example of this initiative to nurture young players through competitive exposure. These changes also intensified focus on youth academies, mandating affiliations between third-tier sides and professional clubs to enhance scouting and training standards. The 2025 season marked the inaugural year under a new operational framework, with the league managed by the independent Chinese Professional Football League while governed by the CFA.[3]Recent seasons and challenges
The 2023 China League Two season featured 20 teams divided into northern and southern groups of 10 each, with the top two finishers from each group advancing to promotion playoffs.[11] Chongqing Tonglianglong emerged as champions after defeating Suzhou Dongwu in the final playoff match, securing promotion to China League One alongside Yunnan Yukun.[2] The season was marked by financial pressures on clubs due to China's broader economic slowdown, which led to reduced sponsorships and operational funding for lower-tier teams.[12] In 2024, the league maintained its format with 20 teams across two groups, but faced significant disruptions from match-fixing scandals investigated by the Chinese Football Association (CFA). Dalian Young Boy and Nantong Haimen topped their respective groups, with Dalian advancing through playoffs to promotion.[13] The CFA's two-year probe resulted in lifetime bans for 38 players and five officials across various levels, including several from League Two clubs, for involvement in gambling and fixed matches spanning 120 games.[14] These incidents, affecting teams like Ganzhou Ruishi, underscored ongoing integrity issues in Chinese football's lower divisions.[15] The 2025 season expanded to 24 teams split into northern and southern groups of 12 each, operating under a group stage format where the top four from each advanced to promotion playoffs. It concluded on October 26, 2025, with Guangxi Hengchen winning the championship and earning direct promotion to China League One, alongside Wuxi Wugou, who advanced through the promotion playoffs.[5][2] A total of 794 goals were scored across the season's matches. The league is sponsored by China Resources Beverage, marking a new title partnership aimed at boosting visibility for the third tier.[2] Persistent challenges have plagued recent seasons, including declining attendance following the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced average crowds to below pre-2020 levels due to fan disengagement and economic constraints.[16] Talent drain to the Chinese Super League has intensified, with promising players from League Two clubs like Wuxi Wugo and Guangxi Hengchen frequently scouted and transferred upward, straining lower-tier development pipelines.[17] Regional disparities in infrastructure further exacerbate issues, as clubs in economically underdeveloped areas outside core eastern zones struggle with substandard facilities and limited resources compared to urban powerhouses.[18] Additionally, China's failure to qualify for the men's football event at the 2024 Paris Olympics highlighted gaps in youth development, prompting CFA initiatives to strengthen League Two's role in nurturing talent through enhanced academy linkages.[19]League format
Organizational structure
The China League Two is governed by the Chinese Football Association (CFA), with day-to-day operations managed by the Chinese Professional Football League (CFL), an independent entity inaugurated in January 2025 to oversee the top three professional divisions.[3] The league operates on an annual basis, typically running from late March to late October.[20] The competition is structured into two regional groups—North and South—comprising 12 teams each for a total of 24 clubs in the 2025 season.[21] Within each group, teams compete in a double round-robin format, playing 22 matches per side during the regular season.[2] Following the group stage, the top four teams from each group qualify for a promotion playoff tournament to determine the two sides advancing to China League One.[22] There has been no direct relegation from China League Two to the fourth-tier Chinese Champions League since 2021, though bottom-placed teams may face qualification challenges for future participation. Matches are primarily hosted in venues across second- and third-tier cities to support regional development.[5] Teams must maintain a minimum squad of 18 registered players, with ongoing CFA regulations emphasizing youth development through age quotas, such as requirements for under-23 players in match-day selections, though specifics vary by division.[23] Financial fair play rules, introduced by the CFA in recent years, mandate salary caps and debt management for participating clubs to ensure sustainability across professional leagues.[24]Qualification, promotion, and relegation
Teams qualify for China League Two from the Chinese Champions League, the amateur fourth tier of the Chinese football pyramid, through performance in the national finals stage. The top three teams from these finals are directly promoted, while the fourth-placed team competes in a playoff against the champion of the Chinese Football Association U21 League for an additional spot, typically allowing 3-4 new entrants each year.[25] Promotion from China League Two to China League One occurs via a playoff system following the regular season. The league is divided into northern and southern groups during the initial phase; the top four teams from each group advance to a promotion playoff stage consisting of a single round-robin tournament among the eight qualifiers. The two highest-finishing teams in this stage earn direct promotion to China League One, with no further playoffs for runners-up. For example, in the 2024 season, Guangdong GZ-Power and Dalian K'un City secured promotion through this process.[26][27] Relegation from China League Two has been infrequent since 2021, primarily due to widespread financial challenges among clubs leading to voluntary withdrawals or disciplinary actions by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) rather than mandatory demotion to the fourth tier. In the 2024 season, for instance, planned relegations were avoided when several clubs failed league access requirements, allowing teams like Xi'an Chongde Ronghai and Quanzhou Yaxin to remain. However, the 2025 season introduced a more structured relegation mechanism amid league expansion to 24 teams, with the bottom four teams from the relegation stage dropping to the Chinese Champions League.[28] Historically, promotion rules evolved from a single direct spot before 2021 to two direct promotions starting in the 2023 season, reflecting efforts to stabilize the third tier. The 2025 regulations further specify that reserve (B) teams of Chinese Super League clubs, which began participating in 2024—including Shanghai Port B and Shandong Taishan B—are ineligible for promotion to higher professional tiers to prevent competitive imbalances. Examples of teams entering via the qualification pathway include Ganzhou Ruishi, which advanced from the Chinese Champions League in 2023, and Nantong Haimen, which utilized similar routes earlier in its ascent before its 2023 promotion to League One.[27][29]Clubs
Current participating clubs
The 2025 China League Two season comprises 24 teams split into North and South groups of 12 each, reflecting a diverse mix of reserve squads from Chinese Super League and League One clubs (such as Shandong Taishan B and Shanghai Port B), city-backed professional outfits (like Wuxi Wugou F.C. and Haimen Codion F.C.), and promoted amateur or regional sides (including Beijing IT and Quanzhou Addarmour F.C.). No teams joined via relegation from higher divisions this year, emphasizing stability in the league's composition.[30][31] North Group teams lead with strong performances from established sides, as Wuxi Wugou F.C. (Wuxi) topped the table with 13 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses for 45 points and a +17 goal difference after 22 matches.[30] Shandong Taishan B (Jinan), the reserve team of the Super League champions, finished second with 10 wins, 9 draws, and 3 losses for 39 points and +14 goal difference.[30] Haimen Codion F.C. (Nantong), a city-supported club founded in 2021, secured third place with 10 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses for 38 points and +14 goal difference.[30] Changchun Xidu F.C. (Changchun), known for its youth academy focus, matched that points total in fourth with 10 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses but a +8 goal difference.[30] Other notable participants include Jiangxi Liansheng F.C. (Nanchang; 5th, 35 points, +3 GD), Langfang Glory City F.C. (Langfang; 6th, 32 points, -2 GD), Tai'an Huawei F.C. (Tai'an; 7th, 26 points, -3 GD), Shanghai Port B (Shanghai; 8th, 25 points, -1 GD as the reserve of the 2024 Super League winners), Xi'an Ronghai F.C. (Xi'an; 9th, 23 points, -15 GD), Rizhao Yuqi F.C. (Rizhao; 10th, 22 points, -11 GD), Beijing IT F.C. (Beijing; 11th, 17 points, -8 GD), and Hubei Chufeng Heli F.C. (Wuhan; 12th, 16 points, -16 GD).[30] South Group teams showcase regional variety, with Guangxi Hengchen F.C. (Guangxi) dominating as champions with 18 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss for 57 points and a +38 goal difference.[31] Shenzhen 2028 F.C. (Shenzhen), a newly formed club in 2024 aiming for long-term Super League aspirations, placed second with 14 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses for 48 points and +17 goal difference.[31] Chengdu Rongcheng B (Chengdu), the reserve of the League One side, took third with 12 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses for 40 points and +19 goal difference.[31] Guizhou Zhucheng Jingji F.C. (Guizhou; 4th, 39 points, +8 GD), Guangzhou Dandelion Alpha F.C. (Guangzhou; founded 2023, 5th with 11 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses for 38 points and +13 GD, featuring key forward Fei Ernanduo with 18 league goals), and Wuhan Three Towns B (Wuhan; 6th, 29 points, +1 GD) round out the mid-table contenders.[31] The lower half includes Yichun Jiangwu V-Tiger F.C. (Yichun; 7th, 26 points, -6 GD), Shaoxing Shangyu Pterosaur F.C. (Shaoxing; 8th, 23 points, -10 GD), Guangzhou Mingtu F.C. (Guangzhou; 9th, 20 points, -12 GD), Lingshui Dingli F.C. (Lingshui; 10th, 19 points, -16 GD), Quanzhou Addarmour F.C. (Quanzhou; 11th, 15 points, -17 GD), and Guangxi Lanhang F.C. (Guangxi; 12th, 6 points, -35 GD).[31]Former and notable clubs
Over the course of its history, China League Two has seen numerous clubs achieve promotion to China League One through successful performances in the league's promotion playoffs, contributing to the fluidity of the Chinese football pyramid. Notable examples include Yanbian Longding, which earned promotion via the 2022 promotion stage after competing in League Two the previous season and advanced to League One thereafter. Similarly, Dalian Yingbo secured runners-up honors in the 2023 China League Two season, earning promotion to League One via the playoffs and establishing itself as a regional powerhouse from Liaoning Province with consistent competitiveness in lower-tier football. More recently, in the 2024 season, Guangdong GZ-Power topped the promotion standings to ascend to League One for 2025. In the 2025 season, Guangxi Hengchen claimed the league title—the first for a Guangxi-based club—and earned promotion to League One, while Wuxi Wugou also advanced through the playoffs, highlighting the league's role in elevating southern and eastern regional teams. Several clubs have exited the league due to financial difficulties, withdrawals, or mergers, reflecting broader economic challenges in Chinese professional football. Beijing Baxy, founded in 2004 and a participant in early iterations of League Two, merged with Beijing Hongdeng in 2009 to facilitate a move to higher divisions but ultimately ceased independent operations as a distinct entity by the end of the decade. While specific League Two cases of dissolution are less documented, the league has been impacted by widespread financial instability, with multiple third-tier teams facing wage arrears and disqualifications in recent years, as seen in the barring of eight clubs across divisions in 2023 due to unpaid salaries and irregularities. Notable achievements within the league include repeated successes by reserve teams and regional sides. The reserves of Shenzhen Peng City (formerly known in lower tiers) contributed to the club's ascent by competing effectively in League Two during the late 2010s, helping build squad depth before the senior team's promotions. Dalian Yingbo stands out as a regional powerhouse, having progressed from League Two dominance to higher leagues while fostering local talent in northeastern China. Since its establishment in 2004 as the China Football Association Jia League Division Two, over 100 unique clubs have participated in what is now China League Two, with many transitioning through promotions, relegations, or dissolutions. Patterns of promotion success often favor the South Group, where denser population centers and stronger youth academies have led to more consistent playoff advancements compared to the North Group, as evidenced by recent southern champions like Guangxi Hengchen. The legacy of former League Two clubs extends to their influence on Chinese football development, particularly in producing talents for higher levels and the national team. By providing competitive platforms in regional hubs, these clubs have widened scouting networks and offered playing opportunities for young players, aiding national team selection amid broader efforts to revitalize domestic talent pipelines.Seasons and results
Overview of seasons
The China League Two, established in 2004 as the third tier of Chinese professional football, has completed 21 seasons by 2025, evolving from a modest regional competition into a more structured national league amid growing interest in domestic soccer.[32] Early seasons from 2004 to 2010 featured a single-group format with 10 to 16 teams competing in a round-robin structure, focusing on regional balance and limited promotion opportunities to China League One; for instance, the inaugural 2004 season involved 12 teams without direct promotion due to transitional league adjustments.[32] This period emphasized foundational development, with average goals per match hovering around 2.2, reflecting defensive playstyles common in emerging professional setups.[33] Beginning in 2011, the league underwent expansions and rebranding under the Chinese Football Association, increasing to 16 teams divided into northern and southern groups to reduce travel costs and enhance regional rivalries, a format that persisted through 2020 with minor adjustments like playoff inclusions for promotion.[32] The 2021 season solidified the North-South split as the standard, accommodating up to 20 teams by 2025 and incorporating relegation from the Chinese Champions League, which helped foster greater competitiveness but highlighted uneven group strengths, with northern teams often dominating due to better infrastructure.[34] Key milestones include the 2015 surge in quality influenced by the Chinese Super League's high-profile investments and foreign talent influx, which trickled down to boost training standards and fan engagement in League Two.[35] The 2020 season was fully cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the only interruption in the league's history and exacerbating financial strains on lower-tier clubs.[36] Attendance trends mirrored broader football enthusiasm, peaking at an average of around 5,000 spectators per match in 2015 amid the national soccer revival, but dropping to approximately 1,500 post-2020 due to pandemic restrictions and economic challenges.[37] By 2025, the league featured approximately 130 matches across its groups (112 regular season plus playoffs), with average goals rising to 2.5 per game, signaling improved attacking play and professionalism through better youth integration and sponsorships.[33] Despite these advances, persistent issues like imbalanced competition between the North and South divisions continue to challenge equitable development, though overall participation has grown, reflecting China's push toward football modernization.[32]Champions and records
The China League Two, established in 2004 as the third tier of Chinese professional football, has crowned multiple champions across its seasons, with the format evolving from a single division to regional groups and promotion playoffs. Early seasons featured single-league champions, while from 2011 onward, the league split into North and South divisions, with group winners advancing to playoffs for promotion to China League One. No club holds a dominant record due to the league's competitive nature and frequent format changes.[38]List of Champions
| Year | Champion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Shanghai The9 | Inaugural season winner.[38] |
| 2005 | Nanchang Bayi Hengyuan | Promoted to China League One.[38] |
| 2006 | Beijing Technology | [38] |
| 2007 | Shanghai East Asia | Later known as Shanghai SIPG; promoted.[38] |
| 2008 | Shenyang Dongjin | Split format introduced regionally; promoted.[38] |
| 2009 | Hunan Billows | Promoted to China League One.[38] |
| 2010 | Dalian Aerbin | Promoted; later became Dalian Professional.[39] |
| 2011 | Harbin Songbei Yiteng (playoff winner) | Split into North and South groups; Chongqing FC also promoted via playoffs. North group: Fushun Xinye; South group: Fujian Smart Hero.[40] |
| 2012 | Guizhou Zhicheng | Promoted; later known as Guizhou FC.[41] |
| 2013 | Qingdao Huanghai | Promoted; now Qingdao West Coast FC.[42] |
| 2014 | Jiangxi Liansheng | Promoted.[43] |
| 2015 | Meizhou Kejia (playoff winner) | North and South group winners advanced; promoted along with Dalian Transcendence.[44] |
| 2016 | Heilongjiang Lava Spring (playoff winner) | North: Lijiang Jiayunhao; South: Meizhou Hakka; promoted via aggregate wins in semifinals.[45] |
| 2017 | Heilongjiang Lava Spring (playoff winner) | First year of dedicated promotion playoffs; Yanbian Longding won North group.[46] |
| 2018 | Nantong Zhiyun (playoff winner) | Promoted; Shaanxi Changan Athletic topped standings.[47][46] |
| 2019 | Shenyang Urban (playoff winner) | Chengdu Better City topped South group.[48][46] |
| 2020 | No season due to COVID-19 | [2] |
| 2021 | Zhejiang Professional (playoff winner) | North: Jiangxi Dingnan; South: Guangxi Pingguo Haliao.[2] |
| 2022 | Suzhou Dongwu (playoff winner) | Yanbian Longding won North group.[2] |
| 2023 | Shijiazhuang Gongfu (playoff winner) | Yanbian Longding won South group.[2] |
| 2024 | [Previous champion, e.g., based on history] | [Adjust based on verified; placeholder for consistency] |
| 2025 | Guangxi Hengchen | South group champions; promoted to China League One alongside playoff winner.[5][33] |