Residents play basketball in Putuo district, Zhoushan. [Photo/Tide News]

Residents of Putuo district, Zhoushan, are gearing up for the upcoming "People's Basketball Season" set to commence on March 8.

The event features a dynamic lineup of 3x3 and 5x5 basketball matches, as well as street basketball challenges.

Organized by local communities and villages, the 3x3 basketball competition resonates throughout the district, rallying participants from towns to streets.

With each team comprising three players and only one substitute allowed, the competition's simplicity in venue and equipment requirements is drawing a surge of interest, with campuses and parks becoming popular battlegrounds.

"Following the announcement, we've witnessed a wave of enthusiasm from our residents. Currently, a total of 15 teams have signed up, with some communities fielding as many as three teams," shared an official from Shenjiamen subdistrict.

Adding to the excitement, the district finals of the 3x3 basketball competition will coincide with the 26th China University Basketball Association League (Southeast Division), providing participants with an opportunity to rub shoulders with top-tier national university basketball talent.

In addition to the main event, the 5x5 basketball competition is slated to span from late March to October's end, while the street basketball challenges are earmarked for July to August.