The 1997 Chinese Jia-A League season (known as Marlboro Jia-A League for sponsorship reasons) was the fourth season of professional association football and the 36th top-tier overall league season held in China. Starting on March 16 and ending on November 29, it was contested by 12 teams and Dalian Wanda won the championship making it their third championship title.
On 20 July 1997, in a round 10 league fixture, Beijing Guoan defeated Shanghai Shenhua in the JingâÂÂHu rivalry by a score of 9âÂÂ1.
Teams promoted from 1996 Chinese Jia-B League
Teams relegated from 1996 Chinese Jia-A League
As a military-owned team, August 1st were not allowed to sign any foreign players.