Chongqing- A multi-dimensional night-time economy through entertainment tourism and consumption capacity over the Spring Festival holiday was developed in SW China Chongqing. Creative lighting, appetizing food, wonderful night theaters, and other entertaining activities are amplified in the booming night-time economy, popular in all demographics but especially young people.
The Night-time economy has become a new consumption point during the Chinese New Year. (iChongqing/ Wang Xiaoyan)
China's night-time economy usually refers to business activities between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next day in the service sector.
This concept isn't new, especially for progressive cities like New York, Paris, etc. The night-time economy has gradually become popular in China as it enjoys substantial support from the people, media, and the government.
The night view in Shibati, Chongqing. (iChongqing/ Wang Xiaoyan)
Night-time decorations
"This year, we came from Gansu Province to celebrate the new year with our son working in Chongqing," said Mr. Ma, a tourist who spent his holiday in Chongqing. "Chongqing is very beautiful at night, with shopping malls and central blocks staying open late."
Yuzhong District, the city's main urban area, saw red lanterns and bright lights hanging on both sides of the streets. Ma felt relaxed and happy, and a sense of the strong flavor of the New Year.
As the main walkway connecting the upper and lower half of the Yuzhong Peninsula, the old street of Shibati, also called Eighteen Stairs, set up a series of local folklore and cultural lighting decorations to welcome the Chinese New Year.
More than 100 different lighting sets and thousands of lanterns lighted up the old streets. Different forms of tiger lanterns and 12 Chinese zodiac lanterns also let tourists experience the traditional new year flavor in their memories while climbing up the slope.
More than 100 different kinds of lighting sets and thousands of lanterns lighted up the old street of Shibati. (iChongqing/ Wang Xiaoyan)
Night-time consumption
"Our business is booming in the Spring Festival holiday," said Nie Lei, responsible staff of the Zai Yuli restaurant, one of the Chongqing Hotpots located in Eighteen Stairs.
He introduced that the restaurant has turned over the tables five or six times a day since the first day of the holiday, which is twice as much as usual. He said the night-time consumption accounts for more than half of the whole day's turnover.
Nie added that many customers came to the restaurant even as early as 4 p.m. to occupy the terrace table for dinner. The reason for choosing this restaurant is because it is considered a novel experience by many.
The greenery of the terrace complements the New Year's night lights outside the restaurant. Not only tourists but also locals chose Eighteen Stairs, one of the places that reflects the most Chongqing's characteristics, to experience the special night views of the city.
The decoration of the tiger is almost in every corner of the street. (iChongqing/ Wang Xiaoyan)
The key index to the city's economy
The vitality and the strength of the nigh-time economy in Chongqing are also represented in recent figures.
From the list of China's Top 10 Most Influential Cities of Evening Economy released in 2021, Chongqing ranked first for three consecutive years.
Data from Chongqing Municipal Commerce Bureau shows that in 2021, Chongqing launched more than 190 special night-time events with sales of nearly 15 billion RMB, driving more than 190,000 online and offline businesses to participate.
Nowadays, Chongqing's night view is appealing to tourists and transforms into the actual consumption capacity as a key index to the whole city's economy.
In the future, the series of initiatives taken by the government will continue to boost the night-time economy of Chongqing to create numerous evening landmarks that combine fireworks, Bayu culture, fashion trends, and international style.