Chongqing- On the evening of July 11, the 2025 Chongqing Nightlife Festival kicked off. Running through the end of September, the festival will feature over 200 events and over 1 billion yuan ($139 million) in consumer incentives.

On the evening of July 11, the 2025 Chongqing Nightlife Festival kicked off in Yangjiaping Pedestrian Street, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce)

According to Zhang Yongwu, director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, the city has emphasized its "mountains, rivers, bridges, and city" identity to enrich nighttime experiences such as food, sightseeing, entertainment, and shopping. 

"Chongqing has ranked first among China's top ten cities in night economy influence for four consecutive years," Zhang said. "The nighttime economy has become a new engine for building Chongqing into an international consumption center."

Zhang noted that summer is a peak season for consumption, and night hours play a central role. "This year's festival includes over 200 themed events such as 'Roaming the Sleepless City' and the Sichuan-Chongqing Night Economy Carnival," he said. "It will create over 100 consumption scenes that involve thousands of businesses to spark new trends."

Lai Chongjing, general manager of Longmenhao Cultural Industry, said weekly music festivals and concerts in Longmenhao Old Street now attract tens of thousands of visitors each evening. "Barbecues, beer nights, and drone shows have created a strong nighttime atmosphere," she said, adding that international visitors often gather to enjoy views of the Yuzhong Peninsula and river cruises.

The festival features Chongqing nightlife experience zones across districts, including the Nanbin Nighlife Festival in Nan'an District, the Beer Festival in Fuling District, and the Shopping Season in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.

It also introduces the Tianfu Summer Travel Guide, integrating Sichuan-Chongqing tourism resources and advancing dual-city consumption cooperation.

The Chongqing International Beer Culture Festival is also underway at Baguocheng from July 11 to 19. It offers craft beer, local food, and nightly performances, including DJ sets and beer contests.

The Chongqing International Beer Culture Festival. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce)

The festival partners with platforms like Ele.me, Taobao Flash Sale, Freshippo, Meituan, Alipay, and UnionPay to distribute more than 1 billion yuan in consumer perks. DiDi, Amap, and local banks also offer half-price rides, discounted vouchers, and "1-cent" public transit deals.