China's major cities are stepping up efforts to revitalize their nighttime economies this summer, rolling out an array of cultural, culinary, and entertainment initiatives to drive consumer spending and energize urban life.
The push comes amid rising demand for diversified leisure options after dark, with local governments promoting integrated experiences across dining, shopping, tourism, sports and performance arts.
In Shanghai, the 2025 Nightlife Festival, which runs from June to September, features 130 themed activities across the city.
A newly erected open-air stage on the iconic Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is drawing large crowds with live music and light shows.
"We really love it. It's very special. It's very big. It has a huge offer. We don't have that in Germany. So, it's very special for us," said a German visitor.
Ren Zhuyi, deputy general manager of the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Investment and Development Company, noted the positive impact of China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which launched in December 2024 and expanded further this June.
"We have launched a 'midsummer carnival' in Shanghai. With the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, the international visitor traffic in our district has significantly increased. We have also established three centralized tax refund points to better serve tourists from around the world," said Ren.
In Beijing, residents and tourists alike are flocking to late-night food and craft markets. One standout attraction is a newly introduced nighttime rafting experience in Pinggu District, located in the city’s northeast.
Along the Grand Canal, which links Beijing with Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, more than 500 market stalls have sprung up, offering a mix of street food, local crafts and live entertainment.
"I think it's really nice and lively, especially in the summer. I find it quite pleasant," said Wang Hong, a Beijing resident.
Dunhuang, a county-level city in northwest China’s Gansu Province and a key stop along the ancient Silk Road, has transformed its night markets into dynamic showcases of cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the famed murals of the Mogao Caves.
The city's "one street, one scene, one story" initiative weaves historical legacy with contemporary flair, creating immersive experiences that highlight both tradition and modern urban life.
"Throughout this street, I feel a vibrant atmosphere filled with local lifestyle. I believe this street showcases a blend of historical and cultural elements from Dunhuang," said Wu Feifei, a tourist from east China's Jiangsu Province.
In Hangzhou, the “Miracle Night” program has gained traction, fusing digital art, interactive installations and live entertainment to attract younger consumers.
"It's clear that this is an experience of technological advancement, representing a fascinating change in our lives," said Wang Yuanyuan, a tourist from Anhui Province.
Jiangsu Province is capitalizing on the rising popularity of the “Su Super League”, an amateur football competition, to create special venues where screenings of matches on big screens accompanied by a seafood feast have proven especially successful.
"Watching football matches on the big screen while savoring lobsters is a fantastic experience that creates a vibrant atmosphere," said a football fan.
According to a report by China’s Ministry of Commerce, 60 percent of urban consumer spending now takes place after dark, with nighttime consumption volumes three times those of daytime periods. The expansion of night-focused economic activity is becoming a key growth engine for boosting domestic demand and supporting higher-quality urban development.
China's nighttime economy flourishes with blend of culture, tourism and entertainment
