Cities across China light up new nighttime tourism experiences to boost economic growth

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cities across China have transformed their natural and cultural treasures into vibrant nighttime tourism hotspots, drawing surging visitor numbers and energizing local economies during the bustling summer period.   The Haihe River, which runs through north China's Tianjin Municipality, has gained increasing popularity among tourists due to its spectacular night view.   The municipality upgraded the lighting fixtures on 216 buildings, 13 bridges and seven berths along the river. Besides the colorful lights, tourists can also enjoy wonderful performances, such as traditional operas and cross talks on boat.   As a result, tourist boats on the Haihe River have received more than 330,000 travelers this summer.   In Zaozhuang City of east China's Shandong Province, traditional buildings were decorated with dazzling lights in Tai'erzhuang Ancient Town, with performances such as traditional molten iron fireworks, shadow plays, and operas captivating numerous tourists.

The ancient town saw a month-on-month increase of 35 percent in tourist trips in July.   In Fuzhou City, east China's Fujian Province, the historic district of SanFangQiXiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys), which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2013, has been bustling with tourists every evening.   In recent years, Fuzhou has enriched its nighttime consumption scenarios, with historic sites such as the SanFangQixiang designated as key areas, where intangible cultural heritage fairs and art performances were introduced. Since July, the district has seen a flow of 3.42 million travelers.   In Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province, traditional fish-shaped lanterns, have highlighted ancient streets, towns and villages, where tourists can experience activities related to the intangible cultural heritage. These activities have boosted tourist numbers and spending this summer by 8.79 percent and 8.98 percent, respectively.   In Yangzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, the culture stemming from the Grand Canal has reinvigorated its nighttime economy by means of performances, light shows and immersive experiences.   From January to July, the night tours of the ancient canal saw a turnover of around 30 million yuan.

Cities across China light up new nighttime tourism experiences to boost economic growth

A growing number of Chinese energy companies are increasing their presence in the Persian Gulf as they get deeply involved in the region's energy transition.

As a highlight of China-Gulf cooperation, green energy projects carried out by Chinese companies in Gulf states gained spotlight at the 18th World Future Energy Summit, which took place from Wednesday to Thursday in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A shining example is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. As one of the largest single-site solar parks in the world, the solar thermal plant is a key project to help Dubai achieve its carbon reduction goals and significantly increase the share of clean energy in the city's power mix.

"Upon completion in 2030, it will exceed 8,000 megawatts, and it will reduce 8.5 million tons of carbon emmissions on an annual basis. And it will raise Dubai's clean energy capacity up to 36 percent," said Ali Hayat, a senior engineer of the project.

In recent years, more and more Chinese energy product suppliers have transitioned to a new role as investors by building plants and regional offices in the Gulf region to deepen their participation in local energy transition.

"China has been absurdly in the lead in both ways -- in providing technologies that make the cost of solar panel to be affordable around the world, and also in an amazing increase of the share of renewable energy in the energy system," said Francesco La Camera, director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Chinese companies seek greater role in Gulf states' energy transition