Innovative Night Market Boosts Vibrant Evening Economy in Tianjin
TIANJIN: A bustling night fair in Tianjin, a city in northern China, is igniting the vibrant nighttime economy and attracting throngs of visitors seeking delightful culinary experiences, pet-friendly ambiance, and enchanting folk music performances.
Located in Society Hill, a popular cultural and tourism street block, the dopamine nighttime market has rapidly become a magnet for young people with its lively atmosphere, colorful decorations, and innovative consumption setups. Society Hill Cultural Tourism Port, which operates the street block, has witnessed a significant increase in visitor numbers, with over 380,000 attendees since the night fair’s opening during the May Day holiday this year. Impressively, these visitors have generated sales exceeding 15 million yuan for the entire street block.
Local business owners also attest to the positive impact of the night market on their establishments. Chen Xueqing, a restaurant owner on the block, has seen a surge in customers during the evenings. The restaurant has become busy and crowded in the evening, with a continuous stream of customers coming for dinner, she said.
China’s night economy, experiencing a surge in popularity, has breathed new life into the country’s cultural and tourism market. Nighttime activities such as shopping, entertainment, sports, exhibitions, and performances have injected vitality into the sector. A survey conducted by the Commerce Ministry on urban residents’ consumption habits revealed that a significant 60% of their spending occurs at night. More and more consumers are seeking quality experiences to enjoy after a busy day of work.
As night falls in Tianjin, a unique and captivating experience awaits customers at a local restaurant. The establishment hosts a special play that beautifully recreates the ambiance of the city’s old town through meticulously designed sets, props, and costumes. Customers have the opportunity to select a character and engage in an interactive experience with skilled actors while savoring the authentic flavors of Tianjin cuisine.
Wang Jing from the Tianjin North Performing Arts Communication Co Ltd explained, We tell the story of Tianjin’s food culture through drama. Many customers are curious about what kind of food they will eat when they interact with professional actors in a play. They can enjoy a delightful fusion of sight, sound, and flavors all in one immersive experience.
Customers like Mr. You, a young participant in the play, are thrilled with this unique dining experience. After the performance, Mr. You received a short video of the play, creating a cherished memory. A camera filmed our performance just like in a real film studio. This was not just a meal but a new consumption experience, he exclaimed.
Liang Feng, an associate professor at the Business School of Nankai University, highlighted the evolution of China’s night economy, which traditionally focused on taste and audiovisual consumption. Nowadays, customers can indulge in a more immersive and interactive range of activities, enhancing their overall experience.
These innovative consumption models have emerged as golden opportunities to drive consumption and stimulate economic growth across various regions in China. Jinggangshan, a city in East China’s Jiangxi province, combines the night economy with red culture, blending traditional Chinese culture and socialist culture with Chinese characteristics. Similarly, Beijing has undertaken numerous themed activities, involving almost 40 commercial districts and 200 brands, to promote night-time consumption and invigorate the city’s economy.
The combination of enticing nighttime activities, immersive experiences, and culinary delights is revolutionizing China’s nocturnal landscape. By fostering a vibrant nighttime economy, cities like Tianjin are providing residents and tourists alike with exciting and engaging opportunities to unwind and indulge in a unique cultural and gastronomic journey.
