Shanghai appoints directors to rejuvenate nightlife

Shanghai's Yangpu district appointed its first "nightlife director" on May 23 and unveiled new attractions to promote the city's nightlife.

Zhao Liang, who is also the district's deputy director, will be assisted by seven "nightlife CEOs," mainly experienced executives at downtown landmarks such as Wujiaochang, Daxue Road and the Knowledge & Innovation Community.

Yangpu in the northeast downtown area has already developed a group of popular commercial streets, centers and marketplaces.

The 700-meter-long Daxue Road, for example, has nearly 80 cafes, bookstores, small eateries, pubs and innovative retail outlets. They mainly attract young entrepreneurs and nearby college students, said Xie Jiangang, director of Yangpu.

The district government will release a batch of new measures to boost nightlife at these attractions, such as supporting small street businesses, encouraging cultural performances at shopping malls, revitalizing time-honored brands and premiering fashion stores, Xie said.

"Yangpu aims to gather the newest brands and create the best shopping environment with reasonable prices and quality," he said.

A new nightlife street has been unveiled at the Pacific Fresh City in Yangpu, the city's largest underground market connected with the Wujiaochang and Jiangwan Stadium stations of Metro Line 10.

The street named NOYA mainly attracts fans of skateboarding, fashion, music and trendy products at night, according to the district government.

Shanghai is aiming to revive its nightlife after shutting down noisy late-night bars and eateries over the past few years in response to residents' complaints.

Previously, Huangpu District appointed the city's first nightlife director along with five nightlife CEOs, who launched a Huaihai Road carnival which includes many dining, entertainment and cultural events at night.

Elsewhere downtown, Hongkou District plans to open nightlife markets around its Musical Valley as well as several branch streets such as Harbin and Tengke roads.

The Pudong New Area will release new policies to support the development of its nightlife economy, mainly at the Lujiazui financial hub. Vehicles will be allowed to park on some small streets at night, while buses will extend their operating hours at night around the Lujiazui area.

Baoshan plans to open its wetland parks and the popular Gucun Park at night to support nearby nightlife markets.

To avoid disturbing residents, the city's urban management and law enforcement authorities said unified management standards will be released in business registration, supporting facilities, business areas, operation times and hygiene supervision.