Night-time economy becomes new Shenyang growth engine

Shenyang, the capital of Northeast China’s Liaoning province, is actively developing its night-time economy –– trying to make it as a new engine of local economic growth, according to local officials.

The night-time economy refers to business activities between 6 pm and 6 am in the services sector.

Many Chinese cities, especially metropolises such as Beijing and Shanghai, have rolled out plans to support night-time markets. Shenyang is also actively responding to the trend.

The city of Shenyang plans three core business districts for developing its night-time economy: namely Zhongjie Street, Taiyuan Street and the Olympic Center business circle.

To drive the economy and attract more customers, the city has introduced a raft of measures.

These include opening 24-hour convenience stores, extending the service hours of buses, encouraging cinemas and theaters to offer preferential tickets and encouraging libraries, cultural centers, museums and art galleries to open to the public at night.

Authorities are also encouraging organizations to host cultural and sports competitions and ice and snow fitness programs after-dark, to lure more night-time consumers.