Zhoushan's nighttime economy picking up

The nighttime economy of Zhoushan has been growing steadily on the back of the opening of a new night market and the launch of a series of nighttime activities. Increased nighttime consumption has injected new vitality into the island city's economic growth.

On May 18, Zhoushan inaugurated the Chaosheng Night Market in Donggang sub-district, Putuo district, which has proved hugely popular among local residents.

The market is an integral part of the district's 520 Happiness Street, which was the only street in Zhoushan to be nominated as a Zhejiang provincial-level high-end pedestrian street last year.

The market consists of 52 stands selling local snacks, beverages, cultural and creative goods, handicrafts, and more.

On June 7, a huge crayfish banquet was held in the town of Ruxin on Changzhi Island. This is the second crayfish event held by local newspaper Zhoushan Evening, with the first being held on Lanlin Zhiji Commercial Street in Dinghai district.

The two crayfish-themed events attracted a total of 400 participants, helping spur nighttime consumption.

Zhang Yingying, assistant general manager of Zhoushan Blue City Catering Management Co Ltd, said that the crayfish banquet has ignited local customers’ enthusiasm for nighttime dining and entertainment, and has helped Lanlin Zhiji Commercial Street regain its popularity.

Preliminary statistics show that the daily revenue of the company rose from 7,000 ($1,014.5) to 10,000 yuan within a week after the crayfish banquet was held.

"Online takeout orders have declined as more people decide to eat outside," said Zhang.

The local government will soon issue guidelines for accelerating the development of the nighttime economy. A head official from the Zhoushan municipal bureau of commerce said that more nighttime events are expected to be held in the city from June to September in order to better meet the needs of residents for high-quality, diverse, and personalized consumption options and stimulate the urban economy.