Hangzhou strives to develop night economy

Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, will ramp up efforts to set up night markets and other night time destinations for the development of night economy.

The "10+X" layout, announced by the government, will consist of 10 night markets, including Wulin Night Market and Wushan Night Market, and several distinctive night time destinations in Hangzhou.

The night economy is defined by the Hangzhou government as economic activities that take place from 7 pm to 1 am, which include shopping, dining, sightseeing and entertainment.

The measures to develop night economy in Hangzhou will focus on six aspects.

For shopping, efforts will be made to build commercial centers and apply new technologies such as livestreaming.

Also, Hangzhou will improve night food streets, launch night time sightseeing routes, open a group of public studies for night time reading, and encourage shops, tea houses, cafes and cinemas to extend their hours. Gyms will be encouraged to offer discounts to customers coming at night and organize sports competitions in public spaces.

The plan to develop night economy has brought new development opportunities to shops in the city. The Hangzhou-based century-old restaurant Zhiweiguan has begun to provide catering services at night and cooperate with e-commerce platforms to offset the COVID-19's impact on its business.

Next, the Hangzhou government plans to organize more than 100 night time activities throughout the year in order to further develop night economy.