Meatball business thrives in night market in Nantong

Xu's stall. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

In the vibrant night market of Nantong Economic and Technological Development Zone (NETDA) in Jiangsu province, Xu Yinuo, a young woman from Wenzhou in Zhejiang province, skillfully prepares a traditional Wenzhou delicacy—the meatball.

With the approaching of the Lunar New Year, two-thirds of the stalls in the market have hit the pause button as operators begin returning home for family reunions. Xu's stall selling Wenzhou meatballs continues to attract a steady stream of customers.

Reflecting on the solidarity among the night market vendors, Xu highlighted their shared commitment to making a prosperous end to the year before heading home, despite hailing from different provinces.

Xu, 31, arriving in Nantong in June 2021, was encouraged by friends to do business utilizing the Wenzhou meatball dish.

Despite initial challenges, Xu persevered. Her dedication has paid off, and she now proudly sells over 300 bowls of meatballs during peak hours. The night market, once a place of casual dining, has transformed into a bustling hub, where couples in pajamas, weary office workers and delivery drivers eagerly await their orders.

Last summer, the development zone relocated some mobile vendors to Jingwei Road, providing a more organized and regulated environment. Xu appreciates the city's modern infrastructure and effective management, allowing her to focus on her business without worrying about losing her loyal customers.

Xu's story exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and the positive impact of effective urban management and business environment on the local night market economy in Nantong.