Wu Zixi, a kindergarten teacher by day, has been operating a stall at a lively night market in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on weekends since April. She sells handmade bracelets, earrings and other accessories—a creative outlet quite different from her daytime job.

"I have a keen interest in design and handcrafts, though it's not something I do as a fulltime job right now. But my little stall is a way to share my creativity and test out business ideas," Wu told Beijing Review.

She chooses when to set up the stall based on the weather or her mood, and uses her free time to design new products. The market also serves as a social platform, allowing Wu to meet other young, energetic vendors—and customers. Earning money is not her main objective. "What makes me happiest is meeting people who appreciate my designs," she added.

The growing popularity of night markets across China is particularly pronounced during the summer months. The cooler evening temperatures, seasonal food offerings, festive atmosphere, leisure time and tourist appeal all contribute to the surge in people flocking to these hubs of community, creativity and commerce.

Fire and fumes 

Night markets have a long-standing tradition in Chinese culture, dating back centuries. They were originally outdoor markets that operated in the evening when the daytime heat had subsided.

Night snacking is an integral part of these markets. Street food stalls in China offer an astounding array of local, regional and original snacks and small dishes. A 500-meter-long street can hold hundreds of snack and beverage stalls. Businesses are always introducing new dishes and dining experiences to attract consumers, fostering healthy competition and driving the overall market upgrade.

Chongqing, a famous foodie destination in southwest China, has a thriving night dining culture. A whopping 60 percent of consumption in Chongqing occurs at night, with nighttime food being a major part of this, according to the local commerce department.

Street stalls aside, restaurants and bars are also upgrading their offerings to cater to consumer preferences. Many have created open outdoor terraces, installed pool tables and set up projection screens, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals alongside nighttime views and live entertainment. This setup has proven particularly popular during international sporting events like UEFA Euro 2024, the major European soccer competition unfolding between mid-June and mid-July, prompting these establishments to extend their operating hours.

Showtime! 

Many historic cities in China are renowned for their vivacious night markets, which have become integral parts of the local culture and urban fabric. In addition to abundant tantalizing food options, these markets also feature music and dance performances showcasing traditional culture and customs, making them a major draw for visitors.

One prime example is Datang Everbright City, located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province—the capital of 13 dynasties in Chinese history. The 2,100-meter-long pedestrian mall, situated at the foot of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, immerses visitors in the architecture and culture of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). At night, the area comes alive with performances of Tang-era music and dance, poetry recitations, traditional wedding ceremonies, and much more.

Visitors can often be seen strolling the streets in traditional attire, posing for photos amid the ancient-style buildings and interacting with costumed actors, fully embracing the cultural atmosphere.

Through these iconic night markets, historic Chinese cities can seamlessly blend their storied pasts with modern-day tourism, offering visitors an immersive experience that celebrates the country's heritage and traditions.

Nanjing in Jiangsu Province, for instance, has launched a performance and exhibition program centered around The Dream of the Red Chamber, one of China's four great classic novels, depicting the rise and fall of four prominent families. The original masterpiece was written by Cao Xueqin, a native of Nanjing, during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Through this program, visitors can enjoy captivating theatrical performances that bring the novel's characters and plots to life on stage. Cutting-edge digital technology-powered exhibits also provide deeper insights into the iconic literary work, its historical context and the author's life.

Something for everyone 

As cities' nighttime economies heat up, 24-hour convenience stores, gyms and other round-the-clock businesses are becoming even more popular.

Recently, more and more libraries and bookstores in Shanghai have introduced 24-hour services. At 11:30 p.m., a 24-hour library located within Shanghai's Heping Park remains brightly lit, with nearly a third of its seats occupied. According to reports, since officially opening on April 23, this library had already welcomed over 330,000 visitors and circulated nearly 124,000 books as of mid-July.

Beyond Shanghai, cities in Shandong Province have also introduced innovative nighttime offerings. Supported by local health authorities and hospitals, traditional Chinese medicine markets have been established, providing access to health teas and consultation services. In addition to imparting knowledge about traditional Chinese medicine, some doctors also guide visitors in health exercises at local parks.

To facilitate people hanging out at night, convenient transportation options are available in many localities. "I used to go out to the night market or visit the park with my family in the evening, and we'd miss the last bus if we stayed a bit longer," a resident surnamed Qi in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, told People's Public Transportation magazine, adding that the night buses running until midnight, launched in 2023, have solved this problem.

Zhengzhou currently has nearly 60 night bus lines shuttling through its streets, connecting the city's nighttime economy and business districts.

"The nighttime economy is a new resource plus a new model of production, trade, and consumption. It uses a city's existing resources, allowing it to present another aspect, often capable of attracting young people from around the world," Ole Doering, a German philosopher and Sinologist working at Hunan Normal University in Changsha, Hunan Province, said at a conference on China's nighttime economy in March.

(Print Edition Title: Dollars After Dusk) 

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

Comments to luyan@cicgamericas.com