New Yichang night market opens in fanfare
2023-07-31 19:07:43
By Chen Zai, Yichang International Communication Studio
Photo by Zhang Guorong and Yiling Converged Media Center
On the evening of July 30, 2023, Yichang City’s new urban night market, "Fireworks YEAH Alley," celebrated its grand opening in Yiling District. This new night market offers locals new options for consumption and entertainment, injecting vitality into the nighttime economy of Yiling District and Yichang City.
Photo by Zhang Guorong and Yiling Converged Media Center
On the evening of July 30, 2023, Yichang City’s new urban night market, "Fireworks YEAH Alley," celebrated its grand opening in Yiling District. This new night market offers locals new options for consumption and entertainment, injecting vitality into the nighttime economy of Yiling District and Yichang City.
The opening ceremony kicked off with a giant steampunk puppet parade, created by the first domestic team specializing in giant puppets.
Steampunk creations refer back to the 19th century where steam power was in mainstream use. The gendarme with the curling moustache is an example of 19C style.
Following the parade, fashionable DJ princesses with eye-catching turntable skills, anime cosplayers, magicians and joyful clowns thrilled the customers wandering through the container-style shops and food stalls, where they were able to taste delicious food, take part in gaming and snap pics.
The night market was launched by state-owned Hubei Yiling Economic Development Group to create a new urban consumption scene, make the city more attractive to young people, and enhance the vitality of the local night economy. The night market has already attracted 105 high-quality merchants distributed across three main areas: the "specialty catering + snack cluster" food zone, the "trendy market + performances" leisure zone, and the "urban camping + late-night tavern" photo zone.
"I came here today with my family and didn't expect it to be so lively. There are so many options for food and entertainment! I just tried a radish dumpling, and it was delicious. We’ll be back again," said Han Rui, a local strolling through the food street with his daughter, both having a great time.
The merchants also had a smile on their faces. Wu Xionghua, the owner of a food bus, was busy preparing extra barbecue ingredients, with the number of customers exceeding his expectations. "As soon as we heard about this opportunity, we went for it. There’s plenty of space, the place looks great, people are coming and our business is booming. We hope everyone will come and enjoy," he said.
