Night-time consumption powers up city economy
2024-04-15 18:04:00
By Yan Wanqin, Yichang International Communication Studio
In recent years, Yichang has focused on promoting night-time consumption and expanding its range of consumer options.
Yichang Jiefang Road Pedestrian Street Market reopened on March 22 and attracted nearly 200 merchants.
In recent years, Yichang has focused on promoting night-time consumption and expanding its range of consumer options.
Yichang Jiefang Road Pedestrian Street Market reopened on March 22 and attracted nearly 200 merchants.
People come to the Jiefang Road Night Market. Photo by Wu Yanling.
In Yichang, several neighborhoods are hosting night markets and performances for tourists and locals. These include Xiba Night Market, the streets in Yichang's Central Business District, Zhongnan Road Night Market, Huaxiang Night Market, Gangyao Road Night Market, and Wanda Plaza in Wujiagang District.
An aerial view of Xiba Night Market. Photo by Wu Yanling.
In addition to dining and shopping, tourists in Yichang are increasingly opting for new entertainment activities such as performing arts and light shows. The Yangtze River Night Cruise is now considered a must-have experience.
A night cruise on the Yangtze River passes by the skyscrapers of Yichang. Photo by Wu Yanling
The Hubei Three Gorges Tourism Group reported that the Yangtze River Night Cruise has attracted over 1.34 million visitors since its launch in 2016. In the first quarter of this year, it received 27,500 tourists, with approximately 35 percent being from within Hubei Province.
At the Chexi Folk Custom Tour Site, a night performance garnered significant attention for its captivating visual and audio effects, combined with the innovative use of water, resulting in an impressive experience.
Visitors enjoy a night performance at the Chexi Folk Custom Tour Site. Photo by Wu Yanling.
The entertainment industry plays a crucial role in attracting tourists and boosting nighttime spending.
According to Xiong Yu, general manager of Hubei Three Gorges Performing Arts Group Co., Ltd., the drama Three Gorges Grand Ceremony has garnered positive reviews since its premiere in August 2023 and has been performed over 100 times. Meanwhile, the drama Qu Yuan, which debuted in February 2023, has been staged 23 times and attracted nearly 20,000 audience members.
"To cater to diverse audiences, we have prepared a wide range of shows, including comedy, Peking Opera, and children's theater. This year, we will also introduce smaller-scale performances such as cross-talk, stand-up comedy shows, and traditional operas," added Xiong.
In addition, Yichang is witnessing a surge in popularity for night sports. At Jie Fitness Club, many fitness enthusiasts come for one-on-one instruction provided by personal trainers. "We have over 1,000 trainees, and the majority prefer exercising at night. Our peak hours are from 7 pm to 10 pm," said Song Jie, the club's manager.
At the Yichang Sports Center, basketball and soccer games are in full swing, attracting numerous participants.
Cyclist Mr. Deng emphasized the importance of experiencing the beauty of Yichang through night bicycle rides. He and his friends ride once a week, exploring Yanjiang Avenue, Zhixi Yangtze River Bridge, and Jiangcheng Avenue to admire the breathtaking night-time scenery of Yichang.
To promote the night-time economy, Yichang has recently implemented a series of policies. These include providing financial support, encouraging commercial complexes to organize promotional events, as well as developing unique cultural and tourism products.
