The night market set up at the Zhongnan Young Max commercial complex attracts hordes of visitors. [Photo/WeChat account: chongchuanonline]

In a bid to boost consumer spending while laying equal emphasis on COVID-19 pandemic prevention and controls, Chongchuan district – the main urban area of Nantong city in East China's Jiangsu province – has issued plans to build 11 night markets and to upgrade its night economy.

Currently, under the management of the urban management bureau, night markets on the north bank of the canal and in the Zhongnan Young Max commercial complex have opened as pilots.

"The night markets are free for all booth holders, but they have to abide by strict regulations," explained Zhao Qiang, deputy director of the Chongchuan urban management bureau.

The district's urban management bureau, together with the sub-district office, will supervise the new night markets and enter booth holders who comply with regulations onto a red list and put those who do not on a black list. Those who have been blacklisted three times within a year will be disqualified from the markets.

In addition, a project called "Night Chongchuan, Enjoy Happiness" – which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic – is due to be held soon. Since it was launched in 2020, it has staged more than 120 night events and activities.

"This year, we will launch the 3.0 version of the project," said Zhong Su, deputy director of the district's commerce bureau. This year's night activities will involve art performances, tourism, restaurants and food outlets, shopping, leisure and entertainment and other events.

Zhong added that Chongchuan would boost the development of its night economy by adding various business formats, creating brand activities and optimizing the night environment.