Nanchang Street scenic area is crowded with visitors at night. [Photo/wxrb.com]
As most street malls have reopened and many restaurants are again offering outdoor seating, Wuxi is once again bustling at night, and the nighttime economy is recovering quickly.
Nanchang Street scenic area, the most popular and attractive commercial street in Wuxi, has seen growing numbers of visitors and buyers at night in recent days. Pedestrians taste street food, artisans make craft items in small booths, and children run around playing games for prizes–demonstrating that nightlife has returned there since the country brought coronavirus under control.
Li Xiaoling, who runs handcrafts store in Nanchang Street scenic area, said her business was hit hard by the novel coronavirus outbreak and has returned to about 60 percent of normal sales. She now keeps her store open until at least midnight.
Many stores in Wuxi Coastal Bazaar have also extended their hours and are promoting nighttime-oriented activities. Some restaurants have opened outdoor areas for people who want to enjoy a drink and the cool breeze on summer nights.
To celebrate the anniversary of Wuxi Coastal Bazaar, a series of events will be held in outdoor areas, including free night markets, according to Li Cheng, deputy director of the bazaar.
The term nighttime economy refers to business activities undertaken between 6 pm and 6 am in the services sector. It is a golden period for merchants seeking to expand their businesses.