China’s nighttime economy is on track for faster development, said Dai Bin, President of the China Tourism Academy (CTA) at the 2023 China Nighttime Economic Forum in Sanya, Hainan province. “With the development of urbanization and consumption, consumer behavior has undergone changes, and the need for cultural experiences, consumption and services at night has grown stronger,” Dai said. The period between 6 and 10 pm is considered to be the golden period for the nighttime economy, he added. Nighttime entertainment consumption is rising, Dai said.
“In addition to dining and shopping, there are new entertainment activities, such as performing arts, scripted shows, light shows, music festivals and live house performances. According to the CTA, the development of the nighttime economy in key towns and tourist villages, such as Hongcun in Anhui province and Nianhua Bay in Jiangsu province, has helped bridge the differences between cities and towns, and more consumers, especially in small towns, have a better consumption experience at their doorstep.
“Sanya, as one of the most well-known coastal tourism cities in China, sees most of its seaside tourism services available only during the daytime. Efforts extending consumption will support its ambitions of building itself into a major international tourism consumption destination,” Dai said. “Sanya, if it succeeds in this direction, will be a showcase for coastal cities across China.” Dai also said that amid the construction of a free trade port, more international tourists will arrive in Hainan in the future. Albert Yip, Director General of the Sanya Tourism Promotion Board under the municipal government, said: “The forum is a representative, influential and professional forum, which can provide guidance for the future development of Sanya’s nighttime economy. “Sanya will explore the development of nighttime economic formats and offer tourists and local residents new nighttime entertainment.”
Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong is looking to expand business on the water in Sanya, said Allan Zeman, Chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Group. He said that by holding conventions and sporting events, and developing its film industry, Sanya will have new attractions that will draw in more tourists, the China Daily reports.
