Wuxi to bolster nighttime economy

At night in Wuxi, cruise boats shuttle back and forth on the Grand Canal, diners savor all kinds of dishes, and tourists and locals flock to its central Qingming Bridge Scenic Area as city life returns to its normal pace.

The Joy in Night Liangxi event opened on Nanchang Street Aug 8. During the three-day event, locals and visitors could enjoy a night market and performances such as traditional Chinese music, hip-pop dance and light shows.

Local authorities in Liangxi district have beefed up measures to develop the nighttime economy, with steps to encourage post-dusk business activities and later closing hours at museums and art galleries.

The rebuilt Wuxi Art Performance Theater will stage various local performances for three months from August, including Wuxi Opera and pingtan, a local style of musical storytelling.

Wuxi Museum is also extending its opening hours to provide educational movies and skill classes to children during the summer vacation.

"We expect more enterprises in Liangxi will take part in the development of the nighttime economy," said Chen Ping, director of the Liangxi district bureau of commerce.

The downtown district will continue to improve infrastructure and public services, as well as hold a dazzling array of events in nighttime consumption clusters, according to officials.