≡-China’s Nighttime Economy Experiences Rapid Growth As Travelers Turn To Evening Attractions To Avoid The Daytime Heat – Viral of Today

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Home » TOURISM NEWS » China’s Nighttime Economy Experiences Rapid Growth As Travelers Turn To Evening Attractions To Avoid The Daytime Heat Friday, August 1, 2025China’s nighttime economy is experiencing rapid growth as more travelers seek out evening attractions to escape the oppressive daytime heat. With temperatures soaring during the summer months, many tourists are turning to night tours, light shows, and cultural events that offer a cooler and more comfortable experience. This shift towards nighttime activities is being fueled by government initiatives that aim to boost the country’s nighttime tourism, with more destinations offering after-dark experiences that cater to the growing demand for evening entertainment. As a result, China’s tourism sector is seeing a rise in both local and international visitors looking to enjoy the country’s attractions once the sun sets.Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, stands as a breathtaking natural wonder, offering visitors an awe-inspiring experience. One of its most iconic features is the 999-step staircase that leads up to Tianmen Cave. Illuminated at night, the staircase and the entire mountain shimmer under the glow of lights, transforming the landscape into a spectacular sight. The mountain, bathed in light, captivates visitors and offers a mesmerizing scene, especially when viewed after dark.Many tourists arrive in the late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day, but they are often left in awe when they experience the beauty of the mountain at night. A rising number of visitors are now opting for the evening tours, drawn by the allure of the illuminated landscape and the tranquil descent under the moonlight. The park has responded to this growing demand by organizing special evening light shows that showcase the park’s natural beauty and highlight the features of the landscape.The summer months have brought a surge in visitors to the park, with the number of daily tourists exceeding 20,000. These night tours have become one of the park’s major attractions, offering an unforgettable experience that cannot be found during the daytime. The atmosphere at night is unique, with visitors often spending hours taking in the views, wandering the illuminated paths, and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings.In the broader context, extreme heatwaves have gripped much of China, including Henan and Shandong provinces, where 28 regions issued the highest level of heat alert on July 28. In cities like Qingdao, temperatures soared to 40.5°C, just a fraction below the historical record set in 1961. This unrelenting heat has caused a surge in the demand for air conditioning, placing immense pressure on the national power grid. On July 25, the country set a new record for electricity consumption, reaching an unprecedented 1.47 billion kilowatts.The ongoing heatwave has significantly fueled China’s efforts to grow its night-time economy. Earlier this year, in January, the State Council issued a policy encouraging the growth of evening cultural and tourism activities throughout the country. The initiative aims to take advantage of the cooler nighttime temperatures, allowing for an increase in consumer spending while enhancing the overall tourism experience during the less oppressive hours of the day.According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, almost 60% of consumer spending now occurs in the evening. This shift has significantly boosted the popularity of night tourism, with spending during nighttime activities averaging more than three times higher than during the day. This growing trend highlights a cultural shift as an increasing number of people opt to explore, dine, and shop after sunset.The China Tourism Academy forecasts that by the close of 2024, domestic spending on night tourism will hit around 1.91 trillion yuan (US\$267 billion), highlighting the vast growth potential in this sector. With strong government support driving the expansion of night-time tourism, this sector is poised to become a key pillar of the nation’s tourism economy in the near future.In Hunan province, often referred to as one of China’s “furnaces” due to its intense summer heat, the growing popularity of night tourism is transforming cities into vibrant destinations. Night markets, spectacular light shows, and a variety of art performances have created a bustling night-time atmosphere, drawing both locals and tourists alike.One of the prime examples of this vibrant nighttime economy is the Tang Dynasty theme park, located near the ruins of the 1,200-year-old Dongguan porcelain kiln. After dark, the park comes alive with a variety of activities, including fireworks displays, street food vendors, and live music performances. Visitors are treated to a wide range of experiences, from enjoying spicy lobster to participating in beer-drinking competitions, all while being immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the area.The park remains open until midnight, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy the late-night offerings. The park has seen a 20% increase in nighttime visitors since early July, a clear indication of the growing demand for evening entertainment in the region. It is not just the park’s attractions that are thriving after dark—other cultural and artistic endeavors, such as art performances and theatrical shows, are also drawing crowds into the night.In addition to the park, the thriving local theater scene has become another cornerstone of Hunan’s night-time economy. The “Xuong Cuoi” comedy theater in the Thien Tam district, for example, opens its doors every evening during the summer, offering unique performances that combine Chinese spoken word with hip-hop and improvisational comedy. This fusion of traditional and modern performance styles creates a lively and engaging atmosphere, where audiences can relax with tea and snacks while enjoying the show.The theater’s ability to blend different forms of entertainment has made it increasingly popular with both tourists and locals. With laughter filling the air and a relaxed atmosphere, the performances have become a favorite activity for many visitors. The local government is keen on further developing this sector and plans to introduce a night tour route that combines theater, food, and sightseeing to attract even more tourists.As daytime heatwaves push travelers to seek cooler environments, China’s nighttime economy is booming, with more people turning to evening attractions and events for relief and entertainment. Government support is driving the sector’s growth, making night tourism a key part of the country’s tourism future.The development of night tourism in Hunan province, and in China as a whole, is poised to continue growing in the coming years. As more tourists and locals flock to enjoy the cooler evening hours, night markets, light shows, and cultural performances are becoming integral to the tourism experience. With government support and a clear focus on this emerging sector, the night-time economy is expected to become a major driver of tourism growth in China, further enhancing the country’s appeal as a global destination.

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