As night falls, Wuyi Square, a major commercial hub in Changsha, Hunan province, fills with people. At 10 pm, the city's golden hour for consumption remains in full swing. Nighttime spending accounts for more than 60 percent of daily consumption and generates about 1 million jobs. Changsha has ranked among the country's top 10 cities for nighttime economic influence for three consecutive years.
A similar scene is unfolding across the province, where night markets, late-night dining, cultural performances and immersive tourism experiences are drawing visitors after nightfall.
Traditional culture and historical neighborhoods are being combined with modern entertainment and commerce.
Local data shows that Hunan boasted 70 national- and provincial-level nighttime cultural and tourism consumption clusters as of April.
To support the growth, cities across Hunan have extended business hours, improved transport services and repurposed idle factories, parks and public spaces into nighttime venues.
A foreign tourist (middle) experiences a traditional Tujia wedding ceremony staged at the Charming Xiangxi Theater in Zhangjiajie on Aug 14. GENG FEIFEI/CHINA DAILY
A visitor imitates the posture of a tomb guardian sculpture unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Tombs at Hunan Museum in Changsha, on Aug 11. The museum extended its opening hours during the summer to offer evening visits. GENG FEIFEI/CHINA DAILY
A visitor takes photos of the digital light-and-shadow art exhibition at Tank Changsha (1936), a creative park converted from an industrial site, in Changsha on Aug 10. GENG FEIFEI/CHINA DAILY
Foreign tourists make traditional Chinese herbal sachets at Furong town in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, Hunan, on Aug 15. GENG FEIFEI/CHINA DAILY
Visitors take a boat trip along the Chuanzi River to watch the outdoor water show Changde Stories in Changde, on Aug 13. GENG FEIFEI/CHINA DAILY
Visitors cruise the Tuojiang River in Fenghuang ancient town in Xiangxi, on Aug 15, enjoying performances staged along the water and in the air. GENG FEIFEI/CHINA DAILY
A child interacts with an NPC, or non-player character, at Dayong ancient town in Zhangjiajie on Aug 14. GENG FEIFEI/CHINA DAILY
Editor: Zhou Zheng Reviser: Lu Bingwu Final Reviewer: He Shengying
