The dazzling light show illuminates the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, attracting many visitors. [Photo by Dong Zhigang/dailyqd.com]

The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, has been ramping up efforts to boost its nighttime economy, according to local authorities.

The nighttime economy refers to service sector activity between 6 pm and 6 am, which includes shopping, dining, tours, entertainment, studying, films, television, and relaxation.

Official data shows that China's nighttime consumption market has seen strong growth recently, and that by October this year more than 40 cities had rolled out plans to encourage nighttime consumption. The nighttime economy has injected new vitality into China's consumption model.

Since the beginning of this year, Qingdao has implemented various measures to encourage nighttime consumption, including improving infrastructure and public services, as well as extending the opening hours of premises including cinemas, theatres, food streets and food stalls, convenience stores, shopping malls, restaurants, KTV and night clubs.

The light show of Qingdao recently attracted Zhang Yu, a senior university student from Liaoning province, for a quick weekend trip.

"I didn't plan the trip in advance. Content about the light show in Qingdao went viral on the internet, so I wanted to give it a go," she said.

The light show of Qingdao has gained huge popularity across the country since the SCO Qingdao summit in 2018.

"The light show has become a regular program of Qingdao every evening and we have launched night tour services to meet the needs of tourists," said Yuan Shaoming, a marketing director from Qingdao Tourism Group.

According to Yuan, about 160,000 tourists have experienced the night tour services at Qingdao's Fushan Bay this year.

More scenic spots in Qingdao have launched night tours, including Qingdao Polar Ocean World and Qingdao Fantawild Dreamland, which have been well received among tourists.

Visitors enjoy the lantern show at the Qingdao International Horticultural Exposition Park at night. [Photo by Wang Hua/dailyqd.com]

This year, 21 bar streets were built in Qingdao, with a total investment of 550 million yuan ($78.64 million). Qingdao also introduced an off-season subsidy policy to support the development of bars.

The city has launched more cultural performances and art activities to boost its culture and tourism industries. Nighttime exhibitions, nighttime reading and nighttime running are becoming popular among local citizens.

"We have offered many discounts and promotions so that many shows cost less than 100 yuan. The grand theater welcomes more than 240,000 audience members each year," said Zhong Xin, deputy general manager of Qingdao Grand Theater Management Co. 

"Cultural consumption has proved to be a new growth point in Qingdao's nighttime economy," added Zhong.

Local citizens enjoy their spare time at the Tailiu Road, a famous commercial district in Qingdao. [Photo by Jiang Xiaojian/dailyqd.com]