Seizing the night

Big crowds

Li believes the opening of night exhibitions has made a positive impact to the nighttime economy as statistics show that almost half of the visitors come from outside the city. This influx of visitors from other cities has also boosted the business of hotels and restaurants located near the museum.

Li pointed out that museum's other venue in Pudong, which is scheduled to open by the end of this year, would also consider having a night session.

"If we can operate the museum from 10 am to 10 pm, which is consistent with the shopping malls in the city, more office workers will be able to visit art venues after they are done with work," Li said. "Such a move is a good thing for the city."

Other museums have also followed suit. The Shanghai Pudong Art Museum, for example, extended its business hours to 9 pm since last year.

Yang Bokai, the founder of the BFC Weekend Market, said he has witnessed growing nighttime crowds in recent months. Launched in June 2020, the market is part of the city's nightlife festival. This year's nightlife festival will be held from June 3 to 30.

"Although the market is open from 10 am to 10 pm, the nighttime turnover accounts for much more than 50 percent," said Yang.

"During weekends, holidays and large events, the market won't close until 11 pm. The visitor numbers during these periods range between 80,000 and 100,000, and may even exceed 120,000 on special occasions."

Starting in June, popular music labels will be invited to perform until 10 pm every evening.

In the early stages, night markets were solely focused on selling street food and small wares, but they have since evolved into much more comprehensive affairs that require more creative and professional services.

"The commercial real estate sector in Shanghai is embracing the night economy now. Efforts are constantly being made to provide more leisure and entertainment options so that people are inclined to hang around till late," Yang said.