Shenyang’s night markets are hot favorite in winter months

Young people dive into some books at a bookstore in Shenyang, Liaoning province, at night. [Photo/Shenyang Daily]

The nighttime economy is continuing to prosper in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China’s Liaoning province -- and will do so even with the cold winter weather -- according to local reports.

Cold though it is, Shenyang’s winter has longer nights than in other seasons and a wide variety of choices make the night life more colorful in the city.

Surveys show that customers are keen on snacking and shopping at nighttime -- especially Chinese hot pot dishes.

A proprietor of a hot pot restaurant on Huanghe Street said that when it is colder, the restaurant receives more consumers and it opens until 1 am.

In addition to food and shopping, Shenyang folk are fond of indoor sports and reading at bookstores at nighttime.

Gyms and sports halls are popular among Shenyang locals at nighttime, especially young people. They like to swim, play basketball, badminton and go to the gym -- especially on weekdays from 7-9 pm -- according to surveys.

Bookstores are another popular after-dark destination for young people, where they can read, drink coffee, learn to bake and attend lectures and cultural salons.

Over 80 percent of interviewees think that the nocturnal time is a good way to release pressure and enrich their lives.

Officials said that to drive the economy and attract more nighttime customers, Shenyang city has introduced a raft of measures.

These include opening 24-hour convenience stores, extending the service hours of buses, encouraging cinemas and theaters to offer preferential evening tickets and encouraging libraries, cultural centers, museums and art galleries to open to the public at night.

Authorities are also encouraging organizations to host cultural and sports competitions and ice and snow activities in winter after-dark, to lure more night customers.