TIANJIN — As night fell, coffee vendors prepared their stalls to soft melodies in the background while young office workers queued up, bringing the fourth Tianjin Coffee Culture Festival to its pinnacle. "It's my time to unwind," said Wang Chen, a local resident at the bustling night market. "The vibe here is fantastic, well worth the trip."

Xia Lanying, general manager of Palm Tianjin, an organizer of the coffee festival featuring stalls showcasing crafts, art, and lifestyle products, said: "Today's youth are redefining how and when they spend. We designed this space for both comfort and engagement."

A young entrepreneur surnamed Tian saw the festival as more than a sales opportunity. "It's our gateway to the city's nightlife and nighttime consumers," he noted. "Young people gather here for coffee, cold drinks and music on summer nights."

In recent years, Tianjin has expanded its night economy through upgraded streets, displays of intangible cultural heritage, pop-up art, and immersive cultural experiences.

Citywide "bridge concerts", Italian opera flash mobs, and traditional folk performances now turn urban areas into nocturnal stages across Tianjin.

On the Haihe River, tourist Liu Hao from Northwest China's Xi'an in Shaanxi province marveled at the waterfront lights. "Like stepping into a 3D painting," Liu said.

Demand for night cruises has surged with the arrival of the summer peak tourist season. According to the cruise operator, 29 boats operate over 70 nightly trips every night. Themed "performance cruises" featuring comedy or opera transform sightseeing into memorable experiences.

"Our boats are mobile cultural spaces," said Zhang Shifang, deputy manager of Tianjin Jinlv Haihe Cruises.

At Tianjin's Dongli Lake, an immersive lakeside show captivated audiences. "With the breeze, water and storytelling, it's a comfort," tourist Feng Nan said. Many linger afterward to explore nearby scenic areas.

Tianjin's vibrancy mirrors China's nighttime economy boom, with regions including Jiangsu, Sichuan and Chongqing enhancing offerings. "Nighttime cultural consumption has entered regional development strategies," said Dai Bin, head of the China Tourism Academy.

A report from the academy indicates that 63 percent of China's 5A-level scenic spots operated at night in 2024, up from 23 percent in 2020, with over one-third of national museums hosting after-dark events during summer. "Night tourism spurs innovation and expands industry boundaries," Dai added. "Its future lies in cultural creativity and sustained, high-quality development."

Xinhua