The open-air market near People's Park in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, had been a popular shopping area for locals before explosions killed 31 people and injured more than 90 others on Thursday morning.

The bustling marketplace usually opened from 7 am to 9 am daily with vendors and hawkers selling vegetables, snacks, fruit and other daily necessities. Nearby residents, especially the elderly, would visit the market to buy groceries and other items after exercising at People's Park. The goods sold at the market were usually cheaper than those offered by shops.

The market, which has been around for about two decades, is due to be shut down in early June, in line with a notice from the city government to close morning and night open-air markets that may cause traffic congestion and leave the streets dirty.

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