Sleepless in Chengdu: Spending on night-time economy increasing

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The night life in Chengdu may not quite match the "bright lights, big city" pace of Shanghai or Shenzhen. But night owls in the city famous for its Pandas still know how to play hard and shake off a day packed with work and stress. CGTN's Xu Xinchen has the story.

After a stressful day on the job at a bank, Qin Jing often heads out to get loose. Every Friday, Qin skateboards with friends, it doesn't cost her, but the skateboard and its maintenance took a big chunk out of her salary. And the Friday outing later leads to a big order of takeouts. Qin says she spends 95% of her money after work.

QIN JING BANKER "I have no time during the day. I'm working all the time."

Other evenings, she goes out to exercise, which is simply too hard to do in the morning or during the 9-to-5 rut.

QIN JING BANKER "Some try to exercise during their lunch break but it affects their work efficiency in the afternoon."

Qin also says she likes to eat out a lot, and of course, goes to pubs and clubs on the weekends.

XU XINCHEN CHENGDU "The nighttime economy includes activities generally done after 6pm until 6am the next morning. Data shows that almost half of people's spending here in Chengdu happens during the night — a proportion even larger than Beijing and Shanghai. Yet, experts still believe there's room for further expansion."

The latest data from China's largest online urban guide, Meituandianping, shows that while Chengdu's evening spending is still behind other major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, 45% of people's spending in Chengdu happens at night — the highest proportion among the cities the company sampled.

And Chengdu's spending habits are changing.

XIE LING, MANAGING DIRECTOR JLL CHENGDU "A decade ago, people here in Chengdu were not that busy and they went back home, watched TV and went to bed. And then business outings became more prevalent such as dining events and Karaoke."

Xie says that while consumption upgrades have bolstered the local nighttime economy, a more competitive working space also increases and diversifies people's demands for after-hours consumption.

XIE LING, MANAGING DIRECTOR JLL CHENGDU "Nowadays, young people want to better themselves after work as well, such as attending skill training, going to the gym, and partaking in cultural events like movies and operas. So, in addition to food and drink, Chengdu's nightlife is now more diversified."

And the spending doesn't end until the night literally does. For Qin Jing, browsing online shopping sites helps her sleep. And she has no trouble filling her online shopping cart. Xu Xinchen, CGTN, Chengdu.