From Dusk to Dawn: How Lucheng is Reinventing the Night Economy

In the heart of midsummer, along the Oujiang River, Lucheng District in Wenzhou is breathing new life into its night economy with the"Urban Leisure Bus" as the central axis. This initiative connects riverside night markets, outdoor dining at hotels, and other consumption scenarios, creating a vibrant summer economy that blends culture, commerce, and tourism to inject fresh energy into the city's nightlife.

A Moving Landscape Revitalizes Cultural Tourism

On July 11th, the"Jiangxinxiyuan Loop" bus route was launched, connecting key landmarks such as Wuma Street and the Oujiang Light and Shadow Pier every 30 minutes. This free service until the end of August has become the preferred mode of transportation for both locals and tourists looking to explore Lucheng. Passengers can hop on and off at will, experiencing everything from the ancient trees of Jiangxinyu Island to the century-old shops of Wuma Street—all within a single day. The loop line covers the Oujiang scenic belt, forming a golden cultural tourism route.

Creative Night Markets Spawn New Vibrancy

The"Trunk Market" on the urban balcony of Binjiang Street is reshaping the night economy with a youthful twist. Over 20 modified cars serve as mobile stores, offering hand-drip coffee, artisanal desserts, and freshly grilled burgers. The scents blend together to create a trendy consumption scene. Wang Ting, a young vendor who transitioned from office worker to"grill master," uses his secret recipe to secure a prime spot in the market."This kind of entrepreneurship not only fulfills my culinary dreams but also allows me to make friends—it’s more meaningful." To support these creative ventures, the local government provides rent exemptions and other incentives for the first month, helping young entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground.

Outdoor Dining Boosts Commercial Vitality

From high-end hotels to street-side shops, outdoor dining is integrating seamlessly into everyday life with a friendly approach. Lucheng District has relaxed regulations, allowing 13 commercial complexes like InCity MEGA and Yintai to set up outdoor areas within their property boundaries. These areas feature a variety of offerings including food, retail, and cultural products. Along Park Road in Wuma Street, 40 new specialty stalls have been added, creating a"night market + live streaming" scenario that drives traffic both online and offline. A citizen waiting in line, Mr. Chen, remarked,"It’s much more enjoyable than cooking at home, and it’s affordable too."

As the holder of three prestigious titles—"Oujiang Night Cruise,""Tanghe Night Painting," and"Wuma Night Shopping"—Lucheng is leveraging innovative models such as"bus + cultural tourism,""market + entrepreneurship," and"outdoor dining + live streaming" to build an integrated ecosystem of culture, commerce, and tourism. According to a spokesperson from the district’s Publicity Department, they will continue to enhance the"Never Sleeps Wenzhou" brand. The lively night scenes of Lucheng, blending river breezes, lights, delicious food, and creativity, serve as a vivid representation of Wenzhou’s cultural charm and warmth of life. This summer, the ancient commercial port’s nights are telling the city’s story in the most vibrant way possible.（Ju Lin）