When night falls and evening lights are lit, the city takes a colorful look. Dazzling activities begin to unfold as Qingdao is immersed in summer nights and the nighttime economy is as overwhelming as summer heat waves.

Poetry exists amid the bustle and bustle. The night markets in Taidong, Licun and Lvjiazhuang epitomize the haunts of the common people. After the pedestrian street on Taidong No. Three Road is renovated and upgraded, the small alleys and lanes for delicacy have made a splendid turn and the new signboard “Zier Street” glitters. Citizens and tourists from across the country gather in cool summer nights to taste distinctive delicious snacks and enjoy the city’s nights with their tongues.

Summer is boring without beer. The Qingdao International Beer Festival is being held as scheduled. It is cool to skip blistering summer days and enjoy the festival in cool nights, which consists of magnificent scenes in the venues of the West Coast New Area and Laoshan, and themed activities in districts and county-level cities. Aromas of globally famous beer brands and freshly cooked seafood fill the air in nights.

The city is sleepless and splendid lights illuminate the sea. From the Old Stone Man Bathing Beach to the Olympic Sailing Center, from the coast of Fushan Bay to the shore of Zhanqiao Pier, coastal signboards glitter and row upon row of shops are built along streets. The bustle and hustle in summer nights is accompanied by gentle sea waves and moonlights. There are a dazzling array of scenes, including breathtaking drone performances, fascinating light shows and magnificent and beautiful cruise ships. The romantic “China chic” and international fashion waves are both seen everywhere at night.

Nighttime economy and night life helps each other in making progress. Qingdao ranked third in respect of the influence of nighttime economy for 2021, according to the Report on the Influence of Nighttime Economy in Chinese Cities (2021-2022). Night tours, views, shows, markets and recreations constitute the increasingly colorful life of citizens in Qingdao and are part of the cityscape which turns to be increasingly attractive as night advances.  (Zhao Jianpeng)

The Qingdao Mingyue Shanhaijian Sleepless City is ablaze with lights. By Zhao Jianpeng