Beijing's sub-center to light up night-time economy

BEIJING - Beijing's sub-center of Tongzhou district has released a raft of measures to light up its economy after dark, local authorities said.

Tongzhou will develop late-night canteens along the key subway lines and in administrative office areas, and encourage the building of 24-hour convenience stores, bookstores, chemist shops and movie theatres, according to the district's commerce bureau.

The district will also boost traveling routes characterized by the culture of the Grand Canal, the world's longest manmade waterway. Meanwhile, cinemas, bookstores, cultural centers and sports venues are motivated and supported to host performances and events at night.

More buses will be put into streets and running hours of public transport will be extended.

Beijing is shifting some of its administrative functions out of the city center into Tongzhou to help address problems including traffic congestion and air pollution. Sitting in the east of the capital, the sub-center aims to accommodate 1.3 million permanent residents by 2035.

"In the past, there were few choices of entertainment in Tongzhou when I came back home from the CBD where I work. But now with fancy pubs and 24-hour fitness centers, Beijing's sub-center becomes more stylish," resident He Jie said.

The night-time economy refers to business activity between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the service sector. Many Chinese cities, especially metropolises such as Beijing and Shanghai, have rolled out plans to support night-time consumption.