The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province ranked third in the "2021 City Nighttime Economic Influence Ranking" list, after Chongqing and Changsha.

The list was released during the inaugural ceremony of the China Urban Nighttime Economic Development Alliance, which was recently held in Jiangbei district, Chongqing.

Qingdao boasts a vibrant nighttime economy. [Photo/Guanhai News]

The nighttime economy refers to business activities that take place between 6 pm and 6 am in the service sector, including shopping, catering, entertainment and leisure. It is a new force in China's economy.

The nighttime economy is becoming a new engine of consumption growth in Qingdao, injecting new vitality into the city's economic development.

The local government has released a series of measures to regularize street stalls, night markets, and night tours. 

Statistics show that since late July, the tourism market in Qingdao continues to heat up, and in August, the market heat is rising significantly. The average occupancy rate of star-rated hotels in the city has reached more than 80 percent, and during weekends the occupancy rate reaches more than 90 percent, which is basically the same percentage posted in 2019.

People enjoy snacks at a night market in Qingdao. [Photo/Guanhai News]

According to online travel agency Ctrip, ticket orders for night tours in Qingdao have increased by 84 percent since the summer holiday, making Qingdao the seventh most popular city in China this summer.

The 32nd Qingdao International Beer Festival, which just concluded, attracted 1.39 million people. The occupancy rate of hotels in the West Coast New Area increased by 45 percent compared with the previous month, and the business of restaurants and snack stalls is booming.

Visitors flood Taidong Pedestrian Street in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/Guanhai News]