A beer carnival is hosted in Hai'an Economic and Technological Development Zone this summer. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The Hai'an Economic and Technological Development Zone is transforming its commercial landscape to meet growing demand for high-quality lifestyle experiences. By combining new landmark projects, revitalizing existing spaces, encouraging innovative business formats, and optimizing policies, the zone is upgrading its service sector beyond basic needs.

So far, the zone has nurtured 252 service enterprises above the designated scale and established two provincial-level modern service clusters. From January to October 2025, invoiced service industry sales reached nearly 34.17 billion yuan ($4.81 billion), up 5.13 percent year-on-year.

High-quality commercial spaces underpin this growth. The Aolian Commercial Plaza, a 6-billion-yuan project with 13,000 square meters of retail space and a mix of British-style streets and a Ferris wheel-themed amusement area, has become a hub for dining, entertainment, and shopping. Its first phase hosts over 150 brand stores with 90 percent occupancy, while phase two continues to expand, including a 5,000-square-meter market and a food street.

Summer events like the 2025 Hai'an Beer Carnival drew 82,000 visitors in 30 days, generating more than 5 million yuan in revenue. Multiple zones—from food courts to cultural exhibitions—showcase the zone's diverse offerings and vibrant local life.

The government also plays a key role, providing guidance and targeted support. In June, a forum generated 10 actionable recommendations, including dedicated cultural tourism routes and new experiential formats for senior visitors, addressing challenges in attracting varied customer groups and enriching consumption experiences.