As dusk falls, the streets of Nanchang High-tech Zone gradually light up. The area, known for its tech-driven industries during the day, is now enveloped in a warm, bustling atmosphere. On the dynamic population heat map, the vibrant red blocks east of Aixi Lake Bridge stand out, with nearly 20,000 people's movements weaving a lively tapestry of nightlife.
Over the past five years, the nighttime economy here has transformed from scattered and mobile setups to regulated clusters, and from simple food stalls to diverse, integrated experiences. Amid the rising steam and sizzle, one can sense the warmth of urban governance, the dynamism of industrial upgrades, and the sweat and dreams of every hardworking individual.
**Lights On: From Scattered Stalls to Vibrant Clusters** At 6:30 PM, the neon signs and strings of lights at Yangmenli Night Market flicker to life, instantly energizing the block. Food trucks turn into cozy mobile kitchens, while stalls line up with their specialties—frying oil sizzles, pastries sweeten the breeze, and the university district comes alive. Li Yue (pseudonym), a "post-00s" stall owner, deftly pipes cream onto freshly baked wheel cakes, sprinkling them with meat floss and seaweed. "I sell over 300 a day now, peaking at 500!" she says, wiping sweat as she gestures to the long queue. "Years ago, I started with just a secondhand cart on the street. Now, I’m part of this thriving, well-organized market."
This lively scene epitomizes Nanchang High-tech Zone’s nighttime economy evolution during the 14th Five-Year Plan period—from scattered growth to clustered boom. Today, markets like Aohong Courtyard (creative trends), Yangmenli (neon glamour), and Aihu (community warmth) each carve unique niches, collectively redrawing the zone’s nighttime consumption map. No longer ad-hoc street corners, these upgraded, planned districts offer rich leisure "check-in spots" while boosting commerce and jobs through innovative models.
**Flourishing Hustle: Dream-Chasers Riding Policy Winds** As night deepens, Aihu Night Market remains abuzz. Wang Lei (pseudonym), 35, tosses rice noodles in a wok, the blue flame licking its edges while exhaust vents hum. "This ‘wok hei’ is key!" he says, drizzling secret bone-broth sauce as regulars like Auntie Li praise his authenticity. Wang once worked far from home, missing his growing kids. In 2022, lured by policies like "low-cost startups" and "returning worker subsidies," he invested his savings to open this stall. Streamlined permits and green channels eased his fears. Now, his 5 PM–11 PM rush earns ¥50,000 monthly. "Being my own boss, earning more, and family time—this is the life," he smiles.
**Upgrade Path: Governance Meets Innovation** Orderly operations rely on meticulous urban management. Security patrols weave through crowds, while food safety checks and "micro-grid" accountability ensure round-the-clock oversight. Post-closing, cleaners scrub grease off pavements, and multi-department efforts—circuit checks, manhole repairs, waste sorting—stitch a safety net with "embroidery-like precision."
Meanwhile, innovation fuels vitality. At 1.1-km-long Xijie Lakeside, 20+ shops blend文创 (cultural creativity), cafes, and trendy retail into "night lakeside +文创 shopping." To lower youth创业 thresholds, the zone offers co-growth models,联营 (joint operations), and outdoor spaces, letting public and commercial realms empower each other.
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