Shanghai's trendy Xintiandi shopping area has emerged as a hotspot for nighttime consumers this summer.

From July 15 to Aug 15, the shopping area welcomed an average of 150,000 visits per day, up 26 percent year-on-year. Sales during the period nearly doubled.

At 11 pm on a recent weekend, outdoor tables at The Refinery, a bar and restaurant, were still fully occupied. Its blend of modern design and traditional Shikumen architecture has made the venue a popular backdrop for photos.

"Outdoor seating not only draws more foot traffic but also creates a space for brands to connect with customers," said the restaurant's manager, adding that business remains brisk until 2 am, with some weekend patrons reluctant to leave even at closing time.

The boom is no coincidence. Xintiandi was among Shanghai's first areas to pioneer outdoor dining, transforming sidewalks and plazas into consumer spaces years before the trend spread across the city.

Momentum has accelerated this year after Shanghai introduced 10 measures to support the night economy. The policies promote a model combining government oversight, industry self-regulation, and public supervision, ensuring that growth remains vibrant and orderly.

If outdoor dining is the backbone of Xintiandi's night economy, its cultural performances are the soul. This summer, the area has featured jazz bands, samba dancers, and string quartets, turning streets into open-air concert halls.

By weaving together commerce, art, and social interaction, Xintiandi is taking night spending beyond shopping, transforming it into an immersive experience.

According to a senior commercial director at Shui On Xintiandi, the company that operates the area, the core competitiveness of the night economy lies in offering differentiated experiences. Through live music, art exhibitions, and themed markets, Xintiandi aims to make every visit feel like a new discovery.

Source: Official WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Huangpu district committee at "shhuangpu"