Liu Hao
Senior Economist at the Chongqing Academy of Commerce and Associate Professor at Chongqing Business Vocational College.
Chongqing has maintained its position at the top of the "China's Top 10 Night Economy Influential Cities" list for four consecutive years. In the latest *Global Night Economy Index Report (2024)*, released in January 2025, Chongqing was ranked among the top 20 global cities for night economy vitality and secured a place in the top three within mainland China.
Amidst technological innovation driving the emergence of new productive forces, what significance does Chongqing's night economy hold as an example for the national night economy? How can technological advancements empower innovative development within Chongqing's night economy?
To delve deeper, we recently conducted an exclusive interview with Liu Hao, a senior economist at the Chongqing Academy of Commerce and an associate professor at Chongqing Business Vocational College.
Chongqing's Night Economy Boasts Global Influence
Liu Hao explained that Chongqing's night economy thrives due to its unique advantages, such as the cultural heritage of Bayu, local traditions, natural landscapes, urban layout, and striking night views. The city has focused on five key areas—night dining, night entertainment, night shopping, night sightseeing, and night wellness—strengthening planning, optimizing platforms, expanding supply, improving the atmosphere, and enhancing services. These efforts have created a business-friendly environment that supports the growth of the night economy, driving its specialization, branding, and overall development, while establishing the iconic "Chongqing: The City That Never Sleeps" brand.
Although Chongqing's night economy has already achieved global uniqueness and regional influence, it still needs advancements in international services, high-end offerings, and global brand development. With the combined forces of technological innovation and cultural empowerment, Chongqing has the potential to join the ranks of the world's leading night economies by 2030.
Revitalizing the Night Economy Through Technological Innovation
Liu Hao provided several examples to illustrate how technological innovation can drive the development and digital transformation of the night economy. He suggested that technologies such as big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to create a smart management platform for the night economy, allowing for digital oversight of key functions like monitoring foot traffic, issuing safety alerts, and optimising resource allocation.
Additionally, integrating augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the metaverse into nighttime entertainment and cultural tourism experiences can offer immersive consumer environments. The promotion of technologies like unmanned delivery services and self-service terminals, such as 24-hour smart convenience stores and unmanned restaurants, would improve convenience for nighttime consumers.
In terms of energy efficiency, Liu Hao highlighted the potential of promoting clean energy sources and energy-saving technologies to reduce the overall energy consumption of the night economy. He also suggested that the use of technologies such as noise control systems for nighttime operations and smart waste sorting could mitigate disruptions to residents and reduce environmental pollution.
Liu Hao further advocated for encouraging low-carbon nighttime activities, such as cycling events and eco-friendly bazaars, which would support green consumption. Finally, he proposed that blockchain technology could play a key role in ensuring the security of nighttime transactions, particularly in electronic payments and supply chain traceability. This would help transform traditional night markets into "smart night markets" while also encouraging the growth of sci-tech innovation enterprises in developing new scenarios for the night economy.
The Vital Role of Universities and Think Tanks
Liu Hao believes that universities and think tanks play an essential and irreplaceable role in the development of the night economy. They contribute to its prosperity and growth by offering intellectual support, driving innovative research, and nurturing talent, thereby injecting new vitality into the sector.
Universities are home to numerous experts and scholars in fields such as economics, urban planning, and cultural industries, who can provide theoretical guidance and policy recommendations for the development of the night economy. By conducting in-depth research into its essence, characteristics, and emerging trends, universities can offer invaluable support to governments and businesses in crafting well-informed development plans. Furthermore, universities can offer specialised courses related to the night economy, training professionals in areas such as management, operations, and marketing. These experts will become the foundation for the sustainable and healthy growth of the night economy.
Meanwhile, think tanks, as specialised policy research institutions, can conduct comprehensive studies on the night economy and propose forward-looking, actionable policy recommendations. These insights can assist governments in effectively guiding and regulating the development of the night economy, ensuring its growth is both high-quality and sustainable. Additionally, think tanks can leverage their expertise in innovation to drive advancements in business models, technological applications, and cultural integration within the night economy. By introducing new technologies, formats, and models, think tanks can support the transformation and upgrading of the night economy, ultimately enhancing its competitiveness.