This summer, the first 24-hour movie theaters have emerged in Shanghai, 14 museums have initiated their night exhibition programs and 24-hour bookstores and libraries have returned to the city. The night economy is clearly becoming the new racetrack of city competition. What other surprises does the “Nevernight City” hold for us?

First 24-hour movie theatres emerge in Shanghai

Two historic theatres, the Grand Cinema and Cathay Theatre, have recently become the first 24-hour movie theatres in Shanghai. Unlike normal theatres, these 24-hour theatres schedule movie showings after midnight. This both adds a new variety to urban night culture and provides entertainment for those working irregular hours and night owls.

The first movies shown in Grand Cinema and Cathay Theatre are the ones that are currently playing in theatres, which satisfies the needs of a young audience. Soon, these theatres will also begin displaying both national and international classic films.

Museum of the Arts Attempts Night Exhibitions

The Shanghai Museum held its first night exhibition this summer on the night of July 12th. A week prior, the museum opened the WeChat sign-up for this exhibition. The spots were filled up in less than fifteen minutes.

The deputy curator of the Shanghai Museum, Feng Li, told reporters that the museum wishes to begin providing more unique experiences for its audience.

This summer, Shanghai will begin holding regular night exhibitions at various trial locations. From July to September, the museums in Huangpu and Baoshan districts shall be opened to the public at nighttime. This includes the Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai History Museum, as well as 12 other museums.

City Bookstores that Light Up the Night

The Popular Bookmall on Fuzhou Road is the first bookstore that has opened for 24 hours in Shanghai. With a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in another, you can spend the whole night at this elegantly decorated shop.

Since being nicknamed “the most beautiful library” online, Jiading Library has opened two “24-hour library” rooms to the public. As long as you have a library card, you can borrow and return books there at any time of the day.

Lengthening the working hours of bookstores and libraries will surely increase the cost of management. However, the goal of late-night bookstores is never profit. It is to create an oasis for cultural spirit in an urban environment and to answer to the demand of the public.

The Vanished Shanghai Night Markets are Back

Once upon a time, the Shanghainese night markets were widely popular among the public. Behind the popularity, however, were issues over food safety and noise disturbance. Over the past two years, a bunch of night markets gradually vanished amid both praise and condemnation.

Recently, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce along with other nine departments has composed “Ten Policies” to promote the night economy (between 7 pm and 6 am) in Shanghai. These ten policies will provide innovative management for issues most concerning to the public, including night markets, late night snacks and late night restaurants.

Night Zoo to be Unveiled

The first special Night Safari Zoo in China is about to be opened in Shanghai Wild Animal Park. The park has invited experts to determine what animals are suited to be displayed at night and where to place the light sources in order to guarantee the safety of visitors.

In order to not agitate the animals, the light sources need to imitate the moonlight. Some animals that are naturally sensitive at night may not be displayed during the exhibition.

Currently, the night zoo program is in its final stage of adjustment. In addition to learning more about the animals, citizens and visitors will gain a new sense of choice when it comes to nighttime entertainment.

Theme Parks Initiate “Night” Mode

As summer begins, many visitors want to avoid the blistering heat of daytime in favor of leaving their homes and offices predominantly at night. Many Shanghainese theme parks have initiated “Night Mode” according to the customers’ demand.

Disney have released late afternoon tickets that allow visitors to enter the park after 4 PM. While they are in the park, they can enjoy some summer exclusive performances such as the “Summer Blast Castle Show.” Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park has also commenced its starry night mode, which lets visitors enter the park after 3 PM.

Happy Valley Amusement Park has been holding night exhibitions for a while now. Park officials claim that many of its largest attractions, such as “Wonderland: Traveling through 30 Degrees North Latitude,” will remain in operation until half an hour before the park closes. This allows visitors to enjoy attractions without having to worry about the long daytime lines.