After years of aggressively chasing away street market vendors across Kunming, China has reversed tack and is now actively promoting the 'night-time economy', providing licenses, space and even stalls for street vendors.

This policy was first announced end of 2019. The Covid-19 situation has brought financial hardship for many entrepreneurs and employees alike, but also a surge in flexible and online work — another reason to stimulate and support more informal business with flexible — or increased — working hours and vouchers for Chinese citizens to spend and keep the wheels of the economy turning. This has resulted not only in night markets but even in night fairs, in Tianjian and Shanghai.

Earlier this week, an announcement from the 9th plenary meeting of the 11th Kunming Municipal Party Committee announced plans to develop 10 night-time economy clusters across the city, providing stalls for entrepreneurs. The aim is to create 6000 new jobs. All eight districts of Kunming have drafted plans. Wuhua District has developed a number of 'characteristic streets' in Daguan, Nanqiang Street and other places, with 950 temporary stalls that provide employment for 1200 people. Other districts have similar plans.

At the same time, the city government will aim to curb the disorderly parking of the two million e-bikes that are currently roaming the city and occupying precious night-time economy real estate on the sidewalks.

What is your opinion of the reversal in policy? Do you welcome the return of the street stalls or are you sceptical? Let us know in the comments.

Main image: Pexels

分享这篇文章

评论

joming • August 10, 2020, 1:09pm

More details on food vouchers:

Above-mentioned Nanqiang Street is offering 80% off (2折) discounted food vouchers. Purchase them on Meituan app.

Two main types of vouchers for each Meituan account:

$6 for $30 voucher used as cash for street stalls/vendors stationed in the middle of Nanqiang Street (and cross-street).

$10 for $50 vouchers for restaurant storefronts flanking them.

To pick-up Nanqiang Street vouchers, visit Nanqiang Street outdoor kiosk located in front of the head of train. Servicing from 10am through 5pm daily. Present to staff your Meituan purchase(s) via phone, and they'll hand you the vouchers.

Voucher expiration date: October 31, 2020

For more details, their WeChat official account (昆明南强街卷) will list participating vendors/restaurants. Scroll down to their 7/25/20 post titled "去爱吧"

On Meituan app, search for the words, "南强街美食天地代金卷" to purchase.

GoK listing for Nanqiang Street:
www.gokunming.com/[...]

ricsnap • August 16, 2020, 6:42pm

Yes, please. They are very much needed, both the craft ones, and the fruit and vegs ones. All animals products forbidden completely.

Ocean • August 17, 2020, 7:49am

2 million e-bikes. Wow!