Hangzhou’s vibrant nightlife just got a boost. On May 25, the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce announced the city’s first group of designated nighttime catering model blocks, unveiling ten distinctive locations that made the cut. Among them are FUNTOWN and the Mixc. 

The selection, which spanned three months, involved an expert panel conducting thorough on-site visits and evaluating each area based on its business offerings, service infrastructure, and overall consumer appeal. From the lively and authentic atmosphere of Shengli River Food Street to the culturally immersive experience of Yuniaoji, the final list showcases the vibrant and varied nature of Hangzhou’s night economy. The Huoli Park in the New World Business Center, with its industrial heritage, and the eclectic night market of Wuguo Street also made the list. Rounding out the selections are FUNTOWN, the Mixc, Shanzeli, Jinhuicheng, Street No. 1 (Lin’an Square), and Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street in Shouchang Town. “Nearly half the restaurants in our block are now staying open into the early morning hours. F&B venues that offer both dining and alcoholic beverages are particularly popular,” noted Gao Jie, Manager of the Mixc.

This initiative is a key component of Hangzhou’s broader strategy to establish itself as a global hub for major sporting events, conferences, exhibitions, and cultural activities. Last year, the city introduced a policy called “Several Measures of Hangzhou on Establishing the City as an International Hub for Cultural Activities, Sporting Events, Exhibitions, Commerce, and Tourism,” This policy provides up to 200,000 yuan in support to qualifying model blocks and encourages restaurants in these blocks to extend their operating hours. The Municipal Bureau of Commerce believes that these distinctive, high-quality nighttime hubs will significantly elevate service standards and give new momentum to the integrated development of culture and tourism after the Asian Games. As the summer peak season draws near, these culturally rich and trendy nighttime hubs are poised to become a powerful engine for Hangzhou’s economic growth.