Malls play their part

Eighteen big shopping malls owned by Shanghai's Bailian Group stayed open until 11 pm on the opening day of the nightlife festival on June 6.

A traditional Chinese music concert was held in the open-air area of Bailian Xijiao Shopping Mall while a techno disco event was held on Huaihai Road in the newly opened Bailian TX from 9 pm on June 6 until 2 am on June 7.

Many of the shopping malls have also launched small markets within their premises and are offering 500 million yuan ($71 million) worth of discount coupons on Alipay to Shanghai residents.

In light of the festival, the city has extended the operating hours of metro lines 1, 2, 9 and 10. Starting from June 6, these lines will operate until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

"I used to go to the old Pengpu night market on Linfen Road, but after it was shut down in 2017, there just wasn't another night market that was convenient enough for me to get to," Yangpu resident Xu Jin says.

"I think this new initiative of having a nightlife festival is good. The night market has always been part of the urban culture, and many people long for a place to relax after work. I've often had meals with friends at the sidewalk food stalls at night in the past, and I really hope to rediscover that feeling at the new night markets."

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