Six Zhejiang provincial government departments recently announced guidelines on accelerating the development of the nighttime economy in the province's rural areas.

The nighttime economy generally refers to nighttime consumption activities in various sectors, including catering, accommodation, recreation, shopping, tourism, and fitness.

According to the guidelines, Zhejiang plans to develop a 100-billion-yuan rural nighttime economy that leads China by the end of 2022.

It will also develop 100 exemplary villages boasting beautiful nighttime scenery and offering a diverse array of nighttime consumption experiences. It will introduce 100 rural nighttime tourism routes as well.

To develop the rural catering industry, Zhejiang authorities will encourage the spread of local cuisine, the extension of business hours for restaurants, the introduction of well-known catering chains, and the development of snack streets.

In addition, the provincial government will further promote creative culture products and services inspired by intangible cultural heritage items.