Chung Chia-ming, a Macao native, sets up his mobile lemon tea stall every evening at the bustling night market in Nan’an district, Chongqing municipality. He parks his car on the roadside, unlocks the creatively decorated car trunk, and begins his business. Together with his girlfriend, Chung also sells Hong Kong and Macao snacks alongside his refreshing lemon tea.
The Chinese Lunar New Year has brought about a surge in customer traffic at the night market, and Chung is optimistic about the business prospects for the rest of the year. He reminisces selling over 200 cups of lemon tea on a single evening, an impressive feat for a car trunk shop.
Xiong Yingdong, the person in charge of the night market, believes that the car trunk shop is a unique feature of their market, offering a quick and efficient service to customers. The market is thriving, with various vendors offering a range of products and services.
Chen Miao, a former yoga teacher, has also joined the night market community by setting up a stall selling handmade glutinous rice balls. She recounts how the fitness industry has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years, leaving her jobless and uncertain about the future. After contemplating several options, Chen finally decided to invest in a relatively low-cost business venture, a glutinous rice ball stall at the night market.
The night market in Nan’an district serves as a platform for individuals like Chung and Chen to showcase their entrepreneurial skills, with minimal investment and maximum returns. It provides a vibrant atmosphere for businesses to thrive, and for the community to come together to enjoy a variety of food, drinks, and services.
For Chung, the mobile tea stall is a source of pride and joy, allowing him to connect with people from different walks of life. He acknowledges the challenges of running a mobile business, such as unpredictable weather conditions, but he remains undeterred in his pursuit of success.
Similarly, Chen has found a new passion in running her glutinous rice ball stall, which she considers as an opportunity to reconnect with her community. Her business has also allowed her to earn a decent income and regain her financial independence.
The night market in Nan’an district is more than just a business hub; it is a microcosm of the entrepreneurial spirit of the Chinese people. It is a place where individuals can exercise their creativity and take risks in pursuit of their dreams. It is a testament to the resilience of the Chinese people, who have weathered numerous challenges throughout history and continue to thrive in the face of adversity.
The night market is also a reflection of the evolving Chinese economy, which has transitioned from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-based one. Small businesses like Chung’s and Chen’s are integral to this transformation, providing unique and personalized services to consumers.
the night market in Nan’an district is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Chinese people. It provides a platform for individuals to showcase their creativity and take risks in pursuit of their dreams. It is a vibrant community hub that brings people together to enjoy a range of food, drinks, and services. The market represents the resilience and adaptability of the Chinese people, who continue to thrive despite numerous challenges.
“The business has obviously improved since the beginning of this year, and Chen is thrilled to earn money on her own, which has boosted her self-confidence. Her shop has gained immense popularity among visitors, who not only come for the food but also to take photos with her, setting a fantastic example for young people in terms of dedication and hard work.
The night market, managed by Xiong Yingdong, has about 130 stalls, and the customer flow during weekdays exceeds 10,000 every night, surging to about 30,000 on weekends. Nearly 30 percent of the vendors run their stalls as part-time jobs, including Peng Jing, who works for a travel outfit shop during the day and sells Southeast Asian cuisine at the market at night. Despite the hard work, she can earn extra money, and believes that one must strive for a good life. Her monthly salary is about 7,000 yuan, and profits from the night market stall can exceed 7,000 yuan a month.
The night market has brought joy and fun for the consumers and at the same time boosted the confidence of the vendors. Its flexibility affords more employment alternatives to job-seekers and is gaining popularity among young people, said Liu Jiangyong, deputy director of the district’s commerce commission. Chongqing’s Nan’an district has been striving to stimulate consumption in the cultural and tourism industry, and this popular night market has injected new vitality into the night economy, Liu added.
In conclusion, the Nan’an district night market is a prime example of the entrepreneurial spirit in China. Vendors like Chung Chia-ming and Chen Miao have been able to turn their dreams into reality with their innovative business models. The night market has not only provided employment opportunities but has also given a boost to the local economy. It has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, providing them with a unique experience and a taste of the local culture.
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