Bright Lights, Bright Economy
Visitors to Shanghai often hear a “legend”: walk the 5.5km stretch of Nanjing Road, and you’ll understand why the city is known as “Hai Shang Feng Hua” (translating to “prosperous on the sea”).
This street, dubbed the “First Street of China”, is always ablaze with neon lights from luxurious fashion boutiques, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and cinemas open throughout the night. It has witnessed the entire transformation of Shanghai’s economy. An estimated 4.03 million nightlife tourists brought in a revenue of 8.8 billion CNY from the night economy in 2024.
Many countries reap billions of dollars annually from their night-time economies.
Similarly, Singapore’s Clarke Quay and Marina Bay Sands have created a vibrant night-time economy ecosystem, bringing in 2.7 billion Singapore dollars in 2024. These bustling ports and illuminated streets are not just entertainment hubs but also engines of economic growth, prolonging tourist stays and increasing their spending.
It’s evident that the night economy has proven to be a “money-making machine” for many nations. In Vietnam, Quang Ninh has always been a favorite destination for international tourists due to its wonder, Ha Long Bay. Although Ha Long City (old name) attracts a massive number of tourists, with a target of 11.5 million visitors in 2025, the average length of stay is still relatively short, partly due to a lack of services and experiences.
Attractive tourism products are the key to developing the night-time economy. Image: AD
Therefore, according to experts, Quang Ninh needs to develop more appealing night-time tourism products, especially well-planned and large-scale night-time economic clusters, to stimulate the “economy under the electric lights”. Based on the trillion-dollar ecosystem that has been built over the past decade, Sun Group is continuing to add value to Sun Elite City – a large-scale urban-resort complex in Quang Ninh, not only to elevate the face of Bai Chay in the new era of development but also expected to become a symbol of the heritage land.
Sun Elite City: The Epicenter of the Night Economy by the Heritage Bay
Located in the heart of Bai Chay, on a 324-hectare site, Sun Elite City is an “all-in-one” urban resort complex for the elite, offering a plethora of experiences, especially a well-planned night-time economy ecosystem, a pioneer in Quang Ninh. With its strategic vision, the complex promises to provide superior investment and service exploitation opportunities.
Sun Centro Town benefits from the vibrant night economy in Bai Chay, Quang Ninh. Image: Sun Property
A representative of Sun Property (a Sun Group member) shared: “Sun Elite City will encompass three core elements to activate the ‘non-sleeping economic cycle’ by the heritage bay. These include vibrant entertainment complexes offering diverse experiences, 24/7 commercial and service streets, and world-class artistic performances.”
The Sun Elite City complex boasts a range of premium real estate products serving European-style commerce and services, located on streets directly connected to the yacht bay; along with a chain of restaurants, bars, and beach clubs bustling on Bai Chay beach. This place is ideal for tourism service businesses, offering a vibrant atmosphere with abundant experiences, from street to upscale, and from cuisine to entertainment… Thus, the complex will create a foundation to prolong tourist stays and increase their spending, similar to successful night-time economy models worldwide, especially with the upcoming investment in several iconic projects.
The VUI-Fest night market contributes to the vibrant night atmosphere in Bai Chay and Sun Elite City. Image: AD
Moreover, Sun Carnival Square and the adjacent seaside park to the Sun Centro Town high-rise apartment complex will be the focal point of cultural events, festivals, and world-class fireworks displays, attracting visitors strongly. This summer, the venue is hosting an artistic fireworks event, “Shine on Wonder Bay”, three times a week, expected to last until September 2, 2025, transforming the entire Sun Elite City into a “hub” of captivating street festivals. The mesmerizing fireworks displays will not only illuminate Ha Long Bay but also create a cultural signature, attracting millions of visitors annually, similar to the Vivid Sydney Festival of Light.
At the same time, 24/7 commercial and service activities at shophouses and the VUI-Fest night market create a sleepless ecosystem, catering to rest, relaxation, and experience needs day and night, contributing significantly to local night-time economy revenues. This will establish Bai Chay as an international destination.
“Just like the renowned Nanjing Road and Clarke Quay, we are crafting Sun Elite City into a premium tourism and entertainment hub by Ha Long Bay, aiming to activate the local non-sleeping economic cycle. This will bring steady income to real estate owners and transform Bai Chay into a bustling commercial port, benefiting immensely from the lucrative night-time economy,” shared the Sun Property representative.
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