When evening falls in Haikou City, capital of Hainan province, a magical nightscape comes into view. Haikou Bay, which stretches in front of the city’s urban sprawl, is enveloped in a gilded glow that is emitted by the row of street lights that run along it.  Along Haidian Island’s Bihai Avenue,the corridors that run between buildings are lit up by a warm golden haze, as  the public square and lanes attract  residents looking to enjoy their evening basking in the sea breeze or jogging along the sea front.

The source of this soft, amber lighting is a  business complex named the Old Pier (Laomatou) project. This complex, which is still under construction, will occupy a total construction area  of about 62,000 square meters along the bay,and is due to be opened for business at the end of 2022. Offering cuisine, arts, exhibitions, and entertainment, the Old Pier is due to become a commercial quarter that will be key to boosting Haikou’s nighttime economy.

Overlooking the brightly lit Haikou Old Pier Commercial Street on September 25. [Hainan Daily / Wei Maojin]

Overlooking the brightly lit Haikou Old Pier Commercial Street on September 25. [Hainan Daily / Wei Maojin]

Overlooking the brightly lit Haikou Old Pier Commercial Street on September 25. [Hainan Daily / Wei Maojin]

Singers at a restaurant on the commercial street performing on September 25. [Hainan Daily / Wei Maojin]

Citizens enjoying dinner on the commercial street in Haikou on September 25 . [Hainan Daily / Wei Maojin]

Citizens enjoying dinner on the commercial street in Haikou on September 25 . [Hainan Daily / Wei Maojin]

Singers at a restaurant on the commercial street performing on September 25. [Hainan Daily / Wei Maojin]