Kunming City’s First Main-Road “Tidal Fair” Opens with Vibrant Street Life
To actively respond to Kunming’s call for innovation and upgrading of consumption scenarios, Chenggong District has boldly explored new uses for urban space. On July 18, the city’s first main-road “Tidal Fair”—an event under the “Tidal Market” initiative—kicked off on Zhaoyun Street (from Yikang North Road to Caiyun South Road), launching the Midsummer Life Consumption Season and Night-Time Economy Voucher Campaign. The event offered residents an immersive night-time experience blending fruit aromas, floral elegance, intangible heritage, and vibrant nightlife.
The “Midsummer Fruit Aroma: Colorful Chenggong” consumption season is hosted by the Party Committee and the Government of Chenggong District, and co-organized by the Bureau of Commerce and Investment of Chenggong District and the Wulong Subdistrict Office. For three days (July 18 to 20), Zhaoyun Street’s main road temporarily gave way to bustling stalls and local flair, transforming into a giant open-air space of lifestyle aesthetics.
“Fruit + Flowers + Cultural Tourism”: Multi-Theme Tidal Fair Lights Up Main Road
Entering the “Tidal Fair” on Zhaoyun Street, visitors were greeted by rows of vibrant stalls illuminated by festive lighting. Fruit vendors gathered unique produce from Yunnan and across South and Southeast Asia—durian, mangosteen, and mangoes filled the air with rich aromas. Creative games like “Guess the Durian’s Weight,” “Date Stuffing Challenge,” and “Watermelon Eating Contest” made the fair both fun and interactive.
At the Farmer’s Painting Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Zone, heritage artists provided live demonstrations and hands-on guidance, allowing children to immerse themselves in the unique charm of this rural folk art.
The Fruit-Coffee-Flower Beverage Zone became a hotspot, with signature teas made with fresh Chenggong flowers and innovative fruit-flavored coffees becoming must-try items for young visitors.
Fire meteor performances, live music, flash mob dances—every corner became a spontaneous stage for performers, and the whole Tidal Fair pulsed with energy.
Featured attractions like “Memories of Chenggong” cultural displays, booths selling creative cultural products, and hands-on intangible heritage experiences (printmaking, tie-dye) brought a strong sense of culture and festivity to the summer night. Major night-time economy demonstration streets, including Colorful Yunnan First City and Hua Qian Fang, joined in to help build the vibrant consumer atmosphere.
RMB 30,000 in Night-Time Economy Vouchers Stimulates Consumption
To truly benefit residents and boost spending, Chenggong District distributed a total of RMB 30,000 in night-time economy vouchers. Citizens could collect vouchers at service desks in Colorful Yunnan First City, Chenggong Wuyue Plaza, and Zhongtong Century Plaza (while supplies lasted). The vouchers covered e-commerce, local accommodation, dining, and other services, and could be redeemed at selected merchants on-site, sparking consumer enthusiasm.
Residents Praise Innovation, Experience, and Local Flavor
“I never thought I’d find such an interesting fair on my way home from work!” said Ms. Duan, a nearby resident, holding her newly bought fruit drink. “The fruit is fresh, the flowers are beautiful, and kids can try traditional crafts—it’s way more fun than just shopping,” commented Ms. Yang, who brought her child to the printmaking booth. At the Intangible Heritage Zone, master craftsman Wang said, “Letting young people experience and appreciate traditional crafts—this event is truly worthwhile.”
The highlight of the evening was the Yi ethnic bonfire dance, as the crowd danced in joyful circles around the fire, releasing stress and fully embracing the night’s spirit.
The Zhaoyun Street “Tidal Fair” pilot is an innovative step by Chenggong District to integrate the “Tidal Market” model with the night-time economy. By activating main-road urban space and blending Chenggong’s signature flowers, Yunnan’s fruits, cultural tourism, and spending incentives, the event created a refreshing summer destination rich in local character. More importantly, it boosted the district’s consumer appeal and vibrancy, setting a “Chenggong example” for upgrading consumption scenarios.