Rippling Waters Power Nighttime Economy in Shandong’s Linyi

LINYI, China, Jan. 30, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

The “Water Rhythm Langya” tourism zone in Linyi, a key project under the city’s 14th Five-Year Plan, has transformed the city’s nightscape by integrating riverfront landscapes and fostering coordinated waterfront development. This initiative has created a vibrant nighttime leisure hub and a new landmark for aquatic tourism. The zone features four core segments, blending rich water resources with the heritage of Langya culture to deliver diverse visitor experiences.

 

A highlight is Nightscape of Langya, China’s first immersive mobile boat theater performance themed on Dongyi and Langya cultures. Breaking away from traditional stage setups, it creates a poetic experience where “passengers sit aboard as the boat glides through a living painting.”

 

Along the Su River, a dynamic bar street gathers livehouses, craft beer bars, folk-music taverns, and music restaurants, forming a distinctive local nightlife cluster.

 

The “Illuminating Yi River” project stages panoramic light-and-water shows using digital tech, water screens, and synchronized sound and lighting. New formats – including a rotating sky restaurant, architectural light shows, and immersive comedy theater – further expand nighttime cultural consumption.

 

Recognized in 2024 as a model site for high-quality cultural tourism development in Shandong, the zone’s large-scale drone shows frequently trend online. Since 2023, it has received over 15 million visits, significantly boosting Linyi’s urban image and tourism appeal.

 

Source: Linyi Municipal People’s Government