Night market breathes life into old town

Surge in popularity fuels explosive development in ancient Zhengding

As dusk falls on Zhengding county, an ancient town in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, a daytime parking lot swiftly transforms into a bustling culinary hub.

The Zhengding International Commodities Night Market comes alive nightly with more than 600 steam-filled stalls offering regional specialties from across China, drawing crowds with its vibrant atmosphere and affordable street food.

"After dinner, we often ride our electric tricycle here. My sons love the super-long fries and durian cheese pies, while my husband and I enjoy grilled squid," said Wang Li, 42, a middle school Chinese teacher and mother of two, describing her family's weekly ritual.