Zhangjiagang is tapping into the energy of its youth by crafting dynamic and innovative consumer experiences that blend culture, entertainment, and lifestyle, driving economic vitality and resonating with the preferences of young spenders eager for unique and joyful experiences.
This year, Zhangjiagang has further strengthened the integration of resources within its commercial districts, focusing on youth engagement. By collaborating with over 30 leaders in the business sector, the city has advanced its "youth courtesy" initiatives, rolling out exclusive offerings such as "youth packages" and "skill course bundles". These offerings have created a comprehensive consumption framework spanning dining, leisure, and educational training. As a result, this approach stimulates the spending potential of young consumers in the area.
The city also creates new consumption scenarios by intertwining traditional culture, natural scenery, and emerging business formats. Jiangnan Farming Culture Park, for instance, focuses on an "urban escape plan", offering young people a taste of a "slow living" philosophy. Shuangshan Island fosters a new "culture and tourism + music" ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Jincun Village Temple Fair bridges the gap between traditional culture and younger generations through engaging rituals and interactive experiences.
Meanwhile, commercial hubs are responding to youth trends with vibrant events like flash mobs, youth music parties, and AI exhibitions — injecting fresh momentum into the city's booming holiday economy.
For example, the city's "Laughter Lab" stand-up comedy theater has become a breakout success, with both of its initial shows achieving a 95 percent attendance rate. This strong turnout highlights the untapped potential of Zhangjiagang's comedy and cultural consumption market, reflecting young people's growing appetite for the "emotion economy".
Lu Huan, head of the "Laughter Lab", explained their strategy: "We are lowering the barrier for young people to access new cultural consumption experiences like stand-up comedy through cost-effective ticket prices, corporate group bookings, and integration with coffee shop operations." This deep fusion of "culture + consumption" targets the entertainment demands of young people, becoming a crucial force driving the economic dynamism of Zhangjiagang.
These crafted new consumption scenes for young people are a vivid reflection of Zhangjiagang's cultural and commercial innovation and demonstrate the city's keen insight into and dedicated service for its youth population.