Core Insights - The revival of traditional markets, referred to as "smoky markets," is transforming urban and rural connections, creating a new "people's economy" that resonates with nostalgia and community [1][7][19] - The rise of "internet celebrity stalls" showcases how small vendors can leverage social media to gain popularity, emphasizing authenticity and personal connection over commercialism [2][32][34] - The integration of modern amenities and community engagement in markets is reshaping them into vibrant social spaces, enhancing their role in urban life [19][23][44] Group 1: Market Revival - Traditional markets are experiencing a renaissance, becoming emotional hubs that connect urban and rural communities through shared experiences and local products [1][6][19] - The transformation of markets from "dirty and chaotic" to attractive social spaces is driven by younger generations seeking authentic experiences [1][19][23] - The "cloud market" phenomenon allows people to engage with their hometowns and cultural memories through digital platforms, enhancing the emotional value of these markets [3][7][12] Group 2: Internet Celebrity Stalls - Small vendors are gaining fame through social media, with some refusing to commercialize their authenticity, focusing instead on genuine customer interactions [2][32] - The success of internet celebrity stalls is attributed to their affordability, sincerity, and the unique stories behind the vendors, which resonate with consumers [34][35] - The rise of "live-streaming" and "short video" platforms has created new opportunities for vendors to reach wider audiences and promote local products [33][39] Group 3: Community Engagement and Modernization - Local governments are investing in infrastructure improvements for markets, such as parking and digital payment systems, to enhance the shopping experience [18][39] - The integration of diverse services and products in markets is fostering a sense of community, making them essential social spaces in urban environments [23][26] - The shift in governance from strict regulation to community involvement is helping to maintain the vibrancy of markets while addressing urban management challenges [44]

Core Insights - The New Year's holiday in Xuzhou marked a significant increase in tourism and consumer spending, reflecting the city's ongoing efforts to enhance its "people economy" and cultural tourism supply system [1][4][6] Group 1: Tourism and Economic Performance - During the New Year's holiday from January 1 to 3, Xuzhou's 61 key commercial enterprises achieved sales of approximately 6.38 billion yuan, indicating a strong start to 2026 for the cultural tourism market [1] - Xuzhou received 151.56 million visitors during the holiday, with total consumer spending reaching 6.25 billion yuan, representing year-on-year increases of 31.94% and 30.15% respectively [4] - From 2023 to 2026, the number of visitors increased from 869,000 to 151.56 million, and total consumer spending grew from 320 million yuan to 6.25 billion yuan, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 23% [6] Group 2: City Governance and Service Improvement - The city's ability to manage the influx of visitors effectively, including traffic management and emergency services, showcased its governance capabilities under pressure [6] - Xuzhou's government has played a crucial role as a guide and investor in enhancing tourism offerings, such as the immersive night tour project "Pengcheng Fenghua," which has attracted 400,000 visitors and generated over 75 million yuan in revenue [10] - The city has implemented various initiatives to improve tourism services, including free shuttle buses between attractions and extended opening hours for cultural venues, creating a comprehensive and user-friendly tourism service network [10] Group 3: Sustainable Tourism Development - Xuzhou's approach to tourism is not just about attracting visitors but also about creating lasting experiences that encourage repeat visits, transforming short-term traffic into long-term engagement [8][11] - The integration of cultural heritage and modern experiences, such as the restoration of historical sites and the introduction of AR technology, enhances visitor engagement and extends their stay [14][13] - The city has developed a positive feedback loop where increased visitor numbers lead to higher consumer spending, which in turn drives improvements in services and governance, ultimately enhancing the city's image and attractiveness [16][18]