Night market
By the Mekong.
Roller Coaster Philosophy — CC BY 4.0 · Roller Coaster Philosophy — CC BY 4.0 · Liuxingy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Liuxingy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Roller Coaster Philosophy — CC BY 4.0 · Roller Coaster Philosophy — CC BY 4.0 · Liuxingy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Liuxingy — CC BY-SA 4.0
A large tourist quarter on the north bank of the Lancang, the Chinese name for the Mekong, in Jinghong; its name in the Dai language means «nine towers, twelve villages», and it is built in Southeast Asian style with ornate pointed roofs and towers, so it feels closer to Thailand and Laos than to the rest of China. Its best-known feature is the Starlight Night Market, opened on 1 October 2013 and counted among the most extensive night markets in China; in 2021 it was named a national night-time culture and tourism area, and its lanes fill with handicrafts and street food from the region and neighbouring countries, such as Thai barbecue, Lao iced coffee and Vietnamese snacks. Many visitors dress in Dai and Hani costumes to take photographs among the ornate buildings, folk shows are staged in its squares, and from the riverbank the city lights shimmer on the water. Entry is free, and the night market opens from 18:00 to 23:30, per visitor guides. Pork is common at the food stalls, so always ask about ingredients and look for the halal sign.
By the Mekong.
Pointed roofs.
Thai and Lao flavours.
Jiangbei district, north bank of the Lancang (Mekong), Jinghong
Every evening from 18:00 to 23:30, and entry to the quarter is free, per visitor guides.