On the Scale, Forms, and Consumers of Night Markets during the Song Dynasty

In the Song Dynasty, ancient Chinese night markets broke free from the constraints of nighttime curfews and, for the first time, gained official recognition, becoming a formal part of the market system. These markets were widely distributed across towns in north China, southeast China, Sichuan-Chongqing (Sichuan-Shaanxi) region, Jinghu region, and Fujian-Guangdong region. Song Dynasty night markets transcended traditional forms such as taverns, teahouses, singing halls, and brothels, which mainly extended daytime markets into the night. Instead, goulan and washe, , market streets, and street vendors became prominent alongside traditional night market forms. This period marked the transformation of night markets from closed to open forms and from single-purpose to comprehensive types. Cultural and entertainment-oriented night markets evolved from secondary and amateur ones to main and specific businesses. The consumer base of night markets shifted from being relatively singular and aristocratic to diverse and commoner-oriented. This transformation created night market forms and scenes like those of the modern time, establishing the Song Dynasty as a crucial period in developing ancient Chinese night markets.