This Day, That Year

Item from June 15, 1984, in China Daily: As night descended, Xidan Street, one of the busiest shopping areas in Beijing, was flooded with people. Mobile stalls lined the well-lit walks and clothing for sale festooned roadside trees. ...

Xidan night market has more than 130 stalls and counters open at night. Encouraged by the government, at least nine streets in Beijing have opened such markets since June.

In the past three decades, Xidan district has been developed into one of the capital's must-see shopping areas with several malls and eateries.