Chinese cities compete for the title National Civilized City, which is awarded after an assessment against a list of indicators. On May 27, 2020, the Central Civilization Office announced that roadside markets and street vendors would not be part of that year’s assessment.
A commentary on the website of the People’s Political Consultative Daily noted that some localities seeking the title had rushed to launch campaigns “to ban completely the stalls on the roads, business outside shops, and the morning and night-market food stands.” The change came as the country adapted to regular epidemic control.