Shanghai’s advisers are calling for the city to relax its restrictions on foreign performers, comparing global superstars like Taylor Swift to “walking GDP.” The push for change comes as the city seeks to enhance its appeal and attract more international and domestic audiences.
In a recent article posted on the Shanghai municipal government’s official WeChat account, the counsellors highlighted Shanghai’s need for more high-profile and influential international stars. They noted that, despite the city’s success in hosting large-scale commercial performances, it currently lacks globally recognized talents that appeal to younger audiences.
The article emphasized that top performers, such as Taylor Swift, offer significant economic benefits. Swift’s Eras Tour, which has broken records and generated over US$5 billion in consumer spending, was described as a literal “walking GDP.”
Counsellors Li An, Gu Honghui, and Zhang Wenyi suggested Shanghai could benefit by adopting performance models from Singapore and Japan. They warned that current regulations are hindering the city’s ability to attract premier talent.
Navigating the complex approval process for international performances in China has traditionally been challenging due to stringent regulations and concerns about cultural influence and security. The counsellors recommended simplifying the approval process, including visas and customs, to facilitate the hosting of top international acts.
They also advocated for expanding venue capacities and offering flexible ticket pricing. Streamlined visa procedures, relaxed entry policies, and varied payment methods are crucial for drawing foreign tourists, the counsellors noted. They proposed easing the real-name ticket purchase requirement and exploring alternative identification methods, such as account-based or bank card payments, to improve the experience for international visitors.
This call for change aligns with a growing trend in China where fans are increasingly traveling to other cities for major concerts and shows. This trend is driving local tourism and consumer spending. Last year, the performance industry saw substantial growth, with large concerts generating nearly 14.6 billion yuan (US$2 billion) in revenue. Notably, 68% of attendees for these large concerts traveled specifically for the event.
Shanghai, already a prominent cultural hub, has experienced a surge in demand for live performances. In April, the city’s large-scale concerts topped the national box office, and theatrical performances ranked third. Shanghai also placed among the top five cities for the number of shows hosted.
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