Will Taylor Swift accept Hangzhou’s outstretched hand for an economy-boosting China show?

Keen to capitalise on the economic windfall that comes from big-name international performers, Chinese cities are making a concerted effort to host high-profile concerts

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Taylor Swift is seen here performing at the National Stadium in Singapore on March 2. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 8:30pm, 3 Dec 2024

Chinese cities are scrambling to host international superstars as local officials pin hopes on live music shows to help drive their economies when overall retail sales are lagging as residents tighten their belts amid economic headwinds.

An official in eastern China’s Hangzhou expressed his hope of inviting Taylor Swift to perform in the city after British singer Ed Sheeran announced plans to perform six shows in Hangzhou from February to March – the only stop in China during his upcoming tour.

Huang Jiangping, an official with Hangzhou’s Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism, was quoted by local media as saying that a local performance by Swift is something “that music fans around the world can look forward to”. But he later clarified that there were not yet any such arrangements.

Recognising the economic potential of international superstars, Chinese cities have ramped up efforts to attract high-profile concerts.

Last year, Swift chose Singapore as the sole stop for her The Eras Tour in Southeast Asia, leaving fans disappointed across the continent, including in Hong Kong. Advisers to the Shanghai government in July likened superstars such as Swift to “walking GDP” because of their massive economic impact, and they urged the central government to relax restrictions on international performers.

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Singapore Taylor Swift concert draws fans from every corner of Southeast Asia

Hosting international performances in China is a complex process that involves navigating countless regulations and restrictions. The Chinese government has historically been cautious about granting permission for large-scale events, especially those involving foreign artists, due to concerns over cultural influence and security control.