Performance Arts Soar, Fueling Culture and Tourism

The performing arts are experiencing a significant boom, captivating audiences and stimulating cultural tourism across China. This surge in popularity is reshaping leisure activities and becoming a key driver of economic growth.

Showcasing Top-Notch Productions

The dance drama “Dream of Red Mansions” recently played to a full house in Nantong, Jiangsu. Online, viewers enthusiastically shared their thoughts, highlighting the production’s blend of Eastern and Western music and innovative dance. The public is now seeking more high-quality performances, moving beyond merely watching shows.

Wu Wenke, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, stresses the importance of simultaneously preserving classic works while also exploring new artistic approaches. He suggests reinterpreting classic pieces and drawing inspiration from Chinese traditions. For instance, the colors of the Tang and Song dynasties could be creatively used, combined with modern artistic theories.

New Spaces and Consumption Patterns

The performing arts are broadening their reach through innovative spaces, such as small theaters and repurposed buildings. These venues offer immersive experiences and attract a younger audience. In Shanghai, a converted office building now houses 20 small theaters, hosting diverse performances.

…original tweet embed code…

According to the China Association of Performing Arts, performances in new venues surpassed 200,000 in 2024, an increase over the previous year. An Ting, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, proposed that cities offer more space for creative performance and construct “art business districts”.

Cultural Tourism Takes Center Stage

The trend of traveling to see performances is gaining traction, boosting cultural tourism and regional economies. In Xi’an, the epic performance “The Great Qin” draws crowds. Meanwhile, in Huanggang, Hubei, the musical “The Great River Goes East” offers a cultural experience.

Wu Wenke believes that the “performance + cultural tourism” model’s success relies on distinctive and regional cultural products. He advises using local arts, songs, and stories, creating diverse performing arts and cultural tourism offerings. China’s cultural tourism market is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2027, reflecting the growing integration of culture and travel (Statista).

Ke Jun suggests leveraging the connection between performance traffic and cultural tourism by transforming urban spaces and scenic spots into stage extensions. He also notes the importance of building a brand to encourage audiences to embrace cities for shows.