Reference News Network, February 18 report: According to the website of the UK's The Economist magazine on February 12, for most of the year, the most attractive feature of Zhuji City in Zhejiang Province is that it is the birthplace of Xi Shi, who lived about 2,500 years ago. However, since 2023, tens of thousands of tourists have come to Zhuji every year to attend the Xi Shi Music Festival, which has little to do with this legendary woman. At this two-day Xi Shi Music Festival this year, music fans from all over China swayed along with bands and welcomed the New Year. During the event, more than 133,000 visitors stayed overnight locally, an increase of more than 29% compared to the previous year.
China is experiencing a boom in concerts. Data from the China Performing Arts Association show that in 2025, the box office revenue from commercial performances nationwide reached nearly 62 billion yuan, far exceeding the 20 billion yuan in 2019. A total of about 640,000 performances were held, far exceeding that of 2019. Today's performances are not only more numerous but also of higher quality.
Ms. Sun, 28, attended three concerts by the rock band Mayday last year. Mayday is one of the most popular bands in China. The giant virtual images of the band members appeared on large 3D screens, cheering at the crowd from a bus that had a stage built on it, driving around Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium.
Local governments favor concerts. Tourists spend large amounts of money on food and accommodation, thus boosting the local economy. Some places have started offering subsidies and implementing incentive measures to attract artists to perform. The overall benefits of performances to the local economy are considerable: In 2025, tourists who watched concerts in Haikou spent a total of 3 billion yuan. According to calculations by the China Performing Arts Association, for every 1 yuan spent on concert tickets, it can additionally drive nearly 5 yuan in consumption.
The report said that some fans are particularly passionate. Last year, Ms. Wang, 35, and her husband followed Mayday to different cities to watch performances, spending 20,000 yuan on tickets and another 20,000 yuan on airfares and accommodation. Before each concert, she carefully prepared handmade support items and light signs, and participated in gatherings with other fans. Attending concerts is one of her most anticipated things. (Translated by Tu Qi)
On the evening of May 1, 2025, tourists participated in a concert under the stars with ten thousand people at the Moon Gate Spring Scenic Area in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province. (Xinhua News Agency)
Original article: toutiao.com/article/7608052830301110835/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.