Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

From Cardi B to Taylor Swift, by extending open arms to welcome stars from diverse genres and regions, a number of Chinese localities and departments are actively engaging with global pop culture while making concrete efforts in this regard.

Shanghai authorities have expressed optimism about the possibility of hosting a concert by acclaimed singer-songwriter Taylor Swift in the city in 2025. The news has captured wide attention from the public, both domestic and international. 

During a public consultation session on Tuesday, Zhang Qi, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, shared that Swift's team had already visited the city for preliminary discussions regarding a potential concert, Shanghai-based media outlet The Paper reported on Tuesday.

"The final decision depends on market conditions and Shanghai's overall appeal," the official stated. "We remain optimistic that there is a chance this year."

Despite differences in cultural backgrounds between the East and the West, music serves as a universal language and a bridge for cultural exchanges. Swift's "Eras" global tour became the first to generate over $1 billion in revenue when it concluded in 2024, delivering economic benefits to cities across the US, Europe, and Asia. 

Even though the US singer did not perform in China in this tour, she is also widely popular in the country. When Swift performed in Singapore in March 2024, many Chinese fans flew out to attend her concerts. 

"As a globally influential and iconic figure, Swift has a large fan base in China. There is no cultural barrier between Chinese and international fans when it comes to appreciating pop culture or loving music," Zhang Yiwu, a professor of Chinese language and literature from Peking University, told the Global Times. 

The US superstar last performed in China in 2019. In 2014, she brought her "Red" tour to Shanghai, where tickets for her show sold out in just one minute, a record-setting achievement in China.

Now, it's natural for such an event to attract even more people. So, inviting Swift to perform in China would certainly be welcomed, no doubt about it, said Zhang.

"Whether the concert can happen or not, it's ultimately a business decision. The gesture of welcoming international stars to China embodies China's openness and inclusiveness, contradicting the stereotypes held by some Western countries. China is actively and readily promoting cultural exchanges and people-to-people exchanges," Zhang said.

In addition to Shanghai, local governments across China warmly welcome the performances by both domestic and international artists, not only enriching the country's cultural performance market but also providing new growth opportunities for the local economy and tourism industry.

Haikou, in South China's Hainan Province, for example, plans to invite an international artist to perform in the city each month, with US rappers Cardi B and Travis Scott among the likely candidates. This initiative is part of the city's efforts to integrate culture and tourism with performing arts, sports, and exhibitions with the aim of establishing itself as a hub for global cultural events. 

Recent performances by international artists included Charlie Puth and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Kanye West's sold-out concert in September 2024. These moves are part of broader efforts to make Hainan a global tourism hub and increase its openness to international visitors.

When addressing the market power of these international stars such as Swift, and their stimulation of local economies, besides the term Swiftonomics, Chinese media such as the National Business Daily refer to her as "walking GDP."  

A tourism official in East China's Hangzhou also expressed the hope of inviting international artists such as Swift to perform in the city. 

This follows British singer Ed Sheeran's announcement of six scheduled performances in the city in February and March, marking his only China stop on his upcoming tour.

Hosting her concert in Hangzhou is a wonderful aspiration and a goal the city is striving toward, according to report by Jimu News in December 2024.

"We must ensure our readiness in both software and hardware, as well as supporting infrastructure. However, achieving this level of preparedness can only come through practical experience and openness to the global market," Sun Jiashan, an associate researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration, told the Global Times.

Limited venue capacities and approval processes may be seen as logistical challenges in some cities. And ticketing policies, such as real-name registration, also potentially pose barriers for international visitors unfamiliar with these requirements. 

Yet these large-scale performances by international stars are exactly what will inspire cities to find obstacles and resolve them, setting benchmarks for exchanges and future growth.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn