Haikou aims to become high-profile international performing arts hub

Haikou, capital of Hainan province, is positioning itself as an international hub for performing arts in efforts to link the world to China's cultural landscape and promote the Hainan Free Trade Port, according to Mayor Ding Hui, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress.

In an interview with China Daily during the annual two sessions, Ding outlined the city's vision to establish itself as a premier destination for high-profile entertainment events and related industries that meet global standards, celebrate Chinese culture and showcase Hainan's distinct character. The initiative aims to make Haikou a sought-after destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Haikou's effort to integrate performing arts with tourism was recognized as one of the nation's top 10 innovative urban cultural and tourism branding efforts last year.

Ding noted that in recent years, Haikou has seen a unique trend, with youthful, stylish crowds filling the city's streets, tourist attractions and duty-free shops whenever a major concert is announced.

"Many performances in Haikou, whether it's their debut in China or exclusive shows, often draw about 95 percent of attendees from outside the island, including some from overseas," he said.

Last year, more than 40,000 people attended the international tour listening party for the Vultures 2 album by United States rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. During the event, Ye declared, "I love you, Haikou!"

"This heartfelt declaration not only reflected the enthusiasm of his fans, but also served as a tribute to Haikou, a city known for its hospitality and inclusiveness," Ding said.

To ensure the success of each entertainment event, Haikou mobilizes citywide resources, focusing on infrastructure improvements and service guarantees. The city integrates high-quality tourism, culture, sports and exhibition resources while employing marketing strategies to encourage joint development across concert ticketing, tourist attractions, hotels and duty-free shopping.

"Haikou not only aims to help various industries benefit from the economic impact of concerts, but also strives to provide a more diverse and convenient consumer experience for audiences from different regions," Ding said.

He also highlighted Hainan's progress toward achieving independent customs operations by the end of the year. Haikou has expanded domestic and international flight routes, positioning itself as a key transit hub for foreign tourists.

"Hainan Free Trade Port now offers visa-free access to tourists from 59 countries and a 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups from Hong Kong and Macao, lowering entry barriers for international performing arts groups and audiences," Ding said.

The island province introduced a series of measures in May 2023 to integrate culture, sports, tourism, commerce and exhibitions, drawing nationwide attention and attracting an increasing number of companies bringing foreign performing arts projects to Haikou.

Although Haikou is not among China's dominant economic powerhouses, it has emerged as a major host for international performances. Ding credited this success to the advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, a development strategy tailored to the city's strengths and an improving business environment.

The city's geographical positioning also gives it a natural advantage in developing the performing arts economy, Ding said, noting that Haikou is about an hour's flight away from the Southeast Asian market.

Haikou has streamlined a one-stop approval policy for large-scale performance events, offering comprehensive support from planning to execution.

"We are set to host 15 international large-scale performances this year," Ding said.

chenbowen@chinadaily.com.cn