07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Haikou, China ‘Performing Arts + Tourism', ‘Culture + Tourism' Fuel Economic Growth
In February, during the Chinese Lantern Festival, Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, hosted a spectacular fireworks show, with 3,000 drones creating amazing patterns in the night sky. The grand event attracted 827,900 tourists and generated a total consumption of 526 million yuan ($72.36 million). This impressive achievement highlights Haikou's significant potential in the cultural tourism sector.
As the core leading area of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Haikou strives to diversify its tourism products by introducing high-quality tourism programmes, sports competitions, and performing arts to boost growth in the cultural tourism sector. By integrating local cultural elements, such as intangible cultural heritage and folk customs, with contemporary fashion trends and organising a series of cultural brand activities, Haikou is rapidly emerging as a vibrant island city that combines charm with a dynamic consumer culture.
World Performing Arts Capital in the East
In September 2024, renowned singer Kanye West brought his 'Vultures Listening Experience' to Haikou for two performances, marking his only stop in China on this global tour. Following this, Haikou hosted the Asian debut of Charlie Puth's concert tour, a performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra, and several other world-class events. Visitors from around the globe flocked to Haikou to enjoy these spectacular shows, explore local attractions, savor delicious cuisine, and indulge in shopping at Asia's largest stand-alone duty-free facility before heading home. This picturesque tropical coastal city has thus transformed into the 'World Performing Arts Capital in the East'. According to the Haikou Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports, since 2023, Haikou has hosted 27 major performances, attracting 600,000 attendees and generating approximately 3.3 billion yuan (about $450 million) in spending.
The warm climate and picturesque natural scenery make it a perfect stage. Here, artistic performances seamlessly blend with beautiful coastal views, offering visitors a refreshing experience. More importantly, the visa-free policy for citizens from 59 countries at the Hainan Free Trade Port significantly lowers the barriers for international artists and audiences.
Additionally, the local government has implemented a 'one-stop service' for the approval of large-scale performances, along with various support services, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for event organisers.
This year, Haikou aims to host more than 160 shows, hold over 10 top-tier sports events, cultivate at least 20 homegrown signature events, and secure more Chinese and international cultural, sports, and artistic activities. The performing arts economy, exhibition economy, and cultural tourism economy have become new growth drivers for Haikou's economic development.
Traditional Culture Being Revitalised
Haikou boasts a rich history, profound cultural heritage, and colorful folk customs. In recent years, great efforts have been made to preserve intangible cultural heritage (eg, Hainan Opera and coconut carving), develop traditional cultural hubs (eg, Hairui Cultural Park and Mingchang Pagoda Cultural Park), and organise a variety of cultural events, including performances, ancient-style bazaars, educational field trips.
Additionally, innovative cultural activities such as ethnic fashion shows and Chinese calligraphy and painting exhibitions have been held at iconic places (e.g., Wormhole Library and Qilou Old Street). Visitors are captivated by the combination of tradition and modernity under the blue sky, by the seaside, or at the street corner. This vibrant cultural scene has significantly contributed to the growth of the 'culture + tourism' industry.
Jong May, an American who has lived in China for years, stated, 'Everything here is a delightful surprise! I didn't know Haikou has such a vibrant cultural landscape until I went there!'
She is active in sharing Chinese culture and natural wonders on social media platforms such as RedNote and Douyin. On a wonderful vacation in Haikou last October, she learned about the history of the puppet show and the Eight Tunes at the Haikou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, experienced the Southeast Asian vibe at the Qilou Old Street, and interacted with street performers and Hainan opera actors. 'I would love to visit here again,' the young lady said.
According to an official from the Haikou Municipal Bureau of Publicity, the city will intensify efforts to preserve and promote Hainan's historical culture, revolutionary culture, marine culture, and folk culture, creatively revitalise historic areas such as Qilou and Fucheng, and enhance Haikou's reputation as a desirable destination for tourists.
