Shanghai “Optimistic” About Hosting Taylor Swift Concert This Year
Shanghai officials have expressed optimism about the possibility of a Taylor Swift concert in the city this year, following preliminary discussions with the singer’s team, Bloomberg reports, citing a report by state-affiliated outlet The Paper.
Zhang Qi, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, confirmed the talks in response to a reporter’s question on the sidelines of a session of local political advisors.
“We are optimistic there may be hope this year,” Zhang said, without providing further details.
The news comes after Swift wrapped up her highly successful Eras Tour last month without including any dates in mainland China, a move that disappointed many of her Chinese fans. Despite the absence of live shows, the concert movie still managed to gross at least 95 million yuan ($13.2 million) at the Chinese box office, highlighting her enduring popularity in the country.
A potential Taylor Swift concert is seen as a significant economic opportunity for Shanghai. The city, like the rest of China, is prioritizing consumer spending as a key driver for economic growth in 2025. This push comes in response to looming US tariffs on Chinese exports, which were previously a major contributor to the country’s growth. A Swift concert would likely see an influx of spending from fans, with estimates suggesting that a typical attendee spends an average of $1,500 on tickets, travel, accommodation, and food.
Swift is no stranger to China. Her 2014 tour stop in Shanghai sold out in a record-breaking one minute, the fastest ticket sale in Chinese history. This history of success makes the possibility of a return all the more anticipated by fans and local businesses alike.
