Haikou is accelerating its transformation into a global performing arts hub, showcasing achievements, unveiling strategic plans, and offering major incentives for international events as part of the city’s “Culture Empowering Cities, Art Illuminating the Future” initiative.
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Haikou’s Vision in Action
The “Haikou on Stage, Dancing with the World” International Performing Arts Capital Promotion Conference recently took place in the city, bringing together top professionals from China’s performing arts sector and representatives from 34 major performance organizations nationwide.
The event combined immersive audiovisual showcases with in-depth industry discussions, highlighting Haikou’s steady progress toward becoming an international performing arts capital.
This capital city is actively transforming from a performance hub into a creative content incubator, leveraging Hainan’s cultural identity to connect Chinese artistic expression with global audiences.
Why It Matters
- Industry confidence: The conference demonstrates Haikou’s growing influence and stability in China’s performing arts sector.
- Creative ecosystem: By building original content incubation systems, the city aims to foster both local talent and globally relevant productions.
- Policy-driven growth: Incentives for international events stimulate market vitality and attract high-quality performances.
- Global reach: Integration of tourism, cultural events, and international air connectivity positions the city as a cross-border arts destination.
Policy Incentives to Boost International Events
The city has introduced significant rewards for organizers of internationally renowned performances:
- Up to RMB 11 million for events achieving a China debut
- Event requirements include:
- Over 40,000 attendees
- More than 130,000 tickets sold
- Box office revenue exceeding RMB 200 million
- 10%+ overseas audience share
These measures are designed to encourage performances, competitions, and major cultural events, reinforcing it’s position as a dynamic cultural city.
Infrastructure and Free Trade Advantages
The provincial capital leverages the Hainan Free Trade Port to create an open, visitor-friendly environment:
- Haikou Meilan International Airport offers a one-stop service center for overseas visitors, covering tourism, transportation, communications, and payment.
- Foreign card payments accepted in taxis; cross-border settlement available at duty-free shops.
- Visa-free entry for citizens of 86 countries, supporting international travel and cultural exchange.
In 2025, Haikou Meilan International Airport operated 47 international and regional routes across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Oceania, and Hong Kong and Macao.
Integration of Performing Arts, Tourism, and Consumption
Looking ahead, Haikou plans to further integrate performing arts, tourism, and consumption, creating a full industry ecosystem:
- Promoting immersive cultural experiences for both local and international audiences
- Expanding international flight connectivity to support inbound tourism
- Showcasing a distinctive “Haikou model” for global cultural development
At a Glance
- Haikou hosts the “Dancing with the World” International Performing Arts Capital Promotion Conference
- City offers up to RMB 11 million incentives for major international events
- Visa-free access for visitors from 86 countries
- 47 international and regional flight routes in 2025
- Plans to integrate performing arts + tourism + consumption into a full industry ecosystem
Source: Haikou Municipal Bureau of Tourism
Also read Hainan (Sanya) Marathon Sets New Benchmark as First Class A Event Under Free Trade Port Rules
