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World-class concerts and operas set to enhance Shanghai’s attractiveness as an international tourist destination

  • Hosting operas, symphonies and dance performances fits the city’s pursuit of cultural development, says organiser of arts festival
  • Integration of culture and tourism forms part of Shanghai’s efforts to create new growth engines for the local economy

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A concert called Ode To The Silk Road is performed by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra on October 19, 2023 at the Shanghai International Art Festival. Photo: SCMP Handout
Daniel Renin Shanghai
Shanghai is adding a new dimension to its efforts to develop its appeal as a popular international tourist destination – organising world-class artistic performances to attract opera lovers and musical aficionados.
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Hosting highbrow shows from opera and drama to orchestral and dance performances fits the bill perfectly for the development of cultural tourism the city is pursuing, according to Yang Jialu, vice-president of the Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival, an organisation under the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism.
She said this year’s festival that ran for a month from October 15 provided a vivid example of how top-notch concerts and symphonies can boost the city’s travel sector.
“Shanghai hopes to create a synergy between culture and tourism,” she told the Post. “Cultural products are introduced to promote tourism. In return, a booming tourism industry can be tapped to spur development of cultural products.”

The Shanghai International Arts Festival, first held in 1999, featured 72 different productions this year – 12 of them international premieres – that between them staged around 1,000 shows that attracted an audience of six million. A survey by the organiser showed that 10 per cent of those in attendance were either from other parts of the country or abroad.

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Globally renowned artists including celebrated Russian soprano Anna Netrebko, and award-winning shows such as the musical The Last Five Years not only drew sell-out crowds, but attracted a vast number of young fans – a sure sign that classical music is gaining in popularity in Shanghai, Yang said.

“I have confidence in reaching the conclusion that the top art shows have played an effective role in boosting the city’s cultural tourism,” she said. “Art is in every way instrumental in bolstering the economy and stimulating consumer spending.”

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