A scene from the original English production of The Phantom of the Opera in Hangzhou. [Photo/Tide News]

From traffic-driven hype to quality-driven growth, concerts and live performances are emerging as a key economic engine for Hangzhou, local media outlets reported.

In 2025, the city's performing arts sector generated 3.12 billion yuan ($451.7 million) in box office revenue from 19,194 shows, drawing 10.25 million audience visits – marking steady year-on-year growth and a shift toward higher-quality development.

Concerts and music festivals led the surge, with 164 events held throughout the year, including 129 large-scale shows, pushing Hangzhou's concert box office to third nationwide, behind Shanghai and Beijing. The share of concerts in total box office jumped to 65.38 percent, highlighting their role as the primary growth driver.

The city's rising first-stop economy also drew global attention, hosting 12 global, Asian, or Chinese mainland debut performances by international stars such as Ed Sheeran, Imagine Dragons, Charlie Puth, and Katy Perry.

The boom in concert-tourism integration further amplified the economic impact, with visiting fans staying 2.3 days on average, boosting traffic at major scenic spots by 28 percent and generating a multiplier effect where 1 yuan in ticket revenue drove 6 yuan in consumption. Meanwhile, tourism performances, major theater productions, and emerging small venues continued to upgrade content and diversify experiences, reshaping Hangzhou's cultural consumption landscape.

Katy Perry performs in Hangzhou. [Photo/Tide News]