Shanghai and Taylor Swift's team in talks over potential show

Shanghai authorities have engaged in initial discussions with Taylor Swift's performance team about her potential concert in the city.

This follows Zhang Qi, deputy director of Shanghai's culture and tourism bureau, responding to Chinese media outlet The Paper (澎湃新聞) regarding whether Swift will perform in Shanghai this year, during the third session of the 14th CPPCC Shanghai Committee.

“As for whether it will ultimately happen, we believe it will depend on the market and the attractiveness of Shanghai. However, we are optimistic that there may be hope for this year,” said Zhang. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Swift's publicist for a statement.

Last year, Swift conducted her world tour, The Eras Tour, which ran from 13 March 2023, to 8 December 2024, covering the US, Europe, and Asia. The tour has generated over US$1 billion in revenue and setting the record as the highest-grossing tour in history.

However, the tour did not include a stop in China, and Hong Kong was also being skipped by the American singer. Instead, she has chosen to hold her only Southeast Asia concert in Singapore, which is projected to bring in nearly US$335 billion for the local hotel, retail, and tourism sectors, according to CNA.

Although Swift completed her tour without performing in China, much to the disappointment of many fans, some opted to watch the concert film instead. The film has generated box office revenue of at least US$13 million, according to Bloomberg.

Don’t miss: Taylor Swift skips HK on her upcoming Asia tour: What more can be done to attract global artists?

Swift has a large fanbase in mainland China. She has performed in the region several times, including her Hong Kong stop during the world tour in 2011, the Shanghai stop in 2014, another Shanghai concert in 2015, as well as a fan meeting in Guangdong and the Double-11 gala in 2019.

Photo courtesy: Taylor Swift's Instagram

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