Haikou’s Vision: Transforming into a Global Performing Arts Hub

In an exciting turn of events, Haikou has set ambitious goals to establish itself as a leading international capital for performing arts. Recently, the city hosted the "Haikou on Stage, Dancing with the World" International Performing Arts Capital Promotion Conference, pivoting its cultural narrative towards a robust future in the arts. This conference attracted top professionals from China’s performing arts sector, gathering representatives from 34 significant performance organizations across the nation.

The conference revolved around the theme "Culture Empowering Cities, Art Illuminating the Future," blending immersive audiovisual experiences with profound industry discussions. This convergence of ideas not only highlighted Haikou’s achievements in the performing arts but also laid out a comprehensive roadmap for its future development.

Haikou's commitment to transforming from a performance hub into a creative content powerhouse is evident. The city is building an original content incubation system deeply rooted in the unique cultural identity of Hainan. This initiative aims to develop a platform that connects Chinese cultural expressions with global audiences, fostering artistic exchanges and collaborations.

To further invigorate its cultural landscape, Haikou is deploying robust policy incentives aimed at supporting high-quality development within its cultural and sports industries. A notable initiative is the financial rewards scheme for organizers of internationally recognized concerts. For example, promoters of concerts held at the prominent Wuyuanhe Stadium can receive rewards of up to RMB 11 million if they meet certain criteria, such as hosting a China debut event that draws over 40,000 attendees and achieves significant ticket sales and box office gross.

Haikou is also leveraging the advantages offered by the Hainan Free Trade Port to create an open and inclusive urban environment. The Haikou Meilan International Airport has made strides to enhance the experience for international visitors by establishing a comprehensive service center that provides one-stop support encompassing tourism, transportation, communication, and payment services. Additionally, local taxis now accept foreign bank card payments, and cross-border settlement is simplified at duty-free shops. In light of China’s recently expanded visa-free policy for visitors from 86 countries, Haikou is poised to become an attractive destination for global tourists and art enthusiasts alike.

As part of its strategy to boost connectivity, Haikou is increasing the international and regional passenger routes operating from its airport. In 2025 alone, the airport managed 47 international routes that stretch across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Oceania, ensuring enhanced accessibility for international travelers.

Looking forward, Haikou aims to deepen the integration of performing arts with tourism and consumption. This ambitious endeavor targets the creation of a complete industry ecosystem, contributing a unique “Haikou model” to the discourse on global cultural development. As the city accelerates its trajectory towards becoming a beacon of performing arts, it sets the stage not only for local enrichment but also for a flourishing exchange of global culture.

In conclusion, Haikou stands poised on the brink of an artistic renaissance. Through strategic initiatives, inclusive policies, and a commitment to cultural exchanges, the city is making significant strides towards its dream of becoming an internationally recognized performing arts capital. With bold visions and concrete actions, the future of Haikou's cultural landscape looks overwhelmingly promising.