A Shanghai tourism official said the city was optimistic about hosting a Taylor Swift concert this year after meeting with the singer’s team, The Paper reported Tuesday.
City authorities held preliminary talks with Swift’s staff, Zhang Qi, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, told the publication, without elaborating.
“We are optimistic there may be hope this year,” Zhang said, according to the state-affiliated outlet. Zhang made the comments in response to a reporter’s question on the sidelines of a session of local political advisers.
Swift’s publicist didn’t respond to an emailed request for comment.
The 35-year-old star wrapped up her record-breaking Eras Tour last month without performing in the world’s second-most populous country, disappointing millions of fans. Some of them watched a concert movie instead, which raked in at least 95 million yuan ($17.7 million) at the box office.
A Taylor Swift concert anywhere could be seen as an economic boon. In China, it would be especially welcome after policymakers made stimulating consumption a top priority in 2025 as they try to offset the effects of looming US tariffs on exports that were a major growth driver last year.
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A typical Swiftie spends US$1,500 ($2,053.46) to attend a live show, including the cost of tickets, hotels, flights and food.
Swift has been welcomed in China before. The Shanghai stop of her 2014 tour sold out within a minute, making it the fastest ticket sale in Chinese history.
Zhang also said the Legoland Shanghai Resort will officially open in May, while Harry Potter and Peppa Pig theme parks may also open in the city, the report added.
