China's live entertainment industry sees steady increase

Online ticketing website More Tickets launched cooperation with popular lifestyle app “Where Will You Go On Weekends” to provide more discounted tickets and interactive events for users.

According to Cui Jiefu, founder and CEO of More Tickets, online entertainment ticket sales have shown robust and steady growth in recent years, particularly among the younger generation.

Diverse cultural and live entertainment programs are now in high demand in China. Insiders anticipate that creative art exhibitions, gaming and original theater will be new areas for the industry.

Last year, More Tickets created an experimental theater for cancer sufferers. The drama, based on a heart-warming and inspirational true story, aims to help patients face the situation with courage and confidence.

Since its launch two years ago, more than 2.5 million tickets have been sold through the platform, with more than 80 million yuan (US$12.66 million) in sales every month. VR technology is applied to simulate the theater-going experience, helping users choose the best seats.

The latest report from Analysis.cn demonstrates that users from 24 to 30 years of age make up the largest proportion of China’s live entertainment market. Customers in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen contribute over one-fifth of the total revenue.

“Live entertainment is expected to become another promising industry of huge market potential in China following the film industry,” said Xue Yongfeng, an analyst from Analysis.cn. “In the near future it will cover customers in smaller cities and towns of the country.”

Officials from another online ticketing platform, xishiqu.com, also noted that small-scale performances and fan meeting parties will become increasingly popular among the post-1990s and 2000s generations.