Why Ye, Travis Scott and Katy Perry Are Looking at Hainan — and What It Signals for China Touring

Hainan used to be a “wildcard” in China's routing. Now it’s showing up repeatedly — not just in headlines, but in real inbound conversations

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Ye hosts a concert in Haikou, South China's Hainan Province on September 15 2024. Photo: Li Yuche/GT

We’ve noticed that a large share of recent China-side enquiries we receive include Hainan (Haikou and/or Sanya) on the shortlist. Historically, these discussions were concentrated around Beijing and Shanghai. That shift matters for international artists and their agencies: it suggests the China live market is becoming more open-minded about where a global act can land — and still perform at scale.

High-profile signals have helped accelerate this: Ye’s Hainan show in 2024 was widely covered precisely because it bypassed the usual megacity playbook, and Katy Perry’s official tour schedule lists Haikou (Wuyuanhe Stadium) as a stop.

Industry reporting has also pointed to Travis Scott exploring China dates including Hainan, another sign that destination markets are now part of serious touring conversations, not just a “nice-to-have.”

So why is Hainan gaining momentum?

Destination demand is structurally different. You’re not only selling to locals; you’re pulling an audience that travels for the experience. That tends to support stronger VIP/hospitality upside and clearer partnership value for sponsors.

It can work as a controlled entry point. For many international teams, the risk in China isn’t production — it’s market mechanics: partner model, timelines, approvals, platform behaviour, and what “success” needs to look like. Hainan can be a pragmatic first step to validate demand and build proof points before scaling into tier-1 markets.

It reflects a wider China live entertainment push beyond traditional centres. When Hainan keeps appearing in enquiries and routing, it’s usually because stakeholders believe the ecosystem can now support it.

A billboard for the launch of island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is seen in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 17, 2025. China on Thursday launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

If you’re trying to understand Hainan policy dynamics (and what they mean in practice), or you’re exploring China touring/ festival opportunities, let’s talk. We’ll be in Shanghai in May as an international artist booking representative for a major festival — speak to us today.