The Compliance and Service Assurance Guidelines for Foreign-related Large-Scale Commercial Performances. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

As Hangzhou in Zhejiang province builds its reputation as a global concert destination, the city's cultural and tourism authorities have recently introduced guidelines to streamline the process for international artists and production teams.

The Compliance and Service Assurance Guidelines for Foreign-related Large-Scale Commercial Performances offers insights on regulatory approvals, copyright protection, crowd management, and venue logistics.

By distilling key legal requirements into an accessible format, the guide ensures smoother collaboration between international performers and local stakeholders while reducing compliance costs.

Beyond regulatory support, the guide also highlights Hangzhou's world-class venues and incentive policies. A particular focus is placed on intellectual property protection, ensuring artists retain control over their music, performances, and merchandise while proactively combating piracy.

After the Asian Games in 2023, Hangzhou has become a major stop on international tours, hosting 133 large-scale concerts in 2024, drawing over 2.6 million attendees.

The momentum continues in 2025, with Ed Sheeran delivering a six-show residency in March and Imagine Dragons scheduled to perform twice at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center in April.

During the Ed Sheeran concerts, authorities deployed digital monitoring tools to enhance the concert experience — cracking down on piracy, managing ticket scalping, and optimizing fan engagement.

With its market-driven, legally sound, and globally integrated approach, Hangzhou is positioning itself as a premier stage for world-class performances, offering bridges for cultural exchanges, according to an authority with the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism.