With music tourism booming, Tomorrowland, the iconic Belgian music festival is set to bring a new musical experience to Shanghai, China, in the autumn of 2025, in a bid to introduce Chinese artists to the global stage, while bringing Tomorrowland’s international talent to China’s dynamic music scene.
In a press release, Tomorrowland promise that ‘The Magic of Tomorrowland’ – the festival’s first-ever indoor music show and its inaugural event in China – will be “groundbreaking” and blend world-class production know-how with “cutting edge technology” to offer “an event immersive experience that will redefine live entertainment.”
“A landmark show”
Describing the event as a “landmark show” that will chart “a new chapter in the history of Tomorrowland”, the organisers highlighted their “signature elements” and expertise in signing global headliners. The festival, they said, would showcase “the next wave of Chinese talent – reimagined through the lens of China.”
According to press materials, guests can expect performances exclusive to China from some of the world’s most celebrated DJs, with a line-up that will span genres and continents. The event will also include a “fully immersive indoor show” featuring visuals and “sensory storytelling,” the organisers said.
Tickets
Ticket information will become available in September. Those interested in attending should pre-register early, for exclusive pre-sales. Registration takes place on the INS Land WeChat mini-program and app, giving access to the limited rewards.
Meanwhile the official Tomorrowland WeChat community will channel first alerts on line-up announcements and ticket sales, chances to win limited-edition merchandise, and entry into ticket giveaways.
Music tourism boom
Tomorrowland are flexing their tentacles worldwide at a time when market predictions say worldwide music events will grow in value by 2030, to the tune of 18.8%, hitting revenues of €248 billion.
A report by Grand View Research notes that consumers in the 18-34 age bracket are particularly likely to take part in “experience-driven consumption, wherein cultural, emotional, and social experiences are prioritised over material possessions.”
Some events are now worth so much in terms of increased visitor spending that destinations are increasingly prepared to pay out to support festivals and attract high-profile performers, the report points out. The Western Australian government shelled out $8 million to help secure two Coldplay gigs in 2024 generating a financial return in the tens of millions.
The Chinese festival, taking place at the Hero Dome in the Bund district, will be a fall echo of a summer outing of the Tomorrowland brand: Unity in the Las Vegas Sphere, over Labor Day weekend (29 to 31 August, 2025).
