Younger generations keep live shows in demand

Young Chinese are driving the country's performing arts industry, Chen Meiling reports.

Young Chinese are showing interest in the performing arts-theater, drama, dance, music, to name a few. Live entertainment is in demand as the country's youth are more willing to pay for it than the previous generations, experts say.

The total revenue of this market in China, including from the ticketing, sponsorships, derivative products and business sites, was over 27.07 billion yuan ($3.83 billion) in 2018, up 3.47 percent year-on-year, according to a recent report released by the China Association of Performing Arts, based on data from cultural authorities, major theaters and ticketing companies.

More than 60 percent of consumers of performing arts are from the post-1990 generation, while 15 percent are from those born after 1995.The average expense per consumer per deal was about 1,200 yuan, far more than that in sports, film and other culture-related consumption, the report says.

"When per capita income in China rises, more young people can afford to watch a performance. They are also well educated at school, which helps with their appreciation of the arts," says Yan Yugang, an associate professor at the Communication University of China. "Besides, more new theaters and stadiums were built to provide spaces for such events."