Fires of fandom burn brighter with age

Over the last two years, she has been to seven of his concerts and 10 variety show tapings, traveling to 12 cities around the country in between business trips.

The China Association of Performing Arts reported a staggering 251,700 commercial performances in the first half of 2024, a 30.19 percent year-on-year increase. Ticket sales reached 19 billion yuan, a rise of 13.24 percent compared to the previous year, with 79.1 million people attending.

Pan's most memorable experience was traveling by herself to Xi'an in Shaanxi province to attend one of Zhang's live tours.

"It was my first time in Xi'an and my first small venue concert. His stage presence and connection with the fans created an atmosphere full of life and energy, and it is one of the most unforgettable memories of my life," she says.

For Pan, being a fan is about more than her admiration for the singer; it's a way to reignite her passion for life. She finds immense joy in connecting with others who share her enthusiasm for Zhang, and the resulting sense of community enhances her experience.

"We connect over our shared passion, travel to concerts together, and express our emotions as one. This has given me many good friends, and brought me deeper emotional resonance," she says.

While Pan's journey as a fan is relatively recent, some have been finding solace and joy in following their idols for decades. Among them is Zhou Lina, a 40-year-old company employee from Shanghai, who has been a devoted follower of Hong Kong singer Gigi Leung since 1997.

A renowned figure on the Cantopop scene since the late 1990s, Leung has captivated audiences with her emotive ballads and versatility. Known for prioritizing personal fulfillment over commercial success, the singer's authentic approach to her career resonates deeply with fans like Zhou.

"She represents my youth. When I listen to her music now, my younger days come back to me in an instant," Zhou says.

This sentiment echoes the experiences of many middle-aged fans, who also find a connection to their past through their idols.