Last Saturday (December 6, 2025), international pop star Katy Perry lit up Haikou City with an electrifying show that drew fans from across Asia and beyond 🎶 From smartphone-wielding superfans in Jakarta to die-hard believers in Mumbai, the concert highlighted Hainan’s rising status as a cultural hotspot.
Since the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) pilot zone earlier this year, the island has been ramping up its cultural tourism game. Thanks to perks like relaxed visa policies and streamlined event approvals, Hainan is now hosting a string of mega-events—from K-pop nights in Sanya to film festivals in Haikou—that are turning the island into a must-visit on every millennial’s travel map 🌴✈️.
The concert economy is officially vibing. Local hotels and restaurants reported a surge in bookings and orders over the weekend, with many young travelers snapping up staycation deals via mobile apps. Street food stalls near the venue buzzed with energy as visitors sampled Hainanese chicken rice and coconut-flavoured desserts. It’s the kind of cultural mashup that resonates with a generation craving authentic experiences.
Tech-savvy fans also got their share of innovation. The venue’s cashless system, powered by mobile wallets, made snack lines a breeze, while AR photo booths let concert-goers capture share-worthy moments in augmented reality. For many, it was a sneak peek at how Hainan is blending tradition with digital flair.
As Hainan’s FTP continues to roll out new incentives, expect more headline acts and creative festivals to land on its shores in 2026. Whether you’re into pop concerts, beachside raves, or film premieres, this tropical free trade port is staking its claim as Asia’s next entertainment frontier 🌅.
So, if you’re planning your travel bucket list for the coming year, put Hainan on it—Katy’s concert might just be the teaser you need! 😉
Reference(s):
Katy Perry shines in Haikou as Hainan FTP boosts cultural tourism
cgtn.com
