Beijing hosts 29,000 commercial performances in H1

The live performance industry in Beijing flourished in the first half of 2025, with the city staging over 29,000 commercial shows that drew 6.97 million audiences and generated 2.3 billion yuan ($322 million) in box office revenue, according to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Compared with the same period last year, the figures rose by 10%, 10.5%, and 17.8%, respectively.

During the same period, the city held 102 large-scale live performances such as concerts, attracting 2.25 million spectators and generating 1.5 billion yuan in ticket sales.

Beijing's theaters continue to drive the market. The National Centre for the Performing Arts and Tianqiao Performing Arts Center both reported annual box office revenues exceeding 200 million yuan. 

Since opening in 2015, Tianqiao has staged 1,626 productions from more than 30 countries and regions, with international works accounting for 40%. Its 6,601 performances drew a total of over 3.4 million audiences, said Yang Shucong, general manager of the performing arts center

In 2024 alone, Tianqiao staged 1,013 shows and achieved 217 million yuan in revenue, despite a temporary closure for renovations in spring. The venue has been named one of Beijing's "Top 10 Cultural Consumption Landmarks" for five consecutive years.

Beyond traditional theaters, Beijing has also expanded its live house and small-theater scene. The city has so far fostered 85 new performance spaces, with the number expected to reach 100 by the end of 2025. 

The city has also fostered about 130 branded performance events, according to Liu Shuxian, an official from the municipal bureau of culture and tourism. The annual China Opera Culture Week, held eight times to date, has put on more than 3,180 performances and attracted over 1.06 million visitors. The ninth edition will take place later this month at the Garden Expo Park in Fengtai district. 

The city will host an opera event in 2025, featuring over 90 shows from 25 productions, and a small-theater showcase, which will present 24 works.

In addition, 14 municipal art troupes plan to stage 42 new productions this year, with 15 already performed.