A bird's-eye view of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center. It's held many concerts and sporting events after the Asian Games in 2023. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Hangzhou is set to welcome over 85 major concerts this year, strengthening its reputation as a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment and technology-driven tourism.

At the city's annual cultural and tourism work conference, officials highlighted the global appeal of top-tier concerts – performed by the likes of the UK's Ed Sheeran and China's Dao Lang – emphasizing their role in boosting Hangzhou's international visibility.

To capitalize on this momentum, the city will launch a global marketing campaign, positioning itself as a youth-friendly destination through concerts and major sporting events.

The concert economy is said to have become a key driver of Hangzhou's cultural and tourism industry. In Xiaoshan district, home to the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, 60 large-scale concerts were held last year, drawing 27 million overnight visitors – a 52.1 percent year-on-year increase, the highest in Zhejiang.

Building on its success in AI and innovation, Hangzhou is integrating artificial intelligence, big data and robotics into the tourism sector.

Plans include AI-driven smart services in hotels, scenic spots and museums, robots assisting tourists in hotels and cultural sites, expanding smart luggage services from high-speed rail stations to airports and developing immersive VR experiences based on Hangzhou's cultural brands.

To enhance the total visitor experience, Hangzhou will also introduce tech-themed souvenirs, moving beyond traditional silk, tea and fans.

The Wensan digital block is an ever-popular sight for locals and tourists alike. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]