As the manager of Xing'ao Entertainment, Zhang Zhe has witnessed firsthand the rapid rise of the concert and live performance industry in China. With an annual schedule of 40 to 50 events, the company is a key player in the booming sector. One of its most notable projects was singer Zhang Yuan's recent third concert tour.

Zhang Yuan, 39, rose to fame in 2007 in the singing competition Super Boy, and then led popular boy band Top Combine. He has since rekindled his popularity via an idol show, performed at the CCTV Spring Festival gala twice, and in November launched his first stadium concert tour themed "White" for tens of thousands of fans across China. He will begin a series of international concerts in Singapore and Malaysia this month and one concert in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in March.

For more than six months, Zhang Zhe has been heading a 150-strong team preparing for the concert tours. Three of five of the singer's recent concerts were held in booming cities, a deliberate strategy of manager Zhang.

"These cities have strong economic foundations and growing appetites for consumption. We tailor our activities to these areas by collaborating with local tourism and cultural bodies to ensure maximum engagement," the manager said.

"Local governments are often eager to support events like ours, as they bring cultural enrichment and boost tourism," he added.

The majority of the audiences are aged between 18 and 30, and any organizers focus on giving them an immersive digital experience.

Zhang Yuan's concerts featured advanced technologies including laser lights, ice screens, and breathtaking visual effects to create a fully immersive experience. Structured in four chapters, the concert narrated his musical journey through a dynamic blend of singing, dancing, operatic vocals, musical theater, and live performance — transforming it into a comprehensive musical showcase.

"We design the shows to be interactive. The key is to provide many opportunities for taking good pictures and sharing them on social media, which is essential for today's audiences," said Zhang Zhe.