Shanghai issues new round of cultural consumption vouchers

Shanghai has launched its second round of cultural consumption vouchers this year as part of a campaign aimed at boosting cultural spending.

In this phase, consumers can claim vouchers on three popular payment platforms: UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat, during extended release hours.

The program has drawn wide participation. In the first round, more than 296,000 coupons were distributed, covering performances from dance and musicals to stand-up comedy, which have significantly boosted cultural consumption.

Major venues and performance platforms reported surges in sales, with ticket sales from the first round accounting for 44 percent of total transactions.

The vouchers not only drove demand for blockbuster productions but also boosted attendance at smaller shows, helping diversify the performing arts market, according to Wang Wei, deputy manager at Shanghai Municipal Performance Company.

As the city prepares for the upcoming China Shanghai International Arts Festival in October, the vouchers are expected to draw wider audiences to its vibrant arts scene.

How to claim the vouchers:

1. Key dates

Distribution period: Sept 19 - Oct 11

Release days: Every Friday and Saturday during the distribution period.

Release time: Noon till midnight on release days, until vouchers are depleted.

2. Who can get it?

Audiences attending performances in Shanghai.

3. How to get your voucher

Platforms: UnionPay App, Alipay, WeChat.

How: Search for "乐赏上海" (Lè shǎng Shànghǎi) in the respective app.

Limit: Each person can get one voucher per platform, per week.

4. Voucher details

Discount tiers:

400 off 1000 yuan

300 off 800 yuan

200 off 500 yuan

100 off 300 yuan

30 off 100 yuan

Validity: Vouchers are valid for 7 days from the time of acquisition. For example, a voucher claimed on Friday expires the following Thursday at 23:59:59.

5. Where to use it

Applicable: Tickets for performances like plays, musicals, opera, livehouse, stand-up comedy, immersive theater, e-sports competitions (excluding those covered by sports vouchers).

Not Applicable: Concerts are excluded.

Note: Please check the ticketing platforms for the final list of participating shows.

6. Release schedule (Fridays & Saturdays)

Week 1: Sep 19, Sep 20

Week 2: Sep 26, Sep 27

Week 3: Oct 3, Oct 4

Week 4: Oct 10, Oct 11