China is implementing a high-quality demographic development strategy by optimizing an all-coverage and full-life cycle service system, which was one of the key topics at the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in Beijing from July 15-18.
The plenary adopted a resolution on further deepening reforms comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization.
The resolution involves 300 important reform measures, all of which concern reforms on optimizing systems, mechanisms, and institutions.
In the area of ensuring and improving people's wellbeing, the resolution put forward for the first time the measures related to improve the systems for supporting population development and providing related services.
"The CPC Central Committee proposed that China's modernization needs to be backstopped by high-quality demographic development, which contains abundant implications and connotations, such as maintaining a reasonable fertility level and a moderate demographic size. We will build a service system and a policy system to support population development from the perspective of the full life cycle and all population groups," said Cai Fang, chief expert of the National Think Tank at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The resolution also proposed a number of reform measures for the development of the elderly care industry and the silver economy.
"We will integrate the concept of positive aging and healthy aging into the whole process of economic and social development and build an elderly-friendly society. We will accelerate the improvement of the framework for providing home, community, and institution-based care that can meet different medical and health care needs," said Lu Zhiyuan, Minister of Civil Affairs.
"In the past, it might be enough to just have a pension in old age. But now the elderly people also need to have entertainment in their life or have something to do. We have highlighted the policy system of the elderly care industry, and have also made many new arrangements. We must have practical support measures, establish a knowledge system, and integrate the existing policies to give greater play to the policy efficacy and activate an authentic institutional construction," Cai said.
China eyes high-quality demographic development by optimizing full-coverage service system
Known primarily for its coal production, the city of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province is undergoing a cultural transformation. As part of China's booming concert economy, Taiyuan is actively seeking to provide unforgettable experiences for music fans.
Local authorities are supporting businesses in capitalizing on the growing demand for immersive concert experiences.
Taiyuan has implemented innovative initiatives. The city offers free public transportation for concert attendees, including bus and subway rides, both during the concert period and for three days before and after the event .
Taiyuan's commitment to creating a vibrant concert atmosphere is evident throughout the city. Giant banners and posters promote upcoming events, while various support activities further enhance the experience.
At a recent concert, a CGTN correspondent witnessed the city's dedication to providing a memorable experience. Each fan was greeted with a personalized souvenir bag filled with local specialties. Additionally, a captivating drone performance delighted the audience, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
"We have both also been to several concerts before. But this is the first time we've enjoyed various perks. Some shops are offering free merchandise. There are shuttle buses. The concert ticket also provides free admission to other local attractions. I think it is really nice," a concertgoer said.
"I have attended several concerts in Taiyuan where I have had really great experiences," another concert fan said.
Taiyuan's thoughtful initiatives have not only delighted concertgoers but also stimulated the city's consumer activity.
"From April to September, Taiyuan hosted more than 10 concerts. We could feel the enthusiasm of the fans at each event. There was a noticeable increase in hotel bookings as well," said Ma Shuting, marketing manager of a local hotel.
The concert period has also boosted the street-stall economy. The area around the venue has been transformed into a vibrant marketplace, with hundreds of stalls offering a diverse range of goods and services, from snacks and concert merchandise to beauty treatments.
"Business is doing quite well because there are many people coming from both out of town and locally. The daily revenue is approximately between 2,000 and 3,000 yuan (about 282 to 423 U.S. dollars)," a vendor told CGTN.
To solidify its position as a leading performing arts center in Northern China, the local government has made a significant commitment to fostering the concert economy.
"All 11 government departments in Taiyuan have jointly introduced several measures to support the development of the concert economy. For concert organizers in Taiyuan that meet the criteria, subsidies ranging from 150,000 yuan to 800,000 yuan (about 21,200 to 113,000 U.S. dollars) will be provided. Additionally, the city government has also established a special task force to ensure the smooth running of large-scale concerts," said Liu Rui, deputy director of the Taiyuan Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
The concert economy holds immense potential for economic growth, as demonstrated by the impact of Taylor Swift and Coldplay concerts on Singapore's GDP, which was boosted by around 0.25 percent.
Taiyuan is positioning itself as a major player in the concert industry, with over 30 concerts scheduled for this year alone. These events are expected to attract nearly 800,000 fans and generate tens of billions of yuan in consumer spending.
The city's commitment to the concert economy reflects its proactive pursuit of new growth drivers. This not only boosts consumption in the culture and tourism sector but also contributes to the broader economic transition toward high-quality growth.
Taiyuan's thriving concert economy boosts cultural, tourism growth
