In southwest China's Chengdu, a new wave of youthful entrepreneurship is reshaping nightlife culture through intimate live music venues known as 'livehouses.' CGTN’s documentary series Start. Up. Spend. highlights how these small businesses are driving outsized economic impacts by blending music, community, and commerce.
Episode 2 reveals how livehouses attract diverse crowds with affordable performances ranging from rock bands to jazz ensembles, creating emotional connections that traditional entertainment venues lack. Host Wu Yunliu explores their role in Chengdu’s booming night economy, which saw a 15% year-on-year growth in 2023 according to local data.
'These venues aren’t just stages – they’re social hubs where art and business intersect,' Wu explains. Many livehouses combine performances with tea culture and merchandise sales, with some generating over ¥200,000 ($27,500) monthly through innovative membership models.
The trend reflects broader shifts in China’s consumption patterns, particularly among Gen Z audiences. Investors note livehouses’ potential to revitalize urban spaces while offering safer, culturally rich alternatives to crowded nightclubs. For travelers and locals alike, they’ve become must-visit destinations showcasing Chengdu’s creative spirit.
