Sanlongwan, a key development zone in Foshan, is gaining momentum as its convention and performance economies surge, bringing renewed vitality and economic energy to the area. Leveraging its strategic position, Sanlongwan is emerging as a key player in the city's efforts to enhance its cultural and economic landscape.

Convention Economy on the Rise

The Tanzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center has become a major hub for attracting large-scale events and exhibitions. Over the recent Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday period (September 15 to October 7), the center hosted numerous high-profile events, including the 2024 Foshan Aerospace and Defense Expo, the 2024 Car Modification Showand Drifting Shows. Other notable events included the 2024 Douyin China Traffic Summit, Hunter Dealer Conference, Foshan Outdoor Sports Festival, Fall Auto Show, Pet Exhibition, the Foshan Fun Carnival, National Street 3V3Basketball Open, and the 2024 Anime-Themed Car Culture Show. Altogether, these events attracted over 360,000 visitors, showcasing the growing appeal of the venue and its crucial role in the city's economy.

Sanlongwan Sci-Tech City, home to Foshan's strongest research capabilities, also benefits from its strategic location next to Guangzhou South Railway Station and the Tanzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, the city's leading exhibition platform. Despite these advantages, Sanlongwan's popularity has long lagged behind the bustling Chancheng-Guicheng central district—a challenge it aims to overcome.

This year, the Sanlongwan Sci-Tech City Management Committee outlined a comprehensive plan to "revitalize and energize" the area. Key strategies include transforming cultural events into economic drivers, enhancing the nighttime economy to boost local vibrancy, and leveraging its transport advantages to attract more foot traffic. In practice, two economic models—exhibition and performance economies—are playing a significant role in achieving this revitalization.

This year, Tanzhou is set to host over 30 major exhibitions, ranging from industry-focused events like the Guangdong Machine Tool and Automation Expo to more consumer-friendly showcases such as the Foshan Outdoor Sports Festival. By expanding its focus beyond industrial exhibitions to include consumer-driven events, Tanzhou is successfully drawing local residents and boosting surrounding businesses. For instance, a recent modified car show attracted 65,000 visitors, pushing hotel occupancy rates near the venue to over 75%, peaking at 100% during the event.

Performance Economy Drawing Crowds

In parallel, Sanlongwan's performance economy is skyrocketing. This year alone, the area has hosted 28 high-profile concerts, bringing in more than 500,000 attendees. Top performers such as Angela Zhang, G.E.M., and Twins have graced the stages of venues like the GBA International Sports and Cultural Center, drawing fans from across the country. These events have not only elevated Sanlongwan's cultural cachetbut also significantly boosted local businesses, from hospitality to retail.

One example is G.E.M.'s four-night concert series in April, which brought a wave of economic activity to the region. Local shopping centers like Aegean Sea saw foot traffic of over 11,000 people, while nearby hotels reported occupancy rates above 90%. The economic impact of these performances extends beyond ticket sales, contributing to the growth of the city's nighttime economy through spending on accommodation, dining, and transportation.

Sanlongwan sees great potential in the performance economy, with plans to convert a venue at Tanzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center into a dedicated live performance space. This will boost the area's capacity to host major entertainment events. Sanlongwan aims to continue organizing large-scale performances, integrating supporting services to draw more visitors and drive the development of Foshan New City. The area's growing strengths in both exhibition and performance economies position it as a vibrant hub for technology, culture, and city life, contributing to Foshan's broader growth.

A Bright Future Ahead

Sanlongwan's success stems from its ability to capitalize on its advanced infrastructure, including top-tier venues like the Tanzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center and the GBA International Sports and Cultural Center. The local government has set ambitious plans to further integrate cultural and economic activities, aiming to attract even larger audiences and events in the future.

As Sanlongwan continues to expand its convention and performance offerings, it is fast becoming a key destination for both business and leisure, contributing to Foshan's broader goal of transforming into a dynamic hub for culture, commerce, and technology.

With its growing momentum, Sanlongwan is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of Foshan, drawing not only economic activity but also solidifying its place as a cultural and technological hotspot.

Reporter丨Lynn

Revisor丨Eleanor, Zoey

Source丨Nanfang Plus

*If the picture infringes any rights, please contact us for deletion.