The global music scene is more connected than ever. If your favorite artist stops in China, here’s how to navigate tickets, apps, and venue rules. First‑timers should set up Alipay/WeChat Pay, and check our Life in China guides for phone SIM and daily life prep.
The Most Important Rule: Real‑Name Registration (实名制)
China’s modern ticketing enforces real‑name sales to curb scalping (黄牛). Key points:
- One ticket, one ID: one person per ticket
- ID bound to ticket: tickets are non‑transferable
- Passport for foreigners: bring the original document
- Entry requires: digital ticket on phone + original passport
Where to Find Concert Information
- Weibo: official announcements from artists/promoters/platforms
- Ticketing apps (Damai/Maoyan/Showstart): browse city concert calendars
- Xiaohongshu: fan guides with screenshots, seating charts, venue tips
Main Ticketing Platforms
Damai (大麦)
Damai is the largest platform (Alibaba). Most stadium shows use Damai.
Maoyan (猫眼)
Maoyan is a close competitor with strong live sections.
Showstart (秀动)
Showstart covers indie/live‑house scenes and some festivals.
How to Buy: Step by Step
Step 1: Get Your Tools Ready
- Chinese phone number for app registration
- Alipay/WeChat Pay set up and funded (see Payment Guide)
- Download the correct ticketing app for your event
Step 2: Complete Real‑Name Verification
- In the app, go to “My” → “Attendees/观演人”
- Add attendee, choose Passport (护照)
- Enter your name exactly as on passport (spacing/order matter)
- Enter passport number; upload info page if asked; submit for review
Step 3: Find Event & Set Reminder
Open the event page, note the sale time, and use “预约” to pre‑select date/tier.
Step 4: Sale Time — Be Fast
- Use stable Wi‑Fi; open the app minutes early
- At zero, tap Buy immediately
- Confirm pre‑filled attendee and pay instantly via Alipay/WeChat Pay
On Concert Day: Entry Process
- Bring your original passport
- Open your ticket QR in the same app
- Arrive early to clear ID/security checks
- Follow venue rules for bags/liquids/cameras
Ticket Tiers, Presales and Lotteries
Large shows often use tiered pricing and staggered sales.
- Seat tiers: floor/inner stands cost more; upper stands are budget‑friendly. Use the app’s seating chart for sightlines.
- Presales: fan club/credit‑card presales may appear; foreigners can join if payment works (see Payment Guide).
- Lotteries (抽签/登记): some festivals allocate via registration windows. Complete real‑name verification before joining.
Payment Troubleshooting
- Verification: ensure Alipay/WeChat Pay is identity‑verified and a funding source is linked; test a small purchase beforehand.
- Time sync: set device time to network‑provided to avoid countdown mismatches.
- Network: prefer stable Wi‑Fi; disable VPN during payment if pages fail to load.
- CAPTCHA: practice captcha flow in the app ahead of the sale to reduce errors.
Refunds, Transfers and Resale
- No transfer: real‑name rules bind the ticket to your passport; gifting/resale is typically disallowed.
- Refunds: only if the organizer/platform offers an official channel; check the event page’s policy before buying.
- Avoid scalpers (黄牛): off‑platform trades can lead to invalid tickets and account bans.
Venue Logistics
- Bags: most venues restrict large backpacks; bring a small clear bag if possible.
- Power: carry a small power bank; some venues ban large ones.
- Food/drinks: sealed water is sometimes allowed; rules vary—check the app FAQ or poster.
Accessibility, Minors and Safety
- Accessibility: major arenas have accessible gates/seating; contact the venue or platform support ahead of time.
- Minors: some shows require guardian presence or ID; verify age rules on the event page.
- Safety/etiquette: follow ushers, avoid pushing when the lights go down, keep aisles clear.
After the Show: Transport Tips
- Metro: check last train times—big concerts may cause early crowd control at stations.
- Ride‑hailing: DiDi pickup zones are usually designated; walk 5–10 minutes away from the main gate to reduce surge.
- Landmarks: set a meetup spot before the show; networks can be congested post‑show.
Language/UI Tips
- Learn key terms: 观演人 (attendee), 护照 (passport), 抢票 (rush for tickets), 待支付 (pending payment).
- Use in‑app translation or screenshot + OCR for complex prompts; avoid translating your name—match passport exactly.
Common Pitfalls and Scams to Avoid
- Links to “priority access” groups offering guaranteed tickets—usually scams.
- Accounts selling “already bound” tickets—real‑name binding makes them unusable.
- Fake “customer service” numbers in comments—use only the app’s official support.
Pro Tips for High‑Demand Sales
- Log in on both phone and tablet; stick to one device at payment to avoid conflicts.
- Pre‑fill attendee and address info; enable face/biometric pay where supported.
- Have a backup payment method (e.g., bank card in Alipay plus WeChat balance).