After hosting major sports events, Hangzhou is set to turn up the volume - this time for music. The city will welcome the 2025 Hangzhou International Music & Performing Arts Expo (Music Expo for short), which is set to run from November 14 to 16 in Qianjiang Century City.

Under the theme “Music Without Borders, Powered by Tech,” the Music Expo will bring together top players from the global music and performing arts scenes. Driven by cutting-edge technology, the event aims to explore new ways to blend music with live performance, creating a world-class platform for industry networking, creative showcases, and future trends.

One of the highlights making a major comeback is China New Music Chart Awards - a key ceremony that’s closely watched by insiders. At the same time, the “MUSIC P.I.E Music & Art Exhibition” will open to the public for free. Visitors can register in advance through ticketing platforms to secure a spot.

More than 40 leading music and tech companies, including Tencent Music & Entertainment, NetEase Cloud Music, Douyin, Kuaishou, and the International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI) - will be there in full force. They’ll share insider industry insights, the latest AI music tech, diverse content ecosystems, and fully immersive interactive experiences. 

Attendees won’t just get a close-up look at how tech is reshaping music - they can also join celebrity meet-and-greets, check in at photo spots, and score limited-edition free merch. Also on the lineup is the highly anticipated Raffles Island Life Festival, regarded by many music lovers as a kind of utopia. It’s become one of the most beloved outdoor music IPs in recent years. The 5th edition is scheduled for November 16, themed “Echoes of the Seasons.” Staying true to its “music festival+” vibe, it’ll blend cross-industry to create a imaginative, warm, and dreamy space for fans.