In a strategic move to establish itself as a hub for international cultural performances and sports events, Tianhe has integrated entertainment and sports to drive high-quality development across culture, commerce, tourism and sports.

On March 20, Tianhe Sports Center and Guangdong Olympic Sports Center simultaneously hosted two major concerts, one by Chinese singer Xue Zhiqian, and the other by the American rock band Imagine Dragons, marking a peak in Tianhe's performance-driven economy.

American rock band Imagine Dragons lights up the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center with an electrifying performance. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

March 21 saw the 2026 Guangdong City Basketball League (Yue BA) tipping off at the Tianhe Sports Center, coinciding with Xue's concert nearby. This convergence of a major sporting event and a high-profile concert attracted large crowds, sparking a bustling atmosphere that boosted tourism and local spending.

The excitement generated by both concerts and games fueled a surge in consumer spending in  Tianhe's commercial districts. Restaurants, retail outlets and the hospitality sector all experienced strong growth in customer traffic. The ICC Mall and Victoria Plaza on Tianhe Road became key hotspots, drawing large audiences with their concert-themed events and driving substantial consumer spending.

As a core district in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Tianhe has become a premier destination for entertainment and sporting events, powered by its unique advantages in driving integrated cultural and tourism growth.