Officials: Shanghai in talks with Taylor Swift's team over possible show this year

Authorities in Shanghai have expressed optimism about the possibility of hosting a concert by renowned singer-songwriter Taylor Swift in the city this year.

During a public consultation session on Tuesday at the ongoing third session of the 14th Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference or CPPCC, the city's political advisory body, Zhang Qi, deputy-director of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, revealed that a team representing Swift had already visited the city for preliminary discussions about a potential concert.

"As for whether they can make it, the final decision hinges on market factors and Shanghai's overall appeal," Zhang said. "But we are optimistic that there stands a chance this year."

The American pop superstar's most recent performance in China was in 2019. In 2014, she brought her Red tour to Shanghai, with tickets for the show at the Mercedes-Benz Arena selling out in one minute, the fastest in China's history.

Luo Bin contributed to the story.