Dingdu and UMG partner on music tourism innovation

Dingdu Group and Universal Music Greater China have formed a strategic partnership to co-develop “Tides and Music Resort” in Yanguan. By combining global music resources with local cultural infrastructure, the project aims to pioneer a new integrated model of music-driven tourism in China.

On 4 June 2026, Dingdu Group, a leading cultural tourism developer in China, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Universal Music Group Greater China. The partnership will centre on “Tides and Music Resort” in Haining Yanguan, positioning the project as a real-world platform to integrate global music content with immersive cultural tourism experiences.

With over two decades of experience, Dingdu Group has developed landmark destinations including Wuzhen, Wujingzhai, Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town, and Mingshui Ancient City. Its latest project, “Tides and Music Resort,” represents China’s first large-scale pilot dedicated to music-driven cultural tourism. The development features nine professional performance venues, including a century-old wooden grand theatre, the only authorised House of Music in Asia, and a 2,000-seat art centre, all built to international standards.

The project is guided by a “three integrations” approach. It blends natural landscapes with performance, staging outdoor shows that combine the sound of Qiantang River tides with live music. It connects the full industry chain, from music production and talent development to cultural preservation and international exchange. It also bridges local heritage with global music culture, using music as a medium to reinterpret Jiangnan traditions while welcoming diverse international styles.

Universal Music Group, a global leader in the music industry, brings a powerful ecosystem of artists, content, and experience-led business models. Through its UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle division, the group has developed integrated concepts including music-themed hotels, retail spaces, branded residences, and immersive entertainment experiences. Projects such as UMusic Hotel Madrid demonstrate how music can shape hospitality environments, while UMusic retail formats and Abbey Road Studios extend into cultural, educational, and lifestyle domains.

These established global models will be introduced and adapted within “Tides and Music Resort,” combining international music IP with local cultural context. The collaboration aims to deliver a new type of destination where music, travel, retail, and education converge, offering both Chinese audiences and international visitors a deeply immersive experience.

Leaders from both organisations emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership. Dingdu Group highlighted its long-term vision of creating culturally driven destinations with lasting vitality, while Universal Music pointed to the growing demand for experience-led consumption in China and the unique role of music in shaping emotional and social connections.

This collaboration marks a significant step in linking global music resources with China’s cultural tourism sector. By combining operational expertise, cultural depth, and international content, the project sets out to define a new development model—one that positions music not just as entertainment, but as the core driver of a next-generation tourism ecosystem.