Axwell and Tiësto headed the second edition of The Magic of Tomorrowland in Shanghai, where locally produced stage design brought the festival’s visual world into Hero Dome.
Held on 17–18 October, the event was organised with Hero Esports, INS LAND and Budweiser. Organisers reported a sold-out weekend, combining international electronic acts with Chinese artists across two stages.
The production centred on an 88-metre-wide main stage, supported by moving ceiling screens, LED visuals, lighting and sound. Local teams produced the scenography and decorative elements, pairing Tomorrowland’s creative direction with Chinese fabrication and technical expertise.
China has always opened its arms to us, and returning for a second year with our local partners is a privilege. – Debby Wilmsen, spokesperson at Tomorrowland
Axwell closed the first night, with Lost Frequencies, MORTEN and Linska also on the programme. Cassian and Kevin de Vries performed back-to-back, while Chinese DJ Sally opened proceedings.
The second night featured Tiësto, Miss Monique, Alison Wonderland and Joel Corry, alongside a back-to-back set from ARTBAT and R3HAB. Chinese artist Evin King also joined the closing-day line-up.
Away from the main stage, Paperworld by Budweiser hosted sunset performances from Hauzer, Nosi, Bhaskar, Carly Wilford, DJ L, Zok and Mansun Lui.
For Tomorrowland’s Shanghai edition, local production extended to costumes worn by 24 performers on a 20-metre catwalk: a practical example of the work involved in translating a global festival identity for a different venue and audience.