Shanghai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Mercedes-benz Cultural Center reached a fever pitch on December 31, 2025, with a performance by singer adn actor Xiao Zhan that has quickly become a cultural touchstone. The concert drew an estimated 18,000 attendees and was livestreamed to millions across multiple platforms, showcasing the immense popularity of the artist who first rose to prominence in the 2019 idol survival show, *X-Fire* [[1]]. Despite a reported illness, Xiao Zhan delivered a dynamic and notably dedicated performance, captivating fans with both vocal prowess and stage presence.
Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Cultural Centre hosted a stunning New Year’s Eve performance on December 31, 2025, that quickly became a defining moment for the Chinese entertainment industry. When singer and actor Xiao Zhan took the stage, the audience responded within eight seconds by illuminating the venue with a sea of red light-up signs – a coordinated display organized entirely by fans.
Despite battling illness, Xiao Zhan delivered a professional performance, singing live and without backing tracks even as his voice was noticeably hoarse, a testament to his dedication to his fans. The concert showcased his versatility and cemented his status as a leading figure in contemporary Chinese pop culture.
The show began at 9:45 PM with a performance of the theme song from his recent film, “Just Imagine,” set to a cyberpunk-inspired stage design. Dressed in a purple trench coat, Xiao Zhan captivated the crowd with his vocals, hitting every note with precision even while being lifted into the air during a particularly energetic moment. The song, a blend of electronic music and rap delivered in a local dialect, immediately energized the audience.
At 11:41 PM, Xiao Zhan performed “Don’t Look Back,” a song dedicated to his fanbase. As the chorus swelled, the audience transformed into a “red galaxy,” spontaneously singing along to the song’s instrumental break and echoing its message of moving forward. Fans in the crowd captured footage of Xiao Zhan’s parents, who were also in attendance, wearing face masks and sporting the singer’s signature fan color while recording the spectacle on their phones.
Switching gears at 11:45 PM, Xiao Zhan launched into a high-energy dance performance of “What Are You Doing Not Dancing Now?” He traded his earlier, more subdued style for fluid choreography, turning the stage into a vibrant dance floor. Despite a demanding rehearsal schedule and performing while unwell, Xiao Zhan showed no signs of fatigue, delivering a dynamic and captivating performance.
