Anticipation for Jay Chou’s 2025 Carnival World Tour continues to soar in Jinan. On August 26, tickets for the second release sold out instantly on the Maoyan ticketing platform, once again proving the singer’s unparalleled popularity.
That same day, fans were greeted with a surprise at the north square of Jinan Olympic Sports Center — a six-meter-tall sculpture of Jay Chou’s beloved cartoon alter ego “Mr. Zhou.” With his guitar in hand and microphone at the ready, the oversized figure quickly became a must-visit landmark for fans eager to capture the moment.
Following its debut at the Olympic Sports Center, another “Mr. Zhou” sculpture has already been unveiled at Jinan MixC Mall. According to event organizers, seven major commercial districts across the city will gradually host similar installations, including the Olympic Sports Center, MixC, Hang Lung Plaza, and four key locations of the Yinzuo Department Store chain (Quancheng Square, Hexie Plaza, Yuhan, and Yinzuo Mall). In addition, themed pop-up shops and the Lehe Market will roll out to enhance the fan experience.
A Nationwide Tour Landmark
The larger-than-life “Mr. Zhou” installations are part of Jay Chou’s world tour activations across China, already appearing in cities such as Sanya and Xiamen. Blending music with cultural tourism, these IP sculptures have quickly turned into photo hotspots, drawing both local residents and out-of-town visitors.
On the evening of August 26, Jinan’s newly installed sculpture immediately attracted crowds. Many fans were seen taking photos and sharing them on social media. “Post a picture and you’ll get Jay Chou stickers as a reward,” one excited fan explained, highlighting the interactive nature of the campaign.
Pop-Up Stores and Fan Activities
The MixC Mall confirmed that its “Mr. Zhou” installation is accompanied by a themed pop-up store, offering fans exclusive merchandise and immersive experiences. Meanwhile, Jinan Olympic Sports Center announced that special Jay Chou products will launch in the coming days. During the concert dates from September 19 to 21, the north square will also host the Lehe Market, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Jinan Set to Become a Music Capital
The arrival of Jay Chou’s concert marks his first performance in Jinan in six years, and local authorities are preparing extensively. With three consecutive shows expected to draw over 30,000 out-of-town visitors per night, the city is positioning itself as both a music hub and a cultural destination.
Beyond Jay Chou, Jinan’s live music calendar has been buzzing in 2025, with performances by top artists such as Dao Lang, Li Jian, and David Tao already igniting the city’s summer nights. From rap to rock to Mandopop, Jinan’s diverse concert scene is quickly earning it the reputation of “a city that never stops singing.”
For Jay Chou fans, the countdown to September has begun — when Jinan’s skies will light up with music, memories, and the unmistakable magic of the “King of Mandopop.”