Shanghai will distribute consumption coupons for cultural events to consumers nationwide on a first-come, first-served basis starting 12 pm Friday, until supplies run out, according to official sources.

The coupons apply to all types of cultural performances held in Shanghai, including dramas, operas, puppet shows, acrobatics, musicals, talk shows, immersive performances, and e-sports events, but excluding concerts.

"The first phase of this year's cultural consumption coupons, to be distributed in the second half, will total 30 million yuan, offering up to 400 yuan per purchase of 1,000 yuan or more," Huang Binbing, deputy director of the Shanghai State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, was quoted as saying by local news portal ThePaper.cn.

The vouchers are being issued to boost cultural consumption and unlock its potential by encouraging greater participation in cultural activities, according to a Shanghai Observer report.

The cultural consumption coupons are part of the 500 million yuan in vouchers to be issued in the second half of the year by the municipal government, in an effort to boost spending on dining, tourism, films, culture and sports.

"The cultural consumption vouchers are designed to meet people's cultural consumption needs," said Zhu Min, director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, during a news conference earlier in July.

According to Zhu, the service consumption coupons issued earlier have effectively boosted demand and driven business growth.

The cultural consumption coupons would be issued in two rounds. The first round would be available between August 15 and September 13, while the second round is from September 19 to October 11.

During the first round period, consumers nationwide can apply for the coupons via UnionPay, Alipay and WeChat from 12 pm to 8 pm every Friday and Saturday.

The coupons come in five tiers for both convenience and practicality, which are 30 yuan off purchases over 100 yuan, 100 yuan off purchases over 300 yuan, 200 yuan off purchases over 500 yuan, 300 yuan off purchases over 800 yuan, and 400 yuan off purchases over 1,000 yuan.

Application tips

Each consumer can only apply for one coupon during the first round, applying for cultural consumption coupons from August 15 to September 13. And each coupon is valid for seven days from the date of insurance.

Consumers can book online, and the cultural consumption coupons are not restricted by mobile phone location. Coupons are strictly for the applicant's personal use, and resale is prohibited.

For online performance booking, the reservations are available from August 15 to December 31.