Reduced red tape the ticket for artists

Overseas artists will soon find it easier to strut their stuff on stage in China.

Starting July 1, applications to perform on the mainland will no longer need approval from the Ministry of Culture. Instead, they will be sent directly to provincial cultural departments, dramatically cutting approval time.

"Now that the procedure is simplified, the time for the promotion and sale of performances will increase. It's good news for the industry," said Zhang Ligang, general manager of Beizhan Performance Culture Co.