The shift toward a rotating host model for the Intervision Song Contest was first signaled during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), where Mikhail Shvydkoy, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cultural Cooperation, outlined the vision for the contest’s future.
While the competition was initially revived in Moscow this past September, organizers have been clear that the "Intervision" brand is intended to be a mobile, truly international platform. Shvydkoy emphasized that the spirit of the contest relies on its ability to move between participating nations.
Why China?
During SPIEF, Shvydkoy actually stated that China was considered for the 2026 event (which was eventually handed to Riyahd, Saudi Arabia)
"It is clear that everything is still in the state of formation, but I am sure that the next contest will be held in one of the countries that will take part in the Moscow contest. It is not excluded that this could be in China," Shvydkoy stated during the forum.
China’s potential selection for 2027 follows a pattern of increasing involvement from the world's most populous nations. At the inaugural Moscow event, China played a central role, not only sending a contestant, Wang Xi, but also providing one of the lead international presenters, the popular bilingual host Meng Lei (Lay).
With Saudi Arabia officially confirmed to host the 2026 edition in Riyadh as part of its "Vision 2030" cultural expansion, China represents a logical next step for 2027, given that it was also considered to host the contest in 2026. Hosting the event would align with Beijing’s "Belt and Road" cultural initiatives and its commitment to the BRICS+ cultural exchange framework.
China’s potential to host the 2027 contest is backed by its unrivaled capacity for large-scale cultural events. With a proven track record from the Beijing Olympics to the Hangzhou Asian Games, the country offers a "blank check" for technical ambition. Experts suggest that a Chinese-hosted Intervision would likely showcase cutting-edge broadcast technology, including 8K ultra-high-definition streaming, AI-driven stage effects, and augmented reality (AR) performances that could redefine the viewer experience. Beyond the technology, China’s massive state-of-the-art venues, such as the "Bird’s Nest" in Beijing or the high-tech arenas of Shenzhen, ensure that the event will be produced on a scale that rivals, or even surpasses, any global music competition currently in existence.
Potential of Billion Viewers
The Intervision Song Contest, billed as a "traditional and inclusive" alternative to Eurovision, aims to provide a stage for artists from the Global South and Eurasia. By moving the contest to China in 2027, organizers hope to reach a potential television and streaming audience of billions, solidifying the event’s status as a major fixture on the global cultural calendar.
While an official announcement is expected in the 2026 event, Shvydkoy’s comments have already set the stage for a grand musical homecoming in the Middle Kingdom.
"Holding the competition in different countries is part of the very concept of Intervision," Shvydkoy noted. "It is about the soul and individuality of each nation."
Written by Manios Themis
Intervision Song Contest specialist. Combines a Computer Science background with exhaustive knowledge of every edition (1965 Golden Clef, 1977–1980 Sopot era, 2025 revival, and Saudi Arabia 2026). Author and curator of the most complete independent Intervision archive online.
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