A Swiss drag artist toured China — and almost every stage became uncertain

A tour that became an obstacle course Zurich performance artist Daniel Hellmann travelled through China as Soya the Cow in spring 2026. SRF and SWI swissinfo.ch report that several previously arranged performances were cancelled at short notice. In Shanghai, a gallery said its room had suddenly been reassigned. In Kunming, Zurich's sister city, organisers cited a police phone call when another venue withdrew.

The performance still happened People connected to the local scene helped find alternatives. Those plans remained fragile, but a Kunming performance eventually took place in a bar with its windows covered. Daniel Hellmann's official tour calendar corroborates April and May appearances in Hong Kong, Kunming and a secret location in Beijing.

What the story reveals The reporting does not describe queer life in China as having disappeared. It shows a contradiction: artists and community networks still create spaces, while public drag shows, queer events and gay and lesbian venues face growing pressure. For the Zurich character, the tour was both possible and continually at risk. Soya the Cow performs again at Zurich Theater Spektakel on 30 August; current dates are listed on the official calendar.

Last checked: 30 August 2026