Entertainment in Shanghai
Shanghai has always been, and still is, THE city in China for entertainment. The city not only has great restaurants and bars but also (outside of Hong Kong), the biggest selection of theatre, film and art available anywhere in China. And this selection is of a class and quality which is sophisticated enough to compete with most western cities.
On the theatre and the stage, there are regular acrobatics displays, a MUST for travelers to the city. Even the most doubtful spectator, will not fail to be enthralled and amused by the incredible flexibility and strength of these performers. The Acrobats performance in the Shanghai Center (Nanjingxi Road) and the old Lyceum Theatre (Maoming Road).
It is always worth checking out the magnificent Grand Theatre to see what is on too. The Theatre regularly hosts Chinese and Western operas, classical music performances and various plays. There are also regular Western films on at some of the city’s entertainment centers.
Shanghai attracts most of the big name Chinese musicians and also pulls in western and Japanese performers and DJs on a regular basis. Currently, the best bars are around Maoming Road and nearby. Park 97 is a stylish bar in the heart of the French Concession and O’Malleys is a friendly Irish joint right in the heart of things. Browse our Bar and Club Index for the latest places to hang out! Check out the Shanghai Stadium to see who’s in town, or the listing’s in the city magazine That’s Shanghai.
The City’s contemporary art scene is impressive too. Shanghai, long the center of more radical ideas is now one of the most important city’s in China for young and new artists from throughout the country to display their work. Shanghai has a long list of art galleries including ShangArt in Fuxing Park and EastLink on Fuxing Road. Aside from these, there are also some good exhibitions in the Shanghai Museum in People’s Square.
Naturally there are all the usual Chinese favorites too. Bowling alleys, Karaoke halls and Computer Games rooms are scattered throughout the city. Another favorite Shanghai past time is Tai Chi, which is also great to watch especially after a night on the town taking in the city life! Why not take a wander along the Bund at dawn, for a taste of a different kind of entertainment!