Trip Overview
When: May (best weather for outdoor activities)
Duration: 2 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~600 RMB (~$83 USD)
Transportation: Local transport within Shanghai
Getting to Shanghai Songcheng
Shanghai Songcheng (上海千古情) is located at 1750 Shibo Avenue (世博大道1750号), Pudong New Area. The park is easily accessible by metro—take Line 8 to China Art Museum Station (中华艺术宫站), and it's a short walk from there. You can also grab a Didi (China's Uber) directly to the entrance.
What is Shanghai Songcheng?
Imagine a theme park that doubles as a theatrical wonderland—that's Shanghai Songcheng. Often called the "Oriental Broadway," this place is a game-changer. We're talking 10+ themed streets, over 20 theaters and performance spaces, dozens of interactive experiences, and views of the Huangpu River that'll make your Instagram weep.
The star of the show? The main performance: Shanghai Thousand Year Romance (上海千古情). This isn't just a play—it's a visual spectacle that traces Shanghai's history from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global powerhouse. The stage transforms into rivers, trains actually drive through the theater, and 3,000 tons of Huangpu River water rain down on cue. Yes, you read that right.
Foreigner tip: Book your seats in advance, especially for the main show. The best views are in the middle sections—not too close, not too far.
Why Shanghai?
Why is Shanghai called the "Pearl of the East"? Because of its unique status in China. The city boasts historic foreign concession areas, the iconic Bund, the Huangpu River, and countless stories from the economic boom era. Every street corner whispers tales of the past.
Shanghai is a city of contrasts—traditional yet trendy, old-school yet cutting-edge. Walking down Wukang Road (武康路), dubbed "Shanghai's Hundred-Year History Road," feels like stepping back into 1920s Shanghai. The colonial architecture and sycamore trees create the perfect backdrop for that vintage Shanghai vibe.
Exploring Shanghai Songcheng: Floor by Floor
Floor 1: Ghost Ship, War Zone, Costume Change Museum, Theatre 5 (Samba Passion), Theatre 2 (WA! Dinosaurs), Magic Street, Sky Screen, Food Court, Restaurants
Floor 2: Shanghai Story Exhibition, Small Theatre Cluster
Floor 3: Art Exhibition Space
Floor 4: Theatre 1, Theatre 3 (Shanghai Thousand Year Romance performance venue), Costume Change Museum, Shenhu Trace Bar, Modern Times
Floor 5: Performing Arts R&D Center
Floor 6: Tilted House, Side House, Invisible House, VR Experience Hall (Moonlight Treasure Box), Storm Eye, Arabian Nights, Sky Street (Genie Flash, Crystal Ball), Theatre 6, Sky Club Bar
Rooftop: Sky City (Water Spirit), Glass Observation Deck, Cliff Theatre (Flower Dance), Fairy Cave, Fairy Valley, Fairy Restaurant, Fantasy Space, Slide, Small Theatre, Ghost House Terror, Singing Fountain, Lie-down Net
Outdoor: Colorful Forest (Looking for Dinosaurs), Forest Theatre (Miracle, Magic Bubble Show), Music Square, Water Play Area, Bird Show Theatre (Forest Bird Show), Performing Arts Park
Must-See Shows and Experiences
Beyond the main Shanghai Thousand Year Romance, here are the personalized shows you shouldn't miss:
High Show: Energy-packed performances that will get your adrenaline going.
Parent-Child Show: Fun for families with kids.
Meal Show - Samba Passion: A massive South American storm sweeps through Shanghai—food and hot dancing combined. This "dancing dinner" is an experience you absolutely can't miss!
Beautiful Shadow Show: Visual feast for the eyes.
Interactive Experiences:
- The Battle of Songhu (淞沪会战): Relive this historic military campaign
- Ghost House Terror (聊斋惊魂): Not for the faint-hearted!
- Ghost Ship (幽灵船): Spooky maritime adventure
- Great Earthquake (大地震): 5D experience recreating the 2008 Sichuan earthquake
- 裸眼3D: Impressive 3D effects without glasses
- Storm Eye (暴风眼): Thrilling vortex ride
Themed Streets You Can't Miss
The themed areas are a journey through time and fantasy:
Magic Street: Step into a world of illusion and wonder.
穿越街 (Time Travel Street): Journey through different eras.
千古情街 (Thousand Year Love Street): Romantic nostalgia.
天上街市 (Sky Market): Arabian Nights come to life with Genie flash mobs.
Must-Visit打卡 (Check-in) Spots:
- Music Square
- Colorful Forest
- Fairy Valley (一步一景, every step is a new view)
- Over 20 performance venues including the Grand Theatre, Bird Show Theatre, Forest Theatre, and Cliff Theatre
The Main Event: Shanghai Thousand Year Romance
This is what you came for. The show is nothing short of breathtaking:
The stage transforms instantly—mountains and rivers appear out of nowhere, a train actually drives INTO the theater, boats row across the stage, rain falls on the audience's heads (yes, you might get wet—sit in the middle section if you want to avoid the "rain zone"), 3,000 tons of Huangpu River water dump dramatically, and a 400-square-meter transparent screen drops from the sky. It's not just a show; it's a spiritual experience.
5D Experience: Great Earthquake
运用5D高科技手段再现了512汶川大地震的惨烈场面，运用5D high-tech手段再现了the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Mountain collapses, houses crumble, the entire theater and thousands of seats shake violently, and 3,000 tons of water flood down. Real stories, touching moments, showing the unity of the Chinese people in disaster relief.
Must-Visit打卡Spots (Don't Miss These!)
1. 天上的街市 (Sky Market): Arabian Nights fantasy come true—genie performances, magical atmospheres.
2. 换装馆 (Costume Change Museum): Try on hundreds of traditional Chinese costumes and historical outfits. Perfect for photos!
3. 悬崖剧院 (Cliff Theatre): Stunning performances with dramatic cliff-side staging.
4. 精灵谷 (Fairy Valley): Fairy-tale forest area perfect for families and photo ops.
Important Notes
Separate Tickets Required for: Shanghai Thousand Year Romance, WA! Dinosaur, HIGH Show, and Meal Show—these are NOT included in the park entrance ticket!
Pro Hack: If you're visiting Shanghai, do NOT miss Shanghai Songcheng! Book the main show tickets early—they sell out fast, especially on weekends.
Recommended Visiting Time: One full day! There's so much to see and do that you'll need the entire day to experience everything.
Practical Information
Address: 1750 Shibo Avenue (世博大道1750号), Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Recommended Visiting Time: One full day!