I spent an unforgettable evening at Shanghai Songcheng, the city's newest entertainment complex along the Huangpu River. What started as a casual visit turned into an immersive journey through spectacular performances, from the wild Color Carnival Night Party where I danced and splashed water with strangers, to the breathtaking 'Romantic Shanghai' show that brought the city's 2,000-year history to life. With fairytale-like Hobbit houses for photos, Middle Eastern-style bazaars, and haunted attractions that had my heart racing, this wasn't just another tourist spot—it was a full sensory experience. If you're looking to escape Shanghai's summer heat while creating Instagram-worthy memories and genuine fun, Songcheng delivers in ways I never expected.
Trip Overview
When: Summer evening, late July 2021
Duration: 1 day (evening visit)
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~300-500 RMB (~$40-70 USD) depending on show tickets
Transportation: Shanghai Metro Line 13 to Expo Avenue Station, then 5-minute walk
Getting There: First Impressions
When I first heard about Shanghai Songcheng (上海宋城), I was surprised—Hangzhou's famous Songcheng had come to Shanghai! Located right on the banks of the Huangpu River in the Expo Park area, getting there couldn't be easier. I hopped off at Metro Line 13's Expo Avenue Station, and within five minutes of walking, I could see the complex's distinctive architecture rising against the skyline.
Since I'm not a fan of Shanghai's scorching summer sun, I chose to arrive in the late afternoon as the heat began to ease. This timing turned out to be perfect—the golden hour light made everything look magical, and I had plenty of energy for the evening's excitement ahead.
Shows You Can't Miss
What surprised me most about Songcheng was the sheer variety of performances running from 9:30 AM all the way into the night. With so many options, I had to be strategic about what to see. Here are the absolute must-watch shows from my experience:
1. Color Carnival Night Party (颜色狂欢夜派对)
At 7:10 PM sharp, the outdoor plaza on the first floor transformed into something I never expected to find in Shanghai—an explosive water carnival that felt like Thailand's Songkran festival! I grabbed a raincoat and water gun (provided on-site) and dove into the crowd. Complete strangers became instant friends as we splashed, laughed, and danced together under the guidance of high-energy performers on stage.
The music was infectious—I couldn't help but move to the beat as water flew everywhere. It was refreshing, exhilarating, and the perfect way to beat the summer heat. Standing there, soaked but grinning from ear to ear, I realized this wasn't just a show; it was genuine joy and connection with fellow travelers and locals alike.
🎯 Practical Info
Time: 19:10 daily Location: 1st Floor Outdoor Plaza What to Bring: Just yourself—raincoats and water guns provided! Duration: About 30-40 minutes of pure fun
2. Shanghai Romance (上海千古情)
After cooling off at the water party, I headed upstairs for what locals call "a show you must see once in your lifetime." Let me tell you—Shanghai Romance lives up to the hype. For one full hour, I sat mesmerized as the production unfolded in five chapters, taking me on a 2,000-year journey through Shanghai's evolution.
The show begins with the legend of Chunshen Lord (春申君) dredging the Huangpu River in ancient times, then moves through the founding of the Communist Party in 1921, the glitzy 1930s foreign concessions era, the dedication of Shanghai families during New China's construction, and finally the modern city's rise with the World Expo and Pudong development. What struck me wasn't just the historical depth—it was the stunning visual effects that made performers appear to fly, the stage that transformed from river to cityscape to sky, and moments when actors actually descended into the audience seats.
I had splurged on VIP seats, and honestly? Worth every yuan. The central positioning and elevated view made the immersive effects even more breathtaking. When the finale brought together red culture, Shanghai-style sophistication, and Jiangnan aesthetics all at once, I understood why locals say this show captures the soul of the city.
🎭 Show Details
Duration: 1 hour Ticket: Included with park admission Tip: Book VIP seats for the best experience (~extra 100-150 RMB)
3. Other Performances
Throughout the evening, I caught snippets of other shows happening in different zones—the elegant Cliffside Concert (悬崖音乐会), the hilarious Hello Chaplin (你好！卓别林), the high-energy Punk Flash Mob (朋克快闪), and mesmerizing Crystal Ball (水晶球) performances. Families with kids were flocking to the Magical Bubbles (魔幻泡泡) and Jungle Secrets (丛林的秘密) shows.
I missed the Passion Samba dinner show (热情桑巴)—a theatrical dining experience where you eat Western cuisine while watching performances—which honestly gives me the perfect excuse to return!
Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots
Beyond the shows, Songcheng is a photographer's dream. I found myself constantly pulling out my phone to capture these incredible backdrops:
Elf Valley & Hobbit Houses (精灵谷)
On the top floor, I discovered the Elf Valley—a whimsical area straight out of a fairytale. The Hobbit houses with their round doors and grass-covered roofs looked like something from Lord of the Rings. Against the backdrop of blue sky and fluffy clouds (yes, the weather cooperated!), I felt like I'd stepped into another world. Wearing a floral dress, I channeled my inner pastoral girl and got shots that looked genuinely cinematic.
Sky Bazaar (天上街市)
The 6th floor's Sky Bazaar transported me to the Middle East with its exotic architecture and vibrant colors. Think Arabian Nights meets Shanghai—the collision of colorful textiles, ornate lanterns, and intricate patterns created endless photo opportunities. I also browsed the souvenirs here; the craftsmanship was genuinely impressive.
Nearby, I found the special photo houses—Slanted House, Upside-Down House, Invisible House—each offering quirky optical illusions that made for hilarious photos and great social media content.
Old Shanghai Street (上海风情街)
On the 4th floor, the Old Shanghai Street took me back to the 1930s-40s. Here's where things got really interesting—there's an actual costume rental and photo studio where you can transform yourself into a vintage Shanghai lady or gentleman. For a fee, professional photographers will shoot you in full qipao or period suit with period-appropriate makeup and styling. Even without the full makeover, the street itself provided gorgeous retro backdrops for casual photos.
The terrace views overlooking the Huangpu River and Lupu Bridge (卢浦大桥) were spectacular, especially as night fell and the city lights began to sparkle. Standing there, watching the modern skyline while surrounded by 1930s-style decor, I felt the fascinating contrast of Shanghai's past and present.
Thrilling Immersive Experiences
If you're a fan of haunted attractions like I am, Songcheng has you covered—though I'll warn you, these are genuinely scary. The Ghost Ship (幽灵船) and Horror of Liaozhai (聊斋惊魂) attractions are extremely popular, and I had to queue for about 15-20 minutes for each. Walking through the Ghost Ship's dark corridors with unexpected scares around every corner, I was literally sweating despite the air conditioning—but in the best way possible. The production quality and actors' commitment to the roles made these attractions feel like being inside a horror film.
Even my friends who claim to "never get scared" jumped more than once. If horror isn't your thing, there are plenty of gentler interactive experiences throughout the complex, but for adrenaline junkies, these attractions are must-dos.
💀 Thrill Seeker Tips
Best Time: Go right when they open to minimize queuing Intensity: Moderate to high—expect jump scares and dark spaces Not Recommended: For young children or those with heart conditions
Final Thoughts
When I finally left Shanghai Songcheng late that evening, my clothes were still slightly damp from the water party, my phone was full of photos, and my heart was full of unexpected joy. This place surprised me at every turn—from the historical depth of Shanghai Romance to the pure fun of the carnival, from the fairytale photo spots to the genuine scares of the haunted attractions.
What makes Songcheng special isn't any single element—it's the way everything comes together to create a complete experience. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, photography lover, thrill-seeker, or just looking for a unique way to spend a summer evening in Shanghai, this place delivers.
I've been to many entertainment complexes around the world, but Songcheng manages to blend Chinese cultural storytelling with modern entertainment technology in a way that feels authentic rather than gimmicky. Standing on that terrace, watching the Huangpu River flow past while behind me the sounds of celebration filled the air, I realized I'd discovered something special—a place where history, fun, and genuine human connection come together under one roof.
Quick Reference Guide
📍 Essential Information
Address: 上海宋城 Shanghai Songcheng, No. 1750 Expo Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (上海市浦东新区世博大道1750号) Metro: Line 13 to Expo Avenue Station (世博大道站), Exit 1, 5-minute walk Hours: 9:30 AM - late (evening shows until around 9:30 PM) Entry: ~200-300 RMB (~$28-42 USD) depending on show packages
⏰ Recommended Schedule
5:00 PM: Arrive, explore photo spots while light is good 6:30 PM: Dinner at one of the restaurants or food stalls 7:10 PM: Color Carnival Night Party (outdoor, 1st floor) 8:00 PM: Shanghai Romance show 9:30 PM: Ghost Ship or Horror of Liaozhai (if brave enough!)
💡 Pro Tips
What to Wear: Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet, or bring a change for the water party Best Season: Summer evenings for the water carnival, but any season works Book Ahead: Shanghai Romance tickets sell out, especially VIP seats Language: Shows are in Chinese but visually stunning regardless Duration: Plan for 4-5 hours minimum to see everything