Shanghai is the city to come to in China for entertainment. It not only has great restaurants and bars but also the most extensive choice of theatre (outside of Hong Kong), film, and art galleries available anywhere in China. And the selection is of a class and quality to compete with that in just about any Western city.

A must-see for visitors to the city is the acrobatic shows. Even the most cynical spectator will not fail to be enthralled and entertained by the incredible flexibility and strength of the performers. Regular acrobatic performances can be seen at the Shanghai Center (Nanjing West Road) and the Old Lyceum Theatre (Maoming Road). It is always worth checking out the magnificent Grand Theatre to see what is on too, as Chinese and Western operas, classical music performances, and plays are regularly hosted there. Western films are also screened at some of the city's entertainment centers.

Shanghai has produced quite a number of world-famous performance troupes such as the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Ballet, Shanghai Kunqu Opera Company, Shanghai Beijing Opera Company, Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe and Shanghai Shaoxing Opera Company, among others.

Shanghai attracts famous Chinese musicians to perform there and also pulls in Western and Japanese singers, bands, and DJs on a regular basis. Park 97 is a stylish bar in the heart of the French Concession and O'Malley's is a friendly Irish joint right in the heart of the city.

The city's contemporary art scene is impressive too. Shanghai, long the center of more radical ideas is now one of the most important cities in China for new young artists from throughout the country to display their work. In addition, there are always good exhibitions on show at the Shanghai Museum in People's Square and the Shanghai Art Museum on Nanjing West Road.

Visitors will also find all of the usual Chinese favorites scattered throughout the city too: bowling alleys, karaoke halls, and computer games rooms. Another favorite Shanghai pastime is Tai Chi, which is also great to watch early in the morning along the Bund, especially after a night on the town.

Shanghai Grand Theater

Designed by a French architect the Shanghai Grand Theater has a seating capacity of 2,000 and many top directors, singers, and dancers in the world have performed their famous pieces here. The exterior is a transparent glass wall and there is an open-air theater on the roof in addition to the indoor theaters. When night falls, the crystalline structure glitters brilliantly, giving the impression of an architectural work of art. Located in the heart of the city at People's Square, the theatre has become a Shanghai landmark virtually making People's Square the cultural center of the city.

Concert Halls

Shanghai Acrobatic Theatre
Add: #1376 W. Nanjing Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 62798606
Description: One of the most popular theatres where there is an acrobatic performance  every night.
Business Hours: 7:30PM-9: 30PM

Shanghai Concert Hall
Add: #523 E. Yan'an Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 63869153
Description: Mostly classical music performances by local groups.
Business Hours: 8PM-10PM

Shanghai Grand Theatre
Add: #300 Renmin Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 63868686
Description: It shows everything from Irish dancing to Russian ballet.
Business Hours: 8PM-10PM

Majestic Theatre
Add: #66 Jiangning Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 62174409
Description: As Shanghai's oldest theater, it shows a variety of programs including ballet, tango, and opera.
Business Hours: 8PM-10PM

Yifu Theatre
Add: #71 Fuzhou Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 63514668
Description: It shows traditional Beijing opera and Shanghai's local "Hu" style opera on Sunday afternoons.
Business Hours: 8PM-10PM

Others

Shanghai High Point Bowling Sports Co., LTD
Add: #456 East Jiangwan Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 66711111
Description: Equipped with the advanced facilities, it is the largest bowling center in Shanghai.
Business Hours: 24 hours

Babaiban Snooker Center
Add: Babaiban Shopping Mall, No. 501 Zhangyang Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 58300289
Business Hours: 10AM-midnight

SSC Karting Club, LTD
Add: #666 Tianyaoqiao Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 64265180
Business Hours: 10AM-1AM

Shanghai Film City
Add: #160 Xinhua Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 62806088
Description: It's the biggest cinema in Shanghai.
Business Hours: 9AM-10PM

Paradise Cinema
Add: #308 Anfu Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 64312961
Business Hours: 9AM-10PM

Quyang Bowling Room
Add: #789 Quyang Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 65423906
Business Hours: 24 hours

Bars/Teahouses/Clubs

Park 97
Add: #2 Gaolan Rd. Fuxing Park, Shanghai
Phone: 63180785
Business Hours: 8PM-midnight

 Hard Rock Cafe
Add: #1376 W. Nanjing Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 62798133
Description: It provides a spirited atmosphere to drink and listen to live pop and rock music
Business Hours: 8PM-midnight

The Cotton Club
Add: #1428 Huaihai Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 64377110
Description: It boasts best live blues and jazz acts in Shanghai.
Business Hours: 7:30PM-midnight

Caribe
Add: #878 Julu Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 62495512
Description: It's one of the few places in Shanghai with salsa dancing.
Business Hours: 8PM-midnight

Peace Hotel
Add: #8 S. Maoming Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 62534627
Description: German-style pub famous for their house band--Peace Hotel Old Jazz Band--made up of men in their 60s and 70s who played jazz in dance halls.
Business Hours: 8PM-midnight

BUFF
Add: #1088 Liyang Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 56714936
Description: Underground club popular with students.
Business Hours: 7PM-2AM

Rojan Disco
Add: #283 Huaihai Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 64335086
Description: With the "American-style" disco, it is popular with local young people.
Business Hours: 8PM-1AM

Jurassic Pub
Add: #8 S. Maoming Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 62534627
Business Hours: 8PM-midnight

Heat
Add: 5/F, Grand Gateway Plaza, #1 Hongqiao Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 54510002
Description: One of the most popular disc bars in Shanghai.
Business Hours: 7PM-midnight

Judy's Place
Add: entrance on Changle Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 64370667
Description: It serves German draught beer and food with dancing.
Business Hours: 8PM-midnight

KK Disco
Add: #558 Kaixuan Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 62127318
Description: It's always crowded with young people.
Business Hours: 7PM-2AM

Golden Age
Add: #918 Huaihai Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 64158818
Description: One of the most luxury Nightclubs in Shanghai.
Business Hours: 8PM-midnight

Tangyun Teahouse
Add: #199 Hengshan Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 34060126
Business Hours: 8AM-11PM

Blues and Jazz
Add: #44 Sinan Rd. Shanghai
Phone: 63272475
Description: It boasts one of the best collections of jazz CDs in Shanghai.
Business Hours: 8PM-midnight