China · SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES IN SHANGHAI

The 15 Shows and Performances in Shanghai That Earn Their Price

15 tours  ·  from $20 a head

The 15 best shows and performances in Shanghai you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Shanghai: Circus World ERA Theatre Acrobatics Ticket - Why the short running time works
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Shanghai: Circus World ERA Theatre Acrobatics Ticket

1.Circus World ERA Theatre Acrobatics Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 283 reviews · 1 hour · from $55Our pick

Spend one fast-paced hour at Shanghai ERA Theatre watching Chinese acrobats perform plate spinning, partner stunts, high-chair balancing, ball tricks, shoulder ballet, and a motorcycle cage finale. Your QR theatre ticket arrives by WhatsApp, iMessage, or WeChat on the day. English support comes from Li and the Authentic China Tours team, but there is no standard guide service.

“Yes, yes, yes, yes, 1000% recommended! It was one of the best exepriences in my life! You MUST go!”

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Shanghai Circus World: ERA2 Intersection of Time Acrobatics Show - The 60-minute and 100-minute choices matter
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Shanghai Circus World: ERA2 Intersection of Time Acrobatics Show

2.Shanghai Circus World: ERA2 Intersection of Time Acrobatics Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 235 reviews · from $54

At Shanghai Circus World, ERA2: Intersection of Time combines Chinese acrobatics, martial arts, music, costumes, lights, and special effects. The 60-minute and 100-minute versions cost the same, so check the time carefully. Expect porcelain, silk, modern Chinese achievements, and the famous motorcycle sphere, with five seating categories to choose from.

“I visited with my son. It was awesome. Absolutely stunning performances. Online ticket purchase through VIATOR was a breez.”

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Shanghai: Royal Banquet with Chinese Cultural Performance - The optional Ming Dynasty costume session
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Shanghai: Royal Banquet with Chinese Cultural Performance

3.Royal Banquet with Chinese Cultural Performance

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 124 reviews · 2 - 2.5 hours · from $117

Spend 2 to 2.5 hours at Shanghai’s Royal Banquet, where a palace-style meal arrives alongside traditional music, dance, and historical scenes. The menu includes abalone, yellow croaker, shrimp balls, soup, noodles, sweets, and tea. Add Ming Dynasty clothing, hair, and makeup for 200 RMB, and confirm your exact check-in and show time before booking.

“Absolutely unforgettable experience! The music and dance performances were mesmerising and the food was delicious.”

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Shanghai: Circus World ERA Theatre Acrobatics Ticket - Why the short running time works
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Shanghai Circus World ERA Theatre Acrobatics Ticket

4.Shanghai Circus World ERA Theatre Acrobatics Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · from $55Top rated

Spend one hour at Shanghai Circus World’s ERA Theatre, where acrobats combine high-speed stunts, music, dance, visual effects, and cultural performance. Book ahead for a recommended Section A seat, then receive the actual theater QR code by WhatsApp or iMessage. Optional hotel transfer is available within Shanghai’s 2nd Ring Road.

“It was a fantastic show, definitely worth it! And our guide Mary even awaited us with bottled water and a map of Shanghai with famous touristic spots!! We were so happy and thankful. As for the show: it was thrilling, romantical, funny, beautiful and overall pleasing! We highly recommend it!”

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China Acrobatics Show and Shanghai Evening Tour - The Bund needs a proper photo stop
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China Acrobatics Show and Shanghai Evening Tour

5.China Acrobatics Show and Shanghai Evening Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 64 reviews · from $119

You’ll spend about 90 minutes watching Shanghai acrobats perform feats of balance, speed, and nerve, then tour the city after dark by air-conditioned vehicle and on foot. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with stops around People’s Square, the Bund, French Concession, and Xintiandi. Guides have included Jennifer and Alena, though the sightseeing portion can vary.

“The performances were spectacular! This is a must see for anyone in shanghai but I have to say our guide was not so good for the tour after the show. Maybe just book the show and forget the guided tour after the show.”

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Shanghai Guided Royal Banquet Photo (Incl) with Massage Opt - The rites, music, and court dance
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Shanghai Guided Royal Banquet Photo (Incl) with Massage Opt

6.Shanghai Guided Royal Banquet Photo (Incl) with Massage Opt

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · 3 hours · from $20Best value

Spend three hours at Shanghai’s Royal Banquet with an English-speaking guide such as Bonnie or Xi. Watch court dance, traditional music, tea rituals, and ceremonial rites while dining on Chinese dishes. Add costume, makeup, VIP seating, or a traditional massage. The $20 booking fee reserves your place, but dinner and extras are paid separately.

“The most amazing evening in Shanghai, all thanks to the guide Bonnie! She is beyond helpful and quick to communicate and help you understand the process. She has everything set up for you to just show up and enjoy the evenings festivities. The show is fun and entertaining, and the costumes are a fun way to experience I different culture and history. Don't hesitate! Book with Bonnie, absolutely phenomenal!”

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Shanghai Dinner and Acrobatics Show - Dinner first, with Shanghai flavors on the table
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Shanghai Dinner and Acrobatics Show

7.Shanghai Dinner and Acrobatics Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $190

Meet your English-speaking guide and driver at 5 p.m. for a private Shanghai evening. Enjoy soup dumplings, noodles, vegetables, and meat at an authentic local restaurant, then watch a 90-minute acrobatics show at Shanghai Circus World. Lily and Tony are named guides, but availability is not guaranteed.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the experience made even more so by the service provided by our guide, Lily and our driver.”

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Shanghai Acrobatic Show Ticket with Private Transfer - Entering the theater and finding your seat
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Shanghai Acrobatic Show Ticket with Private Transfer

8.Shanghai Acrobatic Show Ticket with Private Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $65

You’ll watch the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe combine tightrope tricks, juggling, martial arts, magic, dancing lions, and comic performance at Shanghai Circus World. A private driver picks you up at 6:20pm, takes you to the show, and returns you to your hotel afterward. VIP seating is available.

“A spectacular show! Amazing acrobatics and performance. Tour operator was good at coordination and the excursion was well planned and communicated.”

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Din Tai Fung Dinner Experience and Acrobatics Show in Shanghai - Dinner at Din Tai Fung, one plate at a time
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Din Tai Fung Dinner Experience and Acrobatics Show in Shanghai

9.Din Tai Fung Dinner Experience and Acrobatics Show in Shanghai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $168

Meet a private guide such as Mary, Caroline, Alana, or Vicky at your Shanghai hotel, then enjoy Din Tai Fung soup dumplings and Chinese specialties before a premium-seat acrobatics show at Shanghai Centre Theatre. A Buick GL8 or similar handles the transfers, with hotel drop-off after the performance.

“Wonderful tour! Caroline the guide was perfect - kind and so knowledgeable, gave us great recommendations and advice. Dinner was absolutely delicious and the show was incredible. Absolute highlight.”

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Zhujiajiao Private Day Tour and Shanghai Acrobatic Show - Dinner keeps the schedule moving
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Zhujiajiao Private Day Tour and Shanghai Acrobatic Show

10.Zhujiajiao Private Day Tour and Shanghai Acrobatic Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $190

Take a private, guide-led trip from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old canal town. Walk old lanes, visit garden homes, ride a small boat, eat an early local dinner, then return for a premium-seat acrobatic show at Shanghai Shangcheng Theater. Guide Alana has earned praise for her attentive service and strong English.

“I give this tour 5 stars. It was a very nice and relaxing time. Alana was a great tour guide. Very patient with extra time we were taking. I highly recommend this tour. The acrobatic show was amazing!”

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Shanghai Circus World ERA Acrobatic Show Discount Tickets - Arriving at No. 2266 Gonghexin Road
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Shanghai Circus World ERA Acrobatic Show Discount Tickets

11.Shanghai Circus World ERA Acrobatic Show Discount Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 11 reviews · 1 - 3 hours · from $58

At Shanghai Circus World, ERA combines traditional Chinese acrobatics with modern stage technology in a 1 to 3 hour performance. You receive your ticket through WhatsApp, not from the GetYourGuide QR code. Choose theatre-only entry or optional downtown pickup and drop-off within Shanghai’s Second Ring Road.

“This is a fantastic show - scared the death out of me - super stunts and very talented people”

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Shanghai ERA-Acrobatic Show Ticket with Private Transfer - Reading the action from your seat
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Shanghai ERA-Acrobatic Show Ticket with Private Transfer

12.Shanghai ERA-Acrobatic Show Ticket with Private Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $109

Enjoy a 90-minute Shanghai ERA acrobatic production with B-class through VIP seating, private round-trip transport from downtown, and help from an English-speaking assistant. Your driver collects you between 18:00 and 18:30, while the show brings aerial walking, bowl balancing, trampolines, trapeze work, and motorcycle acrobatics to the stage.

“Nothing, but brilliant. The level of skill, the elegance, the cinema photography, everything was superb”

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Shanghai Circus World ERA Acrobatic Show Tickets - What happens during the one-hour performance
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Shanghai Circus World ERA Acrobatic Show Tickets

13.Shanghai Circus World ERA Acrobatic Show Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $82

Spend about an hour at Shanghai Circus World watching the ERA Acrobatic Show, a fast-moving production of contortion, athletic stunts, teamwork, special effects, and a famous motorcycle act. Tickets cost $82 per person. Your official theater e-ticket arrives on the day of the show through WhatsApp, WeChat, or iMessage, so check your phone and seating chart carefully.

“The show is incredibly entertaining, and the performers are truly talented athletes. We went as a family, and everyone — from kids to adults — had a great time. The performance lasts about an hour with a short intermission, making it the perfect length. We’re so glad we booked tickets — it was a highlight of our trip!”

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Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show Ticket - What you can expect from the acrobatics
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Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show Ticket

14.Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $55

You’ll watch a one-hour Shanghai ERA Theatre performance at Shanghai Circus World, featuring acrobats on bicycles and motorcycles, Chinese music, special effects, and a finale linked to the Universe theme. Sunflower Tours China sends your actual QR ticket through WhatsApp, with English support from Li. Choose Section A for the recommended seating.

“Impressive acrobatics show that we have seen. The kind support of Ms Li about directions and other infos worked out well.”

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Shanghai Acrobatic Show Tickets - Why the motorcycle act matters
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Shanghai Acrobatic Show Tickets

15.Shanghai Acrobatic Show Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $50

At 7:30 pm, Shanghai’s ERA Acrobatic Show brings young performers onto a proscenium stage for a theatrical journey through the city. Expect a 1-hour to 1-hour-40-minute production with acrobatics, Shanghai themes, and a heart-pounding motorcycle act. Your mobile ticket makes entry simple, though final confirmation depends on availability.

“What an outstanding performance! I am a huge fan of all these shows and having watched pretty much every Cirque du Soleil show there is (and I still love!) this show was even better! Wonderful, wonderful, WONDERFUL! Highly recommended!”

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