Shanghai Songcheng Dining Show: Dive into the Carnival of Passionate Samba and Argentine Drums

The ebb and flow along the Huangpu River has witnessed Shanghai’s past and present!

Though the old days have passed and may be forgotten, a new chapter is unfolding here. Situated along the Huangpu River, 'Shanghai Songcheng' reinterprets the unparalleled charm of the city's glamorous Bund era through its unique and innovative approach!

I’m no stranger to Songcheng. Currently, there are 11 Songcheng locations across China, and Shanghai Songcheng is the 11th, just opened recently. Over the years, I’ve visited performances in Hangzhou, Sanya, Lijiang, and Guilin, and each left a lasting impression on me.

Shanghai Songcheng is located in the Pudong New Area, right by the Huangpu River and adjacent to the Lupu Bridge—an unbeatable spot. Getting here is very convenient. From Shanghai Railway Station, take Metro Line 1 or 13 to Shibo Avenue Station; Exit 1 is just a two- to three-minute walk away. From Shanghai Hongqiao Station, take Metro Line 10 or 13 to Shibo Avenue Station.

Even before entering, you’ll spot a distinctive square building—that’s Shanghai Songcheng. Its history runs deep, tracing back to the last century’s 'Shanggang No. 3 Factory'. Now it has been transformed into the home of 'Shanghai Songcheng Performing Arts · World Expo Grand Stage'. Just seeing the familiar 'Songcheng' name, you already feel the lively atmosphere before stepping inside.

Unlike other Songcheng locations I’ve visited, all the dining, entertainment, and shows here are concentrated in this six-story building.

On the first floor, you’ll find Theater 2’s family show 'WA! Dinosaurs', Theater 5’s dining show 'Passionate Samba', Time Travel Street, Magic Street, a costume-changing hall, the giant sky screen, interactive experiences like 'Ghost Ship' and 'Warfire', and a snack square.

Magic Street truly lives up to its name. Look up and you’ll see the giant sky screen—sometimes a whale glides overhead, other times the four seasons whirl past in a dazzling play of light and shadow. It’s a visual feast. Along both sides, there are restaurants, a snack square, and even a 'Supply and Marketing Cooperative'—a nostalgic touch that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

The first floor also has 'Ghost Ship' and 'Warfire'. The name 'Ghost Ship' already suggests a spooky vibe—dim lighting, a rocking hull, gushing water—immersive and thrilling. The battle scenes in 'Warfire' are incredibly realistic, making you feel like you’re in a war movie.

Apart from the main show 'Shanghai Romance', Shanghai Songcheng offers many distinctive performances, such as 'WA! Dinosaurs' and 'Passionate Samba'. The latter is especially unique—a grand South American dinner-and-dance feast full of allure.

At night, the enchanting city of Shanghai glows with neon lights, and the dining show 'Passionate Samba' at Shanghai Songcheng fits right into that magic. I caught the 6 PM performance—just in time for dinner. After a day of exploring, I was already hungry, and enjoying a lively show while dining? That’s the kind of life you should embrace in this glamorous city.

'Passionate Samba' is staged in Theater 5 on the first floor, near the entrance.

The show is packed with variety, and the performers perfectly fit the theme—dancers from Cuba, Russia, Ukraine, Argentina, and beyond. There are sultry, graceful beauties and powerful, gallant men. The moment they appeared, the crowd erupted.

The neon lights flicker between fast and slow, matching the lively, catchy melodies and the passionate, unrestrained dancing. You just can’t help but sway along.

The challenging performance was truly spectacular. Watching a female dancer suspended high in the air, pulling off skilled and difficult moves, made me hold my breath—and earned waves of applause from the audience.

Here, you can enjoy fiery samba that makes you feel like you’re at a Brazilian carnival. The Argentine drum dance is a powerful performance, especially the Malambo, which traces its roots back to the 1600s on the Argentine pampas. The men rhythmically stomp the stage and beat their waist drums, the sound thundering through the venue and thrilling everyone.

I have to say, the entire 'Passionate Samba' show is brilliantly structured—sometimes upbeat and energetic fast dances, other times slow dances with a mysterious aura. I was utterly absorbed, eyes glued to the dancers, eagerly anticipating the next act.

The 'Passionate Samba' show runs 60 minutes. While watching the hot dances, courses are served one after another—red wine, bread, tuna and vegetable salad, a grilled meat platter, and dessert. In such an atmosphere, the feeling is indescribable. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate, a fusion of gourmet dining and fiery dance—how could you not get swept up in the excitement?

Currently, the second floor mainly houses the Songcheng Story Exhibition Hall, a study lounge and dining bar. A cluster of small theaters is being renovated—something to look forward to.

If you get tired, head to the second floor. You can not only learn about the Songcheng story but also relax in the book bar, read, or grab a meal.

The third floor is an art exhibition space, currently being renovated and upgraded. I believe it will open soon.

The fourth floor is where you’ll find Theater 1 for 'Shanghai Romance', Theater 3, Romance Street, a costume-changing hall, Modern Times, Shanghai Origins, a bar, and a terrace. This area is especially busy because the main show, 'Shanghai Romance,' is performed here.

For the trendy crowd, the Time Travel and Modern costume halls are a hit. Old Shanghai’s Bund area, its glitzy nightlife and sophisticated lifestyle have always been a trendsetter. Don a vintage outfit, and you’ll instantly become a fashion icon of the Magic City.

For couples or besties, this is a must-visit photo spot—snap casually and you’ll get stunning shots with an international flair!

The fifth floor houses offices and the performance R&D center. All of Shanghai Songcheng’s shows and decorations are developed here. I’m excited to see what fun and interesting projects they’ll come up with next.

The sixth floor is packed with attractions: Theater 6, Sky Street, Arabian Nights, interactive experiences like 'Storm Eye' and the 'Moonlight Box' VR experience, a 'Crystal Ball' performance, a tilted house, an inverted house, and more.

What surprised me most was the Sky Street. Here, you can step into the fairy tales of Arabian Nights and the world of One Thousand and One Nights. Surrounded by colorful goods, you feel as if you’ve wandered into the Middle East. The vibrant color palette is simply amazing.

In Sky Street, you can also watch a mesmerizing 'Crystal Ball' performance. The artist makes the crystal balls look as if they’re floating in mid-air—I couldn’t take my eyes off them, afraid I’d miss even a second. There were many kids around, all surely wondering how that floating illusion works.

The rooftop terrace is a little world you shouldn’t miss. It features Sky City, the Cliffside Theater, a glass observation deck, Fairy Valley, Fantasy Space, and the Liaozhai Haunted House. You can get here from the sixth floor via escalator or by crossing a rattan bridge.

There’s a huge glass observation deck—an excellent spot to take in views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s cityscape.

Walk into Fairy Valley and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a fairy tale! You’ve probably heard of Hobbiton houses—well, now there’s one right here in Shanghai Songcheng, nestled in the exotic Fairy Valley. Whether you’re with kids, friends, or a partner, it’s perfect for photos and is arguably the most Instagrammable spot in the park.

From Theater 6, a suspended rattan bridge leads directly to Fairy Valley. Kids love this wobbly bridge and have a blast crossing it. Plus, there’s a slide next to Fairy Valley that both children and adults can enjoy.

At the Cliffside Theater, the 'Flower Dance' performance is a daily highlight. Against a backdrop of skyscrapers and with the river as the stage, light-footed ballerinas dance gracefully to upbeat, joyful melodies. It’s an elegant musical journey.

Beyond this, there are many other must-see attractions and shows, like the family show 'WA! Dinosaurs', 'Forest Birds', 'Magic Bubbles', 'Liaozhai Thriller', and more.

Even after a full day exploring, I still didn’t want to leave!

1. About Tickets:

Adult ticket for Shanghai Songcheng + dining show 'Passionate Samba': 399 yuan;

Shanghai Songcheng + main show 'Shanghai Romance' auditorium seat + dining show 'Passionate Samba': 679 yuan;

Shanghai Songcheng + main show 'Shanghai Romance' VIP seat + dining show 'Passionate Samba': 779 yuan;

2. Floor-by-Floor Show & Attraction Summary:

1st floor: Theater 2 family show 'WA! Dinosaurs', Theater 5 dining show 'Passionate Samba', Time Travel Street, Magic Street, Costume-changing Hall, Giant Sky Screen, interactive experiences 'Ghost Ship' and 'Warfire', Snack Square, etc.

2nd floor: Songcheng Story Exhibition Hall, Study Lounge & Dining Bar.

4th floor: Theater 1 'Shanghai Romance', Theater 3, Romance Street, Costume-changing Hall, Modern Times, Shanghai Origins, Bar, Terrace.

6th floor: Theater 6, Sky Street, Arabian Nights, interactive experiences 'Storm Eye' and 'Moonlight Box' VR, 'Crystal Ball' performance, tilted house, inverted house, etc.

Rooftop terrace: Sky City, Cliffside Theater, Glass Observation Deck, Fairy Valley, Fantasy Space, Liaozhai Haunted House, etc.

Travel Journal Contents: 1. First Floor: Time Travel Street & Magic Street 2. ★★★ Dining Show 'Passionate Samba' 3. Second Floor: Songcheng Story Exhibition & Book Bar 4. Fourth Floor: Modern Times 5. Sixth Floor: Sky Street 6. Rooftop Terrace: Fairy Valley 7. Travel Tips. Travel Information: Hotel Index, Travel Guide Index, Flight Index, Website Navigation, Travel Index, Cruise Index, Corporate Travel Index, Partnership, Distribution Alliance, Friendship Links, Corporate Gift Card Purchase, Insurance Agency, Agency Cooperation, Hotel Membership, Destination & Scenic Area Cooperation, More Cooperation, About Ctrip, About Ctrip, Ctrip Hot Topics, Contact Us, Recruitment, User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Business License, Security Center, Ctrip Content Center, Intellectual Property, Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure.