【A Glimpse of Shanghai】 Shanghai Eternal Love: A History of Shanghai

If you’ve been to Songcheng, then you must share my dream—to visit all the Songcheng parks. This year, Shanghai Songcheng has opened its doors with a grand debut, becoming a top summer getaway for people in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. No need to worry about the scorching outdoor heat; enjoy indoor shows and entertainment, savoring the unique charm of summer. It has become a must-visit hot spot for summer tourism in Shanghai.

【How to Play at Shanghai Songcheng】

Shanghai Songcheng has broken away from the construction model of other Songcheng parks, moving the entire show venue indoors. Integrating the historical characteristics of Shanghai, it innovatively developed a variety of novel ways to play, raising the bar of domestic performing arts to a new level.

The entire Shanghai Songcheng can be divided into seven sections, organized by floor. You can freely roam throughout the entire building. Here’s a list of the attractions by floor and area:

1st Floor: Ghost Ship (highly recommended), Costume Dressing Hall, Warfire, Theater 5 (Passionate Samba dinner show), Theater 2 (WA! Dinosaur / The Great Earthquake performance venue), Magic Street (giant sky-screen), Snack Plaza

2nd Floor: Songcheng Story Exhibition Hall, Cluster of Small Theaters, Bookstore Lounge, Entrance to Theater 3 (Shanghai Eternal Love)

3rd Floor: Song Bar, Entrance to Theater 3 (Shanghai Eternal Love)

4th Floor: Theater 1, Entrance to Theater 3 (Shanghai Eternal Love), Costume Dressing Hall (Shanghai Qipao), Shenhu Origin Bar, Modern Age

5th Floor: Parent-Child Interaction Center

6th Floor: VR Experience Hall (Moonlight Box), Arabian Nights, Heavenly Market (Crystal Ball), Magic Lamp Square (Tilted House, Side House, Invisibility House, Magic Lamp Flash Mob), Theater 6, Sky Club Bar

7th Floor: Glass Observation Deck, Cliff Theater (Flower Dance, Cliff Concert), Liaozhai Haunted House, Elf Cave, Elf Valley, Elf Restaurant, Fantasy Space (popular Hobbiton-like Instagram spot), Slide, Small Theater

Outdoor: Colorful Forest (Looking for Jurassic), Forest Theater (Miracle, Magic Bubble Show), Music Square, Splash Pool, Bird Show Theater (Forest Bird Show), Performance Park

【Shanghai Eternal Love】

As one of the four major shows at Shanghai Songcheng and a must-see performance in a lifetime, Shanghai Eternal Love is a spectacle you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Songcheng. In every city, the Eternal Love show tells the story of that city, allowing both residents and tourists to feel its charm—this is the essence of Eternal Love.

Shanghai Eternal Love is divided into five acts: "Origins of Shenhu," "1921," "The Glamorous Age," "A Shanghai Family," and "Wind from the Sea." It is a feast for both eyes and ears.

Act I: "Origins of Shenhu"

The story goes back over two thousand years, when Shanghai was the fief of Lord Chunshen, one of the Four Lords of the Warring States. At the time, the area was crisscrossed with rivers and abundant rainfall, leading to frequent floods. Under Lord Chunshen’s leadership, the floods were tamed. To commemorate his achievements, people used "Shen" (from his name) and the fishing tool "Hu" to refer to the land, giving Shanghai its nickname.

Act II: "1921"

For any Chinese, 1921 is a memorable year—the convening of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China marked the birth of the Party. This act portrays that historic moment.

Young Qiaoqiao comes to Shanghai Bund in search of her childhood friend, Brother Aqiang. On the surface, Shanghai seems calm, but underneath, currents run deep. At this time of internal and external turmoil, she follows Brother Aqiang into the underground Communist Party, ensuring the smooth convening of the First Congress and finding her own red belief.

Act III: "The Glamorous Age"

This was Shanghai Bund’s most prosperous era, a time of dazzling nightlife and the prime of the song "Night Shanghai." The 1930s Shanghai Bund welcomed its golden age, but the good times didn't last—the outbreak of the Battle of Shanghai reduced everything to ashes.

Act IV: "A Shanghai Family"

After enduring the tribulations of the War of Resistance Against Japan and the War of Liberation, Shanghai finally took on a new look. With the founding of New China, the fates of three children in an ordinary Shanghai family became a microcosm of the city's families. From being sent to the countryside to supporting third-tier cities, to reform and opening up, this family’s destiny mirrored that of Shanghai.

Act V: "Wind from the Sea"

In the 21st century, Shanghai embraced the inclusive reform and opening up. Cultures from all over the world blend and flourish in this metropolis. From the old Shanghai Bund to the iconic trio of towers in today’s Bund, the city’s transformation and growth are evident to all new Shanghainese. As familiar scenes are vividly projected on screen through special effects, you can’t help but be moved to tears.

【Must-See Attraction: Ghost Ship】

As the welcoming attraction of Shanghai Songcheng, the Ghost Ship definitely gives timid visitors a serious shock. But if you're brave and love adventure, trust me—don't miss this place. The sets and haunted house effects are incredibly realistic.

Inside, there are live NPCs and even a "horror restaurant" where you dine in the midst of the haunted house. Scary, right? With all kinds of ghosts around, would you still be able to eat?

【Must-See Attraction: Costume Dressing Hall】

This is a perfect experience for ladies. Head to the 4th floor to find the dedicated costume hall. For just over 100 yuan, you can dress up in a qipao, and a professional makeup artist will create a beautiful look for you—truly a bargain.

Then, the adjacent Modern Age space has numerous photo scenes specially designed. Snap a photo anywhere, and you'll have a vintage Shanghai Bund masterpiece. You can even stroll around the venue in your qipao, attracting plenty of admiring glances.

【Must-See Attraction: Heavenly Market】

Heavenly Market is my favorite spot in Songcheng. It’s an exotic bazaar filled with handicrafts sourced from around the world. I’d call it an art corridor rather than just a shop—it feels like stepping into the Western Regions in a second.

There are also impromptu performances, the most anticipated being the crystal ball act and flash mobs. The crystal ball performance features a handsome young man with a toned physique and muscle control, making the crystal ball glide fluidly over his body with perfect command. It’s a stunning display of freeform aesthetics, truly enviable.

Every afternoon, there’s a magic lamp flash mob in the Heavenly Market. Actors in distinctive Arabian costumes pass by, with Arabian princesses and princes right beside you. They interact with the audience during the show, creating a fantastic immersive experience.

【Must-See Attraction: Cliff Theater】

The Cliff Theater, located on the rooftop, offers a superb viewing spot. Behind it is the Huangpu River, and from the glass observation deck, you can gaze out at the Lupu Bridge—the scenery is top-notch. Daily performances here include "Flower Dance" and "Cliff Concert," both well worth watching.

"Flower Dance" is a ballet performance about flowers. Dancers in airy, ethereal tutus perform a charming flower waltz on the glass deck, their light steps a pure delight.

The Cliff Concert features musicians in tailcoats, playing heart-stirring and captivating melodies. In such a stirring space, the music feels especially thrilling.

【Must-See Attraction: Elf Valley】

Just behind the Cliff Theater lies one of Shanghai Songcheng’s most famous Insta-worthy spots: Elf Valley. Resembling a Hobbit dwelling, it houses the Elf Cave, Elf Valley, and Elf Restaurant. You can step into a hobbit’s home and experience the magic of the elf world.

If you love taking photos, I recommend coming at dusk—the light is the softest then, making every shot beautiful.

【Must-See Attraction: Forest Bird Show】

This is an outdoor performance at the Bird Show Theater on the first floor, outdoors. Here you can see amazing performances by various parrots and learn about birds—perfect for families.

You’ll see macaws, cockatoos, sun conures, and other rare birds performing dunking, bowling, roller skating, singing, and more. There are also interactive segments: parrots deliver candy to audience members and kiss spectators, delighting both kids and adults.

【Must-See Attraction: The Great Earthquake】

This is a free show you can just walk in and watch. It tells the story of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The director invites audience members to participate, playing tourists, nurses, or firefighters—a rare experience for viewers.

Using 5D effects with sound, light, and electricity, it vividly recreates the earthquake scene before your eyes, bringing memories of that day back. Watching the performance, not a single audience member remains unmoved.

【Practical Information】

Address: No. 1750, Shibo Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Transport: Take Metro Line 13 to Shibo Avenue Station, Exit 1, and walk about 300 meters.

Opening Hours: 10:00–21:00

Shanghai Eternal Love: ¥399

Dinner Show "Passionate Samba": ¥399

Parent-Child Show "WA! Dinosaur": ¥399 for one adult and one child

Purchasing any show ticket grants free access to all other attractions in Shanghai Songcheng.