Shanghai to bring world's first immersive VR sound experience

english.shanghai.gov.cn| July 17, 2025

The VR experience is hosted on the fourth floor of the Shanghai Concert Hall.jpg — The VR experience is hosted on the fourth floor of the Shanghai Concert Hall. [Photo/Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall]

The Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall is set to host a unique immersive VR sound experience, Back to Shanghai 1930, from July 18 to Aug 31.

Visitors are invited to step into the shoes of Alex, a modern Italian youth who, upon discovering an old pipa (China's traditional four-stringed lute) manuscript, finds himself transported back to the vibrant Shanghai of the 1930s.

During his journey, Alex becomes a violinist and meets Su Wanqing, a Chinese musician who blends traditional pipa with Western music. Through Alex's eyes, participants will experience the harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western melodies.

VR technology and immersive sound are used to create a 360-degree audio environment, making the experience richer and more engaging. The team behind the project used advanced photogrammetry to create a detailed 3D digital reconstruction of the Shanghai Concert Hall, preserving its intricate details and historical charm while making it suitable for VR exploration.

The Shanghai Concert Hall, replicated using VR technology.png — The Shanghai Concert Hall, replicated using VR technology. [Photo/Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall]

With VR equipment, visitors can explore lively scenes from 1930s Shanghai. They can interact with street vendors, capture pieces of ancient musical scores, and even play virtual instruments, making the experience both innovative and educational.

Visitors put on VR headsets to explore the virtual world.jpg — Visitors put on VR headsets to explore the virtual world. [Photo/Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall]

If you go

Dates: July 18 to Aug 31
Location: 4th Floor, Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall (No 523 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district)
Duration: Each session lasts about 60 minutes, including 40 minutes of VR experience. Each session is limited to six participants.
Ticket prices: 158 yuan ($22) on weekdays, and 188 yuan on weekends

Visitor information

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before your session for ticket check-in. Late arrivals of 10 minutes or more will not be allowed entry.
Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the venue. Please store food and beverages in designated areas and keep valuables with you.
Tickets are good for one entry only; re-entry is not possible after leaving the venue.

To purchase tickets, scan the QR code on the poster below.

Back to Shanghai 1930 poster.jpg — A poster for the VR sound experience. [Photo/Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall]

Source: WeChat account of Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall at "SH_ConcertHall"