Editor's note: As the 7th China International Import Expo approaches, the International Services Shanghai presents a special column, CIIE at Your Service. This series offers practical guides covering everything from event registration and customs clearance to payment solutions and dining options. This installation focuses on exhibitions, performances and night tours.

If you're looking for entertainment and cultural richness during your visit, you're in for a treat! Shanghai offers a diverse array of performances, exhibitions and night activities waiting for you to explore.

Exhibitions

On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt

Hailed as the largest exhibition of ancient Egyptian artifacts ever held outside of Egypt, the exhibition encompasses more than 780 selected relics from different periods of ancient Egypt, with over 95 percent of the artifacts making their debut in Asia. Read more.

Great Art of Dunhuang

Dunhuang, an ancient oasis city nestled amid the Gobi Desert in in Northwest China's Gansu province, holds significant historical importance as a pivotal trading hub along the ancient Silk Road. The exhibition features 200 carefully curated cultural masterpieces from the Dunhuang Academy that offer a glimpse into a rich heritage. Read more.

Cartier, the Power of Magic

This exhibition features more than 300 exquisite pieces from the Cartier Collection, including jewelry, watches, and archival documents alongside more than 30 Chinese cultural relics. Read more.

A Towering Treasure House: Relics of the Yuanying Pagoda

Among the skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, 13 ancient Buddhist pagodas still stand in Shanghai, quietly testifying to its long history and rich cultural heritage. This exhibition features a large collection of artifacts unearthed from Yuanying Pagoda, the tallest and one of the most important pagodas in Shanghai. Read more.

The Journey of Ink: Modern and Contemporary Chinese Paintings from the Musee Cernuschi

This exhibition marks the first time a selection of masterpieces from the Musee Cernuschi in Paris has gone on display in China, featuring paintings by masters such as Zhang Daqian and Qi Baishi. Read more.

Marvelous Realism

Marvelous Realism is the first and most extensive exhibition of contemporary African photography in Asia to date, located at Fotografiska in Shanghai. Read more.

Dialogues with Turner: Evoking the Sublime

This exhibition invites visitors to dive into the artistic world of Joseph Mallord William Turner, one of the greatest British painters of the 19th century. Read more.

Performances

The Starry Night

The "Queen of Piano" Martha Argerich will perform alongside a stellar lineup—including her daughter Lyda Chen-Argerich, violinist Gil Shaham, pianist Theodosia Enthocu and cellist Edgar Moreau—at the Oriental Art Center. Read more.

Everywoman

Produced by the Schaubühne Berlin, Everywoman is a work by Milo Rau and Ursina Lardi that breaks away from traditional documentary theatre. The story revolves around an accomplished actress who meets a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer, whose final wish is to perform one last time on stage. Read more.

Hamlet: A Commentary

The musical Hamlet: A Commentary offers an experimental prequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet. The play delves into the tragic events of the night when King Hamlet was murdered, revealing the hidden pain and secrets of the characters. Read more.

Enchanting night with violin virtuosos

Russian-born British violinist Viktoria Yurievna Mullova and Latvian concert pianist Reinis Zarins are set to enchant audiences with a violin recital at the main hall of the Shanghai Concert Hall on Nov 10. Read more.

Mei Lanfang's 130th anniversary concert

The year 2024 marks the 130th anniversary of the birth of Mei Lanfang, a master of Peking Opera and the founder of the Mei School. This concert

will feature performances by contemporary opera masters and Mei School inheritors, showcasing highlights from traditional operas to honor and celebrate their enduring legacy. Read more.

Night Tours

Rockbund

Rockbund is a hub for art, culture, creativity, and fashion. High-quality establishments are complemented by live music, performances, interactive shows, and educational forums.

Address: No 185 Yuanmingyuan Road

INS Paradise

INS Paradise offers a mix of nightclubs, gaming and esports, theaters, restaurants, and art exhibitions.

Address: No 109 Yandang Road (Fuxing Park)

Open: Monday-Sunday, 3 pm - 6 am

Julu Road, Fumin Road & Changle Road

Whether it's the legendary Le Baron nightclub, the diverse offerings of Julu Lu 758, or popular street shops, this area provides some of the best options for Shanghai nightlife.

Address: Julu Road, Fumin Road, Changle Road area

Fosun Foundation

The Fosun Foundation is situated within the Bund Finance Center (BFC). The architectural highlight is its golden curtain façade that hangs from the third floor and periodically rotates and moves to the music.

Address: No 600 East Zhongshan Road Number Two

Open:

Tuesday-Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm (last admission at 5:30 pm, closed on Mondays)

Extended opening hours: Thursday & Saturday, 10 am-8 pm (last admission at 7:30 pm)

The Sukhothai Shanghai

Sukhothai Garden/ La Scala/

The ZUK Bar/ URBAN Café

On the first floor of Sukhothai Shanghai, URBAN Cafe offers authentic Northern Thai flavors. URBAN Lounge houses a collection of over 350 golden gins. La Scala blends traditional and modern Italian cuisine creatively. And the ZUK Bar is a bistro for cocktails and international light bites at night.

Address: No 380 Weihai Road

Bellagio Shanghai

LAGO/Mansion on One/

Lounge/Cafe Bellagio

Nestled along the Suzhou River, Bellagio Shanghai offers breathtaking views of Lujiazui and the Bund. LAGO boasts futuristic Italian art design, perfectly complementing its creative Italian cuisine. Mansion on One serves authentic Shanghai and Cantonese delicacies. The all-day Western restaurant and lobby lounge sparkle with a design reminiscent of jewelry.

Address: No 188 North Suzhou Road

Artyzen NEW BUND 31 Shanghai

Shanghai Modern/Shanghai Modern Tapas Bar

Artyzen NEW BUND 31 Shanghai stands out as a top culinary destination. Its restaurant, lounge, and bar exude a modern and relaxing atmosphere both indoors and on the outdoor terraces. The lounge's "Secret Garden" space is adorned with a canopy and lush greenery. The bar ambiance is lively and casual, with cocktails and exquisite snacks presenting Asian flavors.

Address: Level L, No 20, Lane 666 West Haiyang Road

Open: Monday-Sunday, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Andaz Xintiandi

Kitchen Studios/Bleu Bar

Andaz Xintiandi embraces the "farm to table" concept, and offers fresh and high-quality food. The Kitchen Studios on the second floor serves buffet with premium seafood and a wide selection of Chinese and Western dishes. On the right side of the lobby on the first floor, Bleu Bar revives the speakeasy style of the 1920s.

Address: No 88 Songshan Road

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong

FLINT/ Le Manoir Ling · Dining/ Le Manoir Ling · Parlor/JW Lounge

JW Marriott Marquis Shanghai Pudong is a stunning skyscraper along the Huangpu River.  FLINT draws inspiration from classic American steakhouses of the 1900s. JW Lounge on the lobby level exudes an ambiance reminiscent of a traditional Chinese study, and Le Manoir Ling · Parlor offers breathtaking river views.

Address: No 988 Puming Road

Open: Monday-Sunday, 5:30 pm - 11 pm

 

For all the night owls out there, click here to explore the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai. Whether you're seeking entertainment, cozy reading nooks, authentic local cuisine, or a bit of sports action, this guide has everything for a fantastic night out. Read more.

For more travel tips, please click here.

 

Sources: Official WeChat account of ShanghaiWOW! via "shanghaiwow520"; Website of China Shanghai International Arts Festival; WeChat accounts of Shanghai Museum, China Art Museum Shanghai, Museum of Art Pudong, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, Theater YOUNG, Shanghai Concert Hall and Wanping Theater; China Daily, chinadaily.com.cn