The 2026 Modern Drama Valley is running from April 23 to May 31, showcasing 21 outstanding productions from around the world in nearly 100 performances. To celebrate the season, here is a themed route designed for the culturally curious. Catch a captivating show, enjoy a cup of coffee, and step back in time among Shanghai's historic buildings.

Route: Jing'an Tourism Service Center (Anyi Road) → Doe Coffee → Julu 758 → Genealogy Library of Shanghai Library → Dennartt Residence → Jing Theatre → Shanghai Hotel → The Manlan Flower Theatre → GentleMaker Cafe

Distance: Approximately 3.7 kilometers

How to get there: Metro lines 2, 7, or 14 to Jing'an Temple Station, within walking distance of the starting point.

1. Jing'an Tourism Service Center (Anyi Road)

Address: No 63 Anyi Road

More than just a tourist information center, this is a miniature art space where traditional heritage meets contemporary art. From April 21 to June 30, the popular exhibition Read & Reconstruct: Zhang Xiaodong's Dragon-Scale Binding & Contemporary Practice is on display, showcasing the national intangible cultural heritage of dragon-scale bookbinding.

2. Doe Coffee

Address: L105, No 78 Tongren Road

With its minimalist tile decor, Doe Coffee is a favorite spot among the city's streetwear crowd. It is a great place to take a break, sip coffee, and recharge.

3. Julu 758

Address: No 758 Julu Road

Once an old instrument factory, Julu 758 has been transformed into a trendy new destination. The building retains its weathered concrete walls and vintage facade, while new commercial energy flows through the industrial space. It is a perfect example of how old and new Shanghai coexist.

4. Genealogy Library of Shanghai Library

Address: No 746 Changle Road

Originally founded in 1939 as Hezhong Library, the building underwent a 20-month renovation that restored its original colors and handmade terrazzo staircase. As China's first research library dedicated to genealogy, it is not only a cultural institution but also a building worth exploring.

5. Dennartt Residence

Address: No 6-7 Alley 263 Huashan Road

Built around 1899, this classical villa was originally the private home of British lawyer William Venn Drummond. Its elegant, vintage charm remains intact. Today, it serves as a brand pavilion for time‑honored Shanghai labels, offering a journey through the city's commercial heritage and local character.

6. Jing Theatre

Address: 1st Floor, Building 3, No 459 North Wulumuqi Road

Located inside the Jing'an District Culture Center, this theater is a public art space filled with the warmth of the city. On May 23 and 24, The Last Self Tape, directed by Robert Price, will be performed here as part of the Modern Drama Valley.

7. Shanghai Hotel

Address: No 505 North Wulumuqi Road

The annex building of the Shanghai Hotel is currently the long‑term venue for an immersive music show adapted from the internationally acclaimed animation Arcane: League of Legends. A 25‑ton steel stage and cutting‑edge sound and lighting technology transport audiences into another world.

8. The Malan Flower Theatre

Address: No 643 Huashan Road

A beloved place for children and adults, this theater has long been offering high‑quality children's productions in a dreamlike setting. On May 5, Wow! Cloth Tiger, another Modern Drama Valley production, will take the stage here.

9. GentleMaker Cafe

Address: No 748-3 Huashan Road

Tucked away on Huashan Road, this cozy cafe offers a peaceful retreat beneath the plane trees. Grab a cup of coffee and a delicate pastry, watch the hustle and bustle of the street outside, and let the pace of life slow down.

Source: WeChat account of the Jing'an district administration of culture and tourism at "jaqwlj"