[Video/Shanghai Eye, SMG]

Participants interact with an actor at the theater. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

SAGA City of Light, an immersive theater with the world's largest performance area, commenced trial operations at the Shanghai Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center in the city's Xuhui district on May 29.

This project represents the China debut of Puy du Fou, the world's only large-scale entertainment theme park brand that is dedicated to recreating historical scenes and showcasing traditional cultures. The theater covers an area of 46,000 square meters, which has successfully challenged and broken the previous Guinness World Record for largest performance area. It received its certification during the project's inauguration ceremony.

After nearly four years of development, this project now showcases various facets of Shanghai in the 1930s and features immersive time-travel experiences. It boasts over 150 resident actors, 50 large-scale movie scenes, and over 26,000 retro props. Many of these props were sourced from antique shops and flea markets rather than custom-made, according to the project's operator.

Participants entering the theater don red cloaks and enter a "time portal". Once inside, visitors are guided by non-player characters and have to make choices in order to move forward in their adventure. During this time, they may even encounter Chinese historical figures.

Apart from the immersive theater, SAGA City of Light also includes cultural and creative retail spaces, restaurants, cafes, and other entertainment facilities. The venue is set to attract up to 1.2 million visitors each year.

Interested visitors can book tickets on the project's official mini-program platform, website and online platforms like Ctrip, Meituan and Damai, starting at a minimum price of 298 yuan per person. People who book before June 11 will receive a discount.

As a collaborative creation by France and China, SAGA City of Light has brought together the wisdom of top cultural and artistic entrepreneurs from both countries, according to Ye Xianda, the general manager of Puy du Fou's Asia operations.

Ye said that the company chose to debut this project in Shanghai because of its reputation for embracing diverse cultures. The city holds significant historical and cultural appeal for both domestic and international tourists, which ensures a substantial visitor flow.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, Shanghai Eye, SMG