Acrobatics is a Chinese tradition with a long history and an unusually strong following in Shanghai, where the city's circus and acrobatic troupes perform in their own theatres rather than in hotel ballrooms. For visitors with no Chinese, it is the most accessible evening show in the city.
The main production
The best-known show is staged at Shanghai Circus World, a purpose-built theatre in the north of the city. It runs as a modern theatrical production rather than a series of separate acts: aerial silk and hoop work, contortion, hand balancing, chair stacking, diabolo juggling, hula hoop routines and, as the finale, several motorcycles riding at speed inside a metal sphere. There is no dialogue, and the production uses music, lighting and projection to carry the story, so nothing is lost in translation.
Other options
Beyond that theatre, several smaller venues run mixed programmes of acrobatics, magic and dance, and the city's acrobatic troupe also tours internationally. Some shows are aimed squarely at tour groups with pick-up service; others are performances with a resident audience. Choosing a weekday evening usually means a quieter house and a better seat for the same money.
Practical notes
Shows are typically ninety minutes with no interval and start around 7:30 p.m. Seats are graded by price, and the mid-tier seats in the centre of the circle give the best view - sitting in the front rows means looking up for most of the performance. Photography without flash is normally allowed; video is not, and staff enforce this. The theatre is a short taxi ride from the city centre and reachable by Metro Line 1 to Shanghai Circus World station.
Who it suits
Families, groups and anyone who wants an evening entertainment that works regardless of language. Book a day or two ahead in the summer holidays, when school groups fill the mid-week performances as well as the weekends.
