As a world-class city, Shanghai has entertainment of almost any category. As the city’s landscape changes, thanks to the extensive construction projects, it also adds more and more venues of entertainment for visitors and residents alike. Along with its economic progress, the city’s vibrant rebirth in its arts and entertainment scene are progressing rapidly.
Shanghai is currently experiencing a surge in interest in modern and classical art. Art galleries are proliferating throughout the city. The Chinese artists are incredible in their creativity and detailed expressions. Keep in mind, though, that any imported art is likely to be overpriced. Shanghai does not have a large number of museums. However, the ones that exist are definitely worth visiting for their varied and interesting collections. Some of these are the Doland Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Shanghai Museum, among others.
Shanghai’s many large movie theaters screen both Chinese and Hollywood movies. The number of Hollywood films being shown is slowly increasing as China liberalizes the market to meet WTO standards, however you may still find that Hollywood films may be cut or altered (some studios are producing versions solely for the Chinese market) to keep sensors happy. But this is supposed to change during 2011, because China has to liberalize the market to fulfill the WTO standards. In spite of the fact that anyone can buy a pirated DVD of just about any movie, there are still many people who thoroughly enjoy the experience of the wide screen and surround sound. There are many theaters that offer supreme seating comfort and great popcorn.
There is theatre, ballet, Chinese opera and live music playing at a wide variety of the city’s venues to suit every taste. Jazz is very popular in Shanghai. You will always see visiting musicians playing alongside Chinese enthusiasts. In addition, many of the clubs switch from jazz to rock on different nights. There are also plenty of venues for classical and chamber music, as well as a huge selection of clubs for hip-hop and rock-and-roll dancing.
And don’t forget the restaurants; eating out is one of the favorite pastimes for locals and foreigners alike. You can enjoy the huge variety of the different Chinese provincial cuisines, from the refinement of Cantonese dishes to the spicy-as-hell Sichuan food. The international restaurants also have their space in a metropolis such as Shanghai, with a bunch of front row chefs that make the city a paradise for gourmets. And, as a bonus, it’s much less expense than in any western city.
Shanghai never sleeps. When the sun goes down, the city has an energy of its own that offers the most frenetic and colorful nightlife for foreigners in Asia. If it’s happening in Asia, it’s happening in Shanghai.
