Popular Weekend Events in Shanghai (September Updated)

"New World: The Banquet of Breaking Cages" is set against the backdrop of Shanghai during the Anti-Japanese War, presenting revolutionary stories in a vivid way through an innovative "drama + banquet" format. Over six hours, audiences interact with actors, immersing themselves in various scenarios of wartime Shanghai and witnessing the heroic deeds of revolutionary predecessors firsthand. Compared to mere lectures, this immersive experience resonates more deeply with the audience.

The immersive cultural and museum exhibition: The never-disappearing Blackwater City centers on the ancient history and mysterious culture of Blackwater City. It combines diverse forms such as digital light and shadow, scene restoration, and interactive experiences to vividly present the prosperous memories and civilizational imprints of this ancient Silk Road city. The exhibition blends artistry, knowledge, and immersion, guiding visitors through time to experience the unique cultural charm and profound history of Blackwater City.

The Rodin art center (Shanghai) is delighted to present "Shaping modernity: From neoclassicism to Rodin" - an exhibition of European sculpture and decorative arts. The exhibition will officially open on June 20, 2026, tracing the narrative thread of classicism's widespread popularity across social classes in European countries during the second half of the 18th century. It follows the rise and evolution of neoclassicism and romanticism, witnesses the maturation of realism, and culminates in Rodin's groundbreaking sculptural language that transcended classical traditions, laying the foundation for 20th century modern art. Furniture and decorative arts are also important components of this exhibition. The displayed 18th to 19th century European furniture features magnificent designs and exquisite craftsmanship, employing decorative techniques such as carving, inlay, and veneering. Several pieces have won gold medals at world expositions, and similar works by their creators have been saved by many renowned museums worldwide, fully demonstrating the significant value of decorative arts as an independent art form. In addition, the exhibition features a special subsection titled "Rodin's Chinese collection," showcasing Chinese artworks collected by Rodin himself, including rare pieces such as Guanyin statues, Sui and Tang dynasty pottery figurines, bronze ware, and Ming-Qing porcelain, highlighting the profound history of cultural exchange between China and France.

The ACT Shanghai Contemporary Theatre Festival, an annual theatrical event organized by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, has been dedicated to promoting innovative contemporary theatre creations since its inception in 2005. Simply put, ACT carefully selects the most active and noteworthy performing arts works from around the world and delivers them to you every autumn. This year, from September 5th to 19th, ACT will be held as scheduled. The theme of this year's ACT is "A Song of Innocence and Experience"—taken from the collection of poems of the same name by the British poet William Blake. Innocence is not naivety, and experience is not worldliness. It's about how we can retain our initial sensitivity and courage after witnessing the complexities of the world, and about how the theatre can simultaneously accommodate innocent eyes and mature craftsmanship, making everything on stage both fresh like a first encounter and profound like a reunion.