Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The centre for Chinese opera is the Yifu Theatre. Occasionally, the oldest form of Chinese
opera (Kunju), which originated in the nearby town of Kunshan, is performed here too.
FILM
Despite the abundance of cheap counterfeit DVDs, cineplexes continue to be popular. Most
Chinese films are shown without subtitles. Hollywood blockbusters are screened in English
with Chinese subtitles at selected cinemas; otherwise they are dubbed into Chinese. China's
booming film industry is currently the world's second-largest, with a huge movie-making out-
put and new cinemas being opened across the country. Hollywood is also regularly inspired
by Shanghai - several scenes from the 2012 James Bond movie
Skyfall
were shot in the city.
ART GALLERIES
The largest concentration of galleries is at M50 (No. 50 Moganshan Road). Clustered here in
old warehouses by Suzhou Creek are some of the city's most interesting art galleries show-
casing cutting-edge works. Entrance to the galleries is usually free, and most are closed on
Sundays or Mondays (it's best to call ahead to confirm). Two state-run modern art institutions
occupy refitted structures from the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. The China Art Palace (Zone
A, Pudong Rd, World Expo Park Pudong) is housed in the red crown-like former China Pavil-
ion in Pudong, and the Power Station of Art (Lane 20, Huayuangang Rd) is located in an
1890s power plant on the opposite bank of the Huangpu River.
The city's major art festival, the Shanghai Biennale, takes place in even-numbered years
at the Power Station of Art, while the privately run BolognaFiere ShContemporary, held in
September, features cutting-edge Chinese contemporary art.
NIGHTLIFE
Shanghai really comes alive after dark. The more upscale bars are along the Bund, Xintiandi
and dotted throughout the former French Concession and Jing'an district. Other popular bar
strips can be found along Yongfu Road and Yongkang Road.
While Shanghai's live music scene is not as vibrant as Beijing's, the city does hold its
own. A handful of underground clubs, including the Shelter and Yuyintang, host live rock gigs
and celebrity DJs, but jazz has been king in Shanghai since the 1920s. The city has several
first-rate jazz clubs that attract top musicians from China and around the world - JZ Club and
House of Blues & Jazz are favourites. Drinks prices are comparable to other major world cit-
ies.
