Live music, acrobatics and Chinese shows

Shanghai has serious classical music institutions and a strong acrobatic tradition. It also has a large number of overpriced shows sold through hotels and touts.

The difference is easy once you know it: real venues sell their own tickets, are attached to named institutions, and have prices printed publicly.

The legitimate options

The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at its own hall. Bookings on their own site or through major ticketing platforms.

Shanghai Acrobatic Theatre runs long-running shows that are genuinely worth seeing for technique alone. The Shanghai Circus World ERA show is the other established option.

What to avoid

Anyone approaching you on Nanjing Road offering show tickets. Touts selling bundled packages involving transport and a "cultural performance" — these are shopping-stop schemes.

If the price is quoted verbally and negotiable, it is not a real ticket price.

Booking

Book through venue sites or major platforms, and print or screenshot your confirmation.

Many venues have several price tiers; the cheap seats are often fine.

Verdict

The Shanghai Symphony and one acrobatics show are real. Be sceptical of anything sold to you on the street.

Skip it if

You have already seen a good acrobatics show elsewhere in China.