If you're looking for entertainment and cultural richness during your visit, you're in for a treat! Shanghai offers a diverse array of performances and exhibitions waiting for you to explore.

Exhibitions

On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt

The head of the god Amun is on display at the On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt at the Shanghai Museum. [Photo/Shanghai Museum]

Hailed as the largest exhibition of ancient Egyptian artifacts ever held outside of Egypt, the exhibition encompasses more than 780 selected relics from different periods of ancient Egypt, with over 95 percent of the artifacts making their debut in Asia. 

When: July 19, 2014 - Aug 15, 2025 (closed on Mondays, except national holidays)

Where: 1st Floor of the Shanghai Museum on People's Square, No 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

Great Art of Dunhuang

A visitor stands face-to-face with a statue at the Great Art of Dunhuang exhibition. [Photo/VCG]

Dunhuang, an ancient oasis city nestled amid the Gobi Desert in in Northwest China's Gansu province, holds significant historical importance as a pivotal trading hub along the ancient Silk Road. The exhibition features 200 carefully curated cultural masterpieces from the Dunhuang Academy that offer a glimpse into a rich heritage. 

When: Sept 20 - Dec 20

Where: Shanghai's China Art Museum 

Cartier, the Power of Magic

This exhibition features more than 300 exquisite pieces from the Cartier Collection, including jewelry, watches, and archival documents alongside more than 30 Chinese cultural relics. 

When: Nov 6 - Feb 17

Where: the Shanghai Museum 

A Towering Treasure House: Relics of the Yuanying Pagoda

Among the skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, 13 ancient Buddhist pagodas still stand in Shanghai, quietly testifying to its long history and rich cultural heritage. This exhibition features a large collection of artifacts unearthed from Yuanying Pagoda, the tallest and one of the most important pagodas in Shanghai.

When: Through Nov 11, 10 am — 6 pm, Wednesday-Monday, closed on Tuesdays (except national holidays)

Reservation required.

Where: Shanghai Museum East, Exhibition Gallery 2 (2F), No 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

The Journey of Ink: Modern and Contemporary Chinese Paintings from the Musee Cernuschi

This exhibition marks the first time a selection of masterpieces from the Musee Cernuschi in Paris has gone on display in China, featuring paintings by masters such as Zhang Daqian and Qi Baishi. 

When: To Jan 5

Where: Bund One Art Museum in Shanghai

Marvelous Realism

A photo from South African artist Justin Dingwall's Albus series. 

Marvelous Realism is the first and most extensive exhibition of contemporary African photography in Asia to date, located at Fotografiska in Shanghai. 

When: 10:30 am-11 pm, Tuesday to Sunday

Where: Fotografiska, No 127 Guangfu Road, Jing'an district, Shanghai

Dialogues with Turner: Evoking the Sublime

Bridge of Sighs, Ducal Palace and Custom-House, Venice: Canaletti Painting, oil paint on mahogany by Joseph Mallord William Turner. 

This exhibition invites visitors to dive into the artistic world of Joseph Mallord William Turner, one of the greatest British painters of the 19th century. 

When: Oct 1 - May 10, 2025

Where: MAP in Pudong New Area

Performances

The Starry Night

The "Queen of Piano" Martha Argerich will perform alongside a stellar lineup—including her daughter Lyda Chen-Argerich, violinist Gil Shaham, pianist Theodosia Enthocu and cellist Edgar Moreau—at the Oriental Art Center. 

Where: No 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong New Area

Everywoman

Produced by the Schaubühne Berlin, Everywoman is a work by Milo Rau and Ursina Lardi that breaks away from traditional documentary theatre. The story revolves around an accomplished actress who meets a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer, whose final wish is to perform one last time on stage. 

When: 7:30 pm, Nov 8-9;  2 pm, Nov 10
Where: Theatre YOUNG

Hamlet: A Commentary

The musical Hamlet: A Commentary offers an experimental prequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet. The play delves into the tragic events of the night when King Hamlet was murdered, revealing the hidden pain and secrets of the characters. 

When: 7:30 pm, Nov 8-9 

Where: Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall

Enchanting night with violin virtuosos

Russian-born British violinist Viktoria Yurievna Mullova and Latvian concert pianist Reinis Zarins are set to enchant audiences with a violin recital at the main hall of the Shanghai Concert Hall on Nov 10. 

When: Nov 10

Where: the Shanghai Concert Hall 

Mei Lanfang's 130th anniversary concert

The year 2024 marks the 130th anniversary of the birth of Mei Lanfang, a master of Peking Opera and the founder of the Mei School. This concert will feature performances by contemporary opera masters and Mei School inheritors, showcasing highlights from traditional operas to honor and celebrate their enduring legacy. 

When: 7:15 pm, Nov 10 

Where: Shanghai Wanping Theater

Source: International Services Shanghai (english.shanghai.gov.cn)

International Services Shanghai is an upgraded, multilingual portal for the Shanghai municipal government. It offers detailed policies, news updates, and useful tips for expats in Shanghai who are seeking information on business, employment, travel, education, or shopping.