Shanghai Culture Square

In the heart of the megacity of Shanghai – today with a population of 15 million – China’s first dedicated theatre for musicals and variety shows was built as part of a new cultural complex on the site of the former Jin Wen flower market, nestling at the mouth of the Yangtze River.

The fact that Western musicals are highly popular in China is confirmed by the great success of touring productions such as Les Misérables, Cats and The Lion King. Previously, however, none of Shanghai’s theatres had a sufficiently large stage or lighting possibilities to meet the special demands of modern productions. This was to change with Shanghai Culture Square.

In addition to the extensive overstage machinery, the design of the understage machinery has some special features unusual for Chinese theatres. For example, a central round stage elevator with a diameter of 18 metres can raise a total of three equally sized stage wagons onto the stage. In addition to a turntable, these are an ice rink and a water basin, which offers a wide variety of water and lighting effects. A bridge wagon of area 19 x 23 metres spans the opening, ensuring quick scenery transformations.