12 things to do at Shanghai's reopened Dashijie

A popular saying amongst Shanghai natives goes: 'If you have yet to visit Shanghai's Dashijie (otherwise known as the Great World), you can hardly say you have been to Shanghai at all.' Built in 1917, the Great World is one of the city's most historic buildings. It was the first (and for a long time the most reputable) indoor amusement park and entertainment complex in Shanghai. Due to the outbreak of the SARS epidemic, the venue closed for business in 2003.

March 2017 marked a new beginning for Dashijie as the building reopened to the public just in time for its centenary. With no lack of places for amusement in Shanghai nowadays, the century-old Dashijie is making a comeback as an exhibition centre to showcase intangible cultural heritages from around the world.

The restored 16,800sqm building comprises of three four-storey buildings and two wings. It houses two indoor theatres for plays and folk operas, an outdoor theatre for performances, several exhibition halls, two food halls, a digital hall, a VR hall, a social salon as well as a training centre for cultural classes. Here are some of the things you can do at Dashijie.

Have a good laugh at your distorted self

Fondly known as the 'Haha Mirrors', the original 12 mirrors that used to be a source of laughter for many remain in their exact positions at the entrance and haven't lost their charm.

Digital versions of the mirrors can also be found on the second level of the building. Because there's no better thing to laugh at than yourself.

Enjoy performances at the outdoor theatre

The outdoor theatre used to be the stage for performing arts of the north and south of China, and was the debut stage of countless famous Chinese performance artists. Today, the highly coveted stage will continue to be a platform for outstanding performance artists around the world to showcase their talents.

From acrobatics to song and dance to folk art, performances vary from day to day. Check out the programme lineup through the official WeChat account (TheGreatWorld2017).

Fill your tummies at the two food halls

There are two food halls to keep fun-seekers fed. The hall on the second floor focuses on Chinese cuisine, especially the unique Jiangnan and Shanghainese styles. From traditional Chinese tea leaves to baijiu, there's a souvenir for everyone.

Pick your favourite design and the melted sugar artist will make a sweet treat on the spot for you for 15RMB.

On the third floor is the other food hall, dedicated to international cuisines. You can feast on Spanish meats, French wines, American coffee, Greek pastries and more. There are also occasional performances to accompany the food and drink.

Interact with installations at the digital hall

These interactive digital installations will keep the little ones entertained. Watch as the butterfly you drew appears fluttering through the digital wall or get dressed in traditional costumes of the country of your choice with the virtual dressing mirrors. To keep things fresh and interesting, Dashijie will be mixing up the themes of these installations.

Take in the art exhibition halls

There are many art galleries inside showcasing China's cultural heritage. These spaces feature many unique pieces, from traditional artworks to abstract and contemporary paintings. Dashijie representatives say they hope to become an international exhibition centre for artworks from around the world. The current exhibition features the 'Silk Road', with original art pieces and other replicated grottoes. Art exhibits change monthly.

Appreciate the skills on display at the exhibition halls

Dashijie has invited masters of Beijing cloisonne enamel, Shanghai embroidery, bamboo weaving, brick carving, jade carving, dough sculpting and paper cutting to display their performing skills at various booths scattered around the exhibition halls. These workshops will change monthly.

Learn a traditional skill

Not only can you watch experts display their artistic talents, you can also hone your own artistic skills by learning from them. There are several learning spaces in the building, the largest being the training centre. Lessons include qingtuan making, paper cutting, the art of brewing Chinese tea and more. Currently these classes are on a first-come-first-serve basis and are conducted for free. Signing up at the reception is required for certain classes. The class schedule will change daily depending on availability of experts, so check with the receptionist for the latest schedule.

Watch a play or folk opera at the indoor theatres

VR is all over Shanghai right now, so it's little surprise to see it in here. Don the 3D glasses and walk through the history of Dashijie in the VR hall. Only 12 people are allowed to enter the VR hall at any one time for the optimum experience.

Enjoy a virtual reality experience

VR is all over Shanghai right now, so it's little surprise to see it in here. Don the 3D glasses and walk through the history of Dashijie in the VR hall. Only 12 people are allowed to enter the VR hall at any one time for the optimum experience.

Hear a significant cultural talk

The social salon is a place for important cultural talks. Cultural speeches will be scheduled from time to time and details will be updated on the WeChat account.

Buy a souvenir

Not only is the social salon a place for you to grab a book to read, it's also a place to pick up all-important souvenirs such as Shanghai-specific postcards as well as traditional Chinese handmade fans.

Get a commemorative snap

There are plenty of props and decorations in Dashijie for a good photograph. Be sure to get your cameras ready!

Tip: the best Dashijie photo spot

Time to tell the world you've been to the Great World. The best photo spot of Dashijie is on the overpass opposite the building. The best time to get snapped is at night when the building is lit up in all its glory.

Dashijie 1 Xizang Nan Lu, Near Yan'an Lu, Huangpu District. 10am-6pm Mon-Thu; 10am-10pm Sat-Sun; closed Wed.

Tickets are 60RMB per person (30RMB for students and seniors) and can be purchased through WeChat (TheGreatWorld2017) or at the door.

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