About the Show
ERA2 — Spirit of Shanghai is the crown jewel of Chinese acrobatic theatre and a National Stage Art Masterpiece. Since its debut in 2005, it has been performed over 5,000 times to more than 4.5 million spectators at Shanghai Circus World.
The show tells a beautiful encounter and romantic love story that takes place in Shanghai. Through dazzling acrobatic performances, cutting-edge 3D multimedia projections, and unprecedented stage machinery effects, it creates a dreamlike journey across time and space.
Awarded the Ministry of Culture Innovation Award and named a National Cultural Industry Demonstration Project, ERA2 combines traditional Chinese acrobatics with French-inspired costume design, an original score blending hip-hop and tango with classical melodies, and boundary-pushing stage technology.
Show Highlights
- Highlight One: Graceful Dance in the Air — The award-winning aerial duet combines trapeze artistry with a ground-level water tank. The performer descends from the trapeze into the water, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
- Highlight Two: Chasing Moonlit Clouds — A giant suspended trampoline paired with an aerial wave bridge. Performers bounce, somersault, and fly through the air in gravity-defying acrobatics.
- Highlight Three: Riding the Wind — The iconic "Sphere Motorcycle Stunt" that appeared on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. Multiple motorcycles race inside a steel sphere at high speed — a heart-stopping demonstration of precision.
- Highlight Four: Messengers of Peace — A first in China: combining live doves with a female trapeze act. White doves flutter and fly around the aerialist in a poetic symbol of peace.
- Highlight Five: Extreme Youth — Rollerblading, BMX bikes, and acrobatics collide in a high-energy display. Girls perform on bicycles, weaving through formations at thrilling speeds.
- Highlight Six: Immersive Multimedia — 3D projections transform the stage into natural landscapes, city streets, and fantastical realms. Combined with live orchestra and French-Chinese fusion costumes.
Venue & Location
Shanghai Circus World
2266 Gonghexin Road, Jing'an, Shanghai
Show Times
Nightly at 7:30 PM
Duration: 90 minutes
Metro Line 1 direct
Price Range
Zone A: CNY 325 / Zone B: CNY 295 / Zone C: CNY 275
Show Schedule
Show Photo Gallery
"The Wheel of Destiny alone is worth the ticket price. My heart was in my throat watching those performers — no nets, no harnesses, just pure skill."
— Mark T., TripAdvisor Review"Best show in Shanghai, hands down. The production values are world-class — the multimedia projections and live music elevate this far beyond a typical acrobatic show."
— Jessica L., Google Review