It is said that Beijing is the place for intellectuals and artists, while Shanghai is where wealth creators thrive. But the financial shrewdness of the Shanghainese is only one of their many faces. Exposed to Western influences during the colonial times, people in Shanghai have nurtured and preserved a thriving theater scene despite unparalleled cultural changes and economic development over the past decades.

1) Shanghai Grand Theater

Located at People's Square in the heart of the city, the Shanghai Grand Theater opened in 1998. With its unique style and beautiful outlook, the theater has become one of the iconic buildings of Shanghai.

The theater is as grand in style as it is in size, with its 10 storeys occupying an area of 2.1 hectares. Designed by the much-lauded French architect Jean-Claude Charpentier, the theater - with its upturned eves mimicking traditional Chinese building styles and stunning glass faade - is nicknamed "Crystal Palace" by locals. The theater hosts everything from opera and ballet, to drama and Broadway musicals in its three theaters, which have a total capacity of 2,850.

On May 19, the Netherlands Dance Theater II will present three different performances at the theater - Gods and Dogs, Said and Done, and Chapeau.

Address: 300 People's Avenue

Transportation:

Metro lines 1, 2, and 8

Box office opening hours:

9 am-7 pm

Admission: Event prices vary

Tel: 021-6386-8686

2) Majestic Theater

Built in 1941, the Majestic Theater is one of the oldest theaters in Shanghai. The Chinese name for the theater in Chinese means "beautiful jade without flaws", which perfectly fits the reputation and status of the cinema. During the 1940s and 1950s, Mei Lanfang, China's most famous Peking opera artist of the time, performed here. The theater serves up a diverse range of regular performances such as opera, ballet, song and dance, and local/regional dance performances. It occasionally screens movies.

Until May 16, the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe will premiere My Dream VI, an evening of song and dance, which includes vocal solos, choruses, ballet, sign-language dance and ethnic dance.

Address: 66 Jiangning Road

Transportation:

Metro line 2 Nanjing Road W Station

Box office opening hours:

9 am-7 pm

Admission: Event prices vary

Tel: 021-6217-4409, 021-6217-2813

3) Yi Fu Theater

Yi Fu Theater, which was established in 1925, is the largest theater housing Chinese opera performances in Shanghai. Most of the country's famous Peking opera artists have performed here at one time or another.

In 1990, the theater underwent rebuilding and refurbishing, which was completed in 1994. It was again refurbished in 2004, when the latest high-tech theater facilities were incorporated. This has made the 1,000-seat theater even more attractive to Chinese opera troupes, particularly Peking opera performers.

Until May 16, the classical Shanghai opera Lu Xiang Nv, which explores the complex romance between a seamstress and a young painter and is set in the 19th century, will be performed at the theater.

Address: 701 Fuzhou Road

Transportation:

Bus No 14, 17, 18, 46, 96, or Metro lines 1, 2, 8

Box office opening hours:

9 am-7 pm

Admission: Event prices vary

Tel: 021-5353-0054

4) Oriental Art Center

Located on Century Avenue in Pudong New Area, the Oriental Art Center consists of seven main levels housing a philharmonic orchestra hall, with 1,979 seats; a lyric theater, with 1,054 seats; and a 330-seat chamber music hall.

It also houses an exhibition hall, music shops, a restaurant, an arts library and a multimedia and training center.

The building is covered by a cantilevered roof, linked by curved glass walls to the base. Highlighted by reflections and shadows, its shape changes as you move around it. It soars up from the ground and opens out to the sky above.

On May 18, the BBC Symphony Orchestra will hold a concert at the center, performing Michael Tippett's Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli, Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Dvorak's Symphony No 9.

Address: 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong New Area

Transportation: Metro line 2 Shanghai Technology and Science Museum Station

Box office opening hours:

9 am-7 pm

Admission: Event prices vary

Tel: 021-6854-1234