Shanghai, September 26, 2018 — With the National Day holiday approaching, Shanghai Dungeon, dedicated to creating a new iconic destination for thrill-seekers in Shanghai, announced that it will officially begin its trial operation on September 29, opening to the public. Recently, Shanghai Dungeon also welcomed its first group of beta testers, unveiling the “mysterious veil” of the venue to the outside world. A diverse immersive experience perfectly blending storyline and entertainment, coupled with unique multi-dimensional sensations crafted by professional comedy performers and special effects mechanisms, along with multiple trendy play elements, allow visitors to immerse themselves in the legends of old Shanghai and enjoy a novel entertainment experience. The venue is expected to officially open on October 27. By then, Shanghai Dungeon will open all sales channels to facilitate ticket purchases for visitors so they can explore the “Scary Fun” together with family and friends. Located on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the average visit lasts about 90 minutes. Limited early-bird single tickets are now on sale.
“Plague Doctor’s Clinic”
Recreating the legends and stories of old Shanghai, creating a new concept in Chinese entertainment attractions
As a uniquely diverse immersive storytelling-themed entertainment attraction in China, Shanghai Dungeon adheres to the brand essence of “Scary Fun,” skillfully integrating popular entertainment elements such as adventure storytelling, immersive performances, and special effect mechanisms. This creates a thrilling entertainment experience suitable for spontaneous participation by Chinese youth, white-collar workers, and families with teenagers.
The ticket hall of Shanghai Dungeon is located on the first floor of Yuhui Plaza, directly facing Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Its architectural exterior is quite magical and highly eye-catching. Stepping into the ticket hall of Shanghai Dungeon, visitors feel as if they have instantly transitioned from the dazzling real world outside to the bustling old Shanghai docks of 1900. The ticket hall serves as an intersection between the real world and the legendary journey of old Shanghai. From here, visitors will, in groups of up to 36, be led by performers into the venue to begin their “Old Shanghai” journey.
Shanghai Dungeon’s 10 themed areas — “Legends of Old Shanghai,” “Fall into the Dungeon,” “Evade the Attacker,” “Plague Doctor’s Clinic,” “Labyrinth of Alleys,” “The Vanished Troupe,” “The Betting Dockside Bar,” “The Fortune Teller,” “The Final Trap,” and “Stand-Up Freefall” — are all inspired by the legends and stories of old Shanghai. Each storyline branch takes visitors into tales from different eras of Shanghai. The exquisitely designed settings quickly draw visitors into the plot, while familiar yet unfamiliar characters from old Shanghai legends come to life beside them, telling bizarre yet humorous stories. Meanwhile, unexpected light, sound, and electrical effects along with full-sensory devices greatly enhance visitor engagement. Here, you are not just a spectator of the story but become part of it and actively participate.
“Legends of Old Shanghai”
The entire journey unfolds along a continuous main storyline, and as it progresses, visitors will encounter various surprises. Guided by “Uncle Evil,” visitors will take a mysterious “elevator” back to the hidden tunnel deep “underground” within the city; they will also be instantly transported to the foot of old Shanghai’s city wall, where, under the threat of “gunpowder arrows,” they’ll join the “Shanghai City Guards” in defending against pirates; they’ll even meet a “janitor” tending to an abandoned theater, who tells the legendary story of a female opera performer from old Shanghai... Through the clever coordination of performers and props, fear one moment may give way to laughter the next, and relaxation may be suddenly disrupted by an unexpected mechanism. An unpredictable and unprecedented journey awaits every thrill-seeking adventurer at Shanghai Dungeon.
“The Fortune Teller”
Performers and venue blend seamlessly, redefining immersive storytelling
As a new-concept themed entertainment attraction, the storyline of Shanghai Dungeon is primarily driven by vivid performances from actors and the perfect integration of mysterious and complex mechanisms, resulting in a captivating multi-dimensional immersive experience that blends reality and fantasy. In addition to actors narrating fascinating tales of old Shanghai, Shanghai Dungeon also features multiple mechanical devices integrated with the storyline to deliver an intensely immersive experience. At the end of the journey, the venue’s grand finale — the weightless ride “Stand-Up Freefall” — offers visitors an exhilarating experience filled with shrieks and laughter.
“Stand-Up Freefall”
For example, when a performer suddenly sneezes, a mechanism is triggered to spray mist, creating the subtle sensation of being splashed; or when a performer warns of an impending attack, the sound effect of arrows flying is activated, and an arrow “flies” out from the wall, just grazing by... The interactions between various props and mechanisms with the performers are meticulously designed and rigorously rehearsed, significantly enhancing the expressiveness and appeal of the themed storyline.
Kieron Smith, Artistic Director of the Dungeons brand, said: “Shanghai Dungeon aims to create an independent and vivid time and space. Through this new form of immersive storytelling, we hope to offer Chinese visitors a brand-new entertainment experience that perfectly blends visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and kinetic sensations. Whether in the realm of imagination or reality, visitors can truly become part of the story and embark on a thrilling, hyper-realistic journey through old Shanghai.”
Currently, the limited-time super-value single early-bird trial tickets for Shanghai Dungeon (original price 200 RMB, promotional price 120 RMB) are in the final stages of their rush sale, with limited quantities remaining. Visitors can purchase trial tickets for early entry from September 29 to October 26 through the official designated travel website. During the National Day holiday, trial tickets will be available only on Ctrip with limited sales. After the official opening on October 27, Shanghai Dungeon will fully open all sales channels. Visitors can purchase tickets through the on-site ticket window, the official website, the official WeChat account, and various tourism partner channels, and enter the venue during normal operating hours (11:00 AM – 8:00 PM) to experience the fascinating charm of the 10 themed areas.
Scream and laugh together with your companions — this October, the time for “screaming with laughter” has arrived!