A Look at Shanghai Culture
During pre-war times, Shanghai can be considered the base of Chinese culture because of its exposure to Western influences and tremendous economic developments. During the late 1800's, a writer named Lu Xun led the evolution of the modern literature of the city, which has greatly affected Shanghai culture. Lu Xun's literary developments have inspired other writers to follow his footsteps. The arts and graphics of this early period of Shanghai culture serve as manifestos of the artistic style and fashion of today's modern Shanghai. Shanghai culture is also best characterized by its cinema - a medium that is considered one of the most important for the cultural evolution of the country.
Shanghai culture was suppressed because of the war and rise of the Communist Government. In fact, it had put a tight seal on Shanghai culture and its different activities.
Any Shanghai culture experimentation that started ever since had been more or less restricted by leaders. However, there are cultural ensembles today that enjoy the support of the government like the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, Shanghai Municipal Performance Company, the Shanghai Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra and the Shanghai Ballet Company.
It is a common misconception that Beijing has all the artists and intellectuals while Shanghai has all the creators of wealth. However, such notions about the different categories in cultural developments are disregarded by Shanghai because the city is proud of its own sophisticated and intelligent culture.
Currently Shanghai culture is still being showcased through different arts and culture festivals. If you plan on taking a tour of Shanghai, it is highly-recommended that you see one of its cultural shows.
• Music - The Shanghai Concert Hall is the most popular venue for Classical Concerts. The Shanghai Municipal Performance Company performs regularly over there and over at the Majestic Theatre. The Shanghai Grand Theatre is also a venue for musical concerts and theatrical plays. The Shanghai Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra plays there. Opera is a very popular form of culture in Shanghai, mostly the Chinese array of opera. The Majestic Theatre frequently hosts Chinese opera shows.
• Theatre - Theatre plays are also famous in Shanghai and they are often held in high-class venues like the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Dramatic Arts Centre Theater.
• Dance - The Shanghai Ballet Company and the National Ballet of China performs regularly at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. For traditional acrobatic dance, you can also catch the Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe there.
China has also become a center of interest for different international movie producers because of their cultural depth. Shanghai culture was depicted in films like Raise the Red Lantern, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero.
Shanghai culture is truly distinct and this is the reason why a lot of people are fascinated by it. To know more about Shanghai culture, one of the best ways to experience it is to travel to the city.
