There are few cultural experiences that can entertain and enthrall the entire family in a way the world famous ERA acrobatic shows can. China is renowned for many things – craftsmanship, tradition, extraordinary feats – and ERA, perhaps the most famous of all acrobatic shows China offers – brings together all the elements. On offer as a family friendly option, families visiting Shanghai would be hard pressed to find a competitor for the excitement, fun, and energy that makes the ERA acrobatic show a perfect all rounder. Regardless of whether you’re traveling with high maintenance teens, energetic ten year olds, parents who want a break, or you just want to create a truly memorable experience, ERA delivers.
Curious as to why this is such a great experience? Let’s take you through it.
ERA – Time Journey 2 is next level entertainment
If this is your first visit to China, then you won’t have experienced the original ERA show. Combining stunning acrobatics, incredible lighting, gorgeous costumes, and dynamic vocal and acting performances, it is easy to see how ERA quickly rose to become a must-see item on the list of travelers to Shanghai.
Originally premiering in 2005, ERA Intersection of Time was a groundbreaking fusion of Chinese tradition and futuristic performance art, running successfully for 15 years and becoming a symbol of modern Shanghai entertainment.
In 2021, it was reborn as ERA 2 – Journey Through Time and Space, expanding its original vision into a new narrative emphasizing human connection, cultural pride, and Shanghai’s global spirit. Recognized by China’s Ministry of Culture with multiple national awards, this show now stands as the flagship performance of China’s stage art innovation.
Seamlessly blending traditional cultural themes with the latest in lighting, acrobatics, and daring moves, the original ERA captivated audiences like no other show. The unique domed theater with its 360 degree views that seats over 1,600 guests set the bar high, so, it’s fair to say expectations of the legendary ERA – Time Journey 2 were very high.
We’re pleased to report, the new and improved ERA definitely delivers.
What to expect from ERA – Time Journey 2
This multimillion-dollar production represents the pinnacle of Chinese acrobatics. Building on the legacy of its predecessor, it brings together modern dance, aerial acts, martial arts, and multimedia projections to create a narrative of love and destiny across time and space. Every leap, spin, and flip reflects the essence of Shanghai. The themes of the show move between romanticism, innovation, power, and creativity.
Retaining all the original show’s highlights, guests can still expect to experience the adrenaline-pumping ‘Big Ball Flying Car’ – an unrivalled feat of motorcycle handling skills. It’s an act that makes watching it edge-of-your-seat exciting. Equally remarkable but with a softer energy are the elegant aerial silk dancers, who are breathtaking heights perform artistic moves that are reminiscent of ballet – performed meters from the ground.
Unlike conventional acrobatic performances, ERA 2 uses 3D mapping, holographic imagery, and live instrumental music to enhance traditional craftsmanship. The distinctive soundtrack harmonizes Chinese guzheng, erhu, and drums with the Western harp, piano, and violin, creating a blended symphony of East and West that encapsulates contemporary Shanghai.
The theater’s design offers an unobstructed view of every aspect of the show, which means you can’t go wrong when buying tickets.
What makes ERA – Time Journey 2 worth the investment?
There are many aspects of the show to love, but here are our reasons for adding this to your Shanghai to do list:
#1 – The ‘Sphere Motorcycle Stunt’ (you’ll know what we mean when you see it) is next level exciting and scary at the same time. Motorbike riders racing through a metal globe at dizzying speeds, creating a spectacle of human precision and courage.
#2 – The unique combination of media and performance to create something truly distinctive. The acts involving aerial performance with water, such as Chasing the Moonlit Clouds, combine underwater grace with airborne artistry and wonderful music.
#3 – Enjoy the edginess of the Extreme Youth sequence, which brings together skating and BMX stunts into the acrobatic fold, merges street culture with performance art, bringing a completely different dynamic to the show’s other acts.
#4 – In a truly memorable act – Messengers of Peace, performers share the ‘stage’ with live pigeons. Dancers intertwine with the birds in an incredible blend of stunning movement, symbolism, and peace.
#5 – It wouldn’t be ERA without a brilliant finale, so of course, we must mention it here. The final acts envelop the audience in immersive multimedia landscapes, turning the stage into a dreamscape of light and color.
Each act in the show resonates with the same universal themes: love, courage, innovation, and the human drive to reach beyond limits. And while it all sounds very artistic and creative (and it most certainly is), there’s so much action, ERA will captivate even the toughest critic.
Bookings, performance details & more
Whether it’s your first visit to China or your fifth, ERA – Time Journey 2 is worth the effort to work into your schedule. More than a stage show, it really is unlike any other acrobatic performance. Its appeal for western travelers is the way it blends traditional cultural storytelling into a modern media delivery that helps you appreciate China’s rich history, creativity and innovation. Ready to book? We hear you! Check out the details below for what you need to know.
| Performance details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Shanghai Circus World, 2266 Gonghexin Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai |
| How to get there | |
| Schedule | Performances are staged nearly every night at 7:30 PM, with afternoon matinees on weekends. There are two show options to choose from: |
| Ticket Prices | 60-minute show: ¥280–¥380 (CNY) 100-minute show: ¥380–¥580 (CNY) Premium VIP seats may cost ¥680–¥880, but do offer the best central view. Tickets can be purchased online through Shanghai Circus World’s official website or ShanghaiAcrobaticShow.com, where English service and Alipay are available. It’s recommended to book early, especially during weekends and public holidays. |
Beyond Shanghai: Acrobatic shows across China
Shanghai might set the stage for breathtaking acrobatic innovation, but China’s love for the spectacular is not limited to this eclectic city. Heading north in China, Beijing fronts up with two legendary venues for acrobatics and stage artistry, and both vie for top spot in the remarkable stakes.
Chaoyang Theatre
With a performance designed to capture the imagination of both children and adults, the Beijing Acrobatic Spectacular combines comedic moments, incredible physical feats, and the drama of not knowing what’s going to happen next. You will definitely find yourself watching with one eye open as the performers seem to break the laws of gravity and artistic skills. Shows are held daily, which makes it an easy option for those on a flexible tour and looking for a one hour escape into China’s living circus tradition.
| Performance details | |
|---|---|
| Location | 36 North East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Hujialou Metro Station, Exit C1) |
| Main Show | Beijing Acrobatic Spectacular |
| Schedule | Daily Performance at 16:00-17:00 and 17:30-18:30 (About 1 hour per show) |
| Highlights | Daring balancing acts, motorbike stunts, aerial performances, and gravity-defying tricks by world-class gymnasts |
| Ticket prices | From ¥220; online booking recommended for best seats |
Red Theatre
The Beijing Red Theatre has gained a well earned reputation for mesmerising audiences with spectacular Chinese acrobatics and modern performance skills. The signature show, the Heroes of Shu, blends dramatic storytelling, traditional Chinese music, and the latest in stage effects.
| Performance details | |
|---|---|
| Location | 44 Xingfu Street, Dongcheng District (near Beijing Metro stations) |
| Main Show | Heroes of Shu Country |
| Schedule | Two shows daily at 16:00-17:00 & 17:30-18:30 (About 1 hour per show) |
| Highlights | Heroes of Shu is the signature acrobatic performance at Beijing’s Red Theatre. Expect traditional Chinese music, plate spinning, Jusitsu, partner stunts, high-chair balancing, ball games, shoulder ballet. Heroes of Shu is much more than the average night out. It provides a rich visually and emotional experience for audiences of all ages. |
| Ticket prices | From ¥220; online booking recommended for best seats |
Both Chayang Theater and Red Theater are centrally located in Beijing and easily accessible by metro. Online booking services are available in English, which makes booking easy. Both shows are well-loved by international audiences for their inclusivity, production value, and the sheer joy of watching China’s world-class acrobatic artistry up close.
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