The 5 best events this week

Until June 29: Spiral: Shanghai Acrobatic Show

This popular acrobatic show, produced and performed by the talents behind the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, is an unmissable event for families in Shanghai. The nuanced performance tells the tale of the city’s ever-changing landscape and is conveyed through thrilling moves like trapeze and tightrope walking — bound to wow the whole family.

7.30pm; RMB180-380. Shanghai Center Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Until June 30: Era - Intersection of Time

A multimillion-dollar stunning acrobatic extravaganza, the first of its kind in China, ERA is a multimedia odyssey inspired by the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. As Shanghai Circus World will have its renovation starting from July, ERA, which has accompanied the city for 13 years, will bid farewell at the end of this month. So, grab your tickets now to watch this entertaining show before it finishes.

7.30pm; RMB250-750. Shanghai Circus World. See event listing. Book tickets here.

June 30-July 8: Classic Picture Book Puppet Theatre: The Way Back Home

When a boy discovers a single-propeller airplane in his closet, he does what any young adventurer would do; he flies to outer space! Even though he is millions of miles from home, as it turns out, he is never alone. The Way Back Home is a simple, yet profound tale, about conquering the fear of the unknown and making a great friendship, which will bring your little ones some food for thought.

June 30-July 8, times vary; RMB340 (2 tickets) or RMB480 (3 tickets). Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

All Month: Nickelodeon Exhibition

If your kids are fans of Nickelodeon’s cartoons, then they are in luck. Joining hands with the channel, Hu Bin Dao Shopping Mall has gathered its famous characters in the themed exhibition, including SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer and PAW Patrol, where children can not only interact with their favorite characters but also purchase related merchandise from the souvenir shops.

10.30am-9pm; RMB98 (Early Bird) or RMB100 (Regular Price). Hubindao Shopping Mall. See event listing.

All Month: Rain Room

The acclaimed Rain Room installation, which was a sensation back in 2015 and attracted over 200 thousand visitors, is back in Shanghai. This large-scale immersive display occupies an area of 150-square-meters. Generating the look of falling water without the feel of getting wet, walk through this visually impressive exhibition that provides many an opportunity for stunning photos.

10am-9pm; RMB150. Yuz Museum. See event listing.

The 5 Upcoming events

July 11-15: Kinky Boots

As the winner of six 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kinky Boots has taken over Broadway and The West End for over 6 years, as well as stage performances all over the world. Inspired by actual events, Kinky Boots takes you through the story of Charlie Price, who struggles to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business. This performance is a joyous musical celebration about the friendships we discover, as well as the belief that you can change the world, as long as you have the right mindset.

July 11-13, Jul 15, 7.30pm; Jul 14, 2pm or 7.30pm. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.

July 14: Russian Far East Children’s Ballet: Alice in Wonderland

Brought to Shanghai by Russian Far East Children's Ballet, the production will reproduce the world-renowned fairy tale in the form of ballet. If you haven't planned anything this week, it’s always worth booking tickets for the ballet, and you can't go wrong with the classics.

Sat July 14, 3pm or 7.15pm; RMB180-580. Shanghai Centre Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

July 16-17: Steen Koerner Studio: H.C. Andersen - Life's a Fairytale in 3D

H.C.Andersen is an emotional thinker and a great symbolist. Watch these beautiful stories with enhanced 3D effects and mesmerizing music, and step into a never seen before visually-magical universe.

Mon-Tue July 16-17, 7.30pm; RMB280-880. Shanghai International Dance Center Grand Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

July 18-19: Uncleballoons and The 10000 Balloons Show - Little King

Unlceballoons is an artist from Ardèche, who has been touring in France and several other countries for almost 20 years. During his Shanghai show, he will tell an interactive tale with songs and balloons. Apart from amazing and assorted balloons, Uncleballoons will also cover themes of forgiving and sharing, great concepts for children to understand.

Wed July 18, 7.30pm; Thu July 19, 3.30pm or 7.30pm; RMB180-380. ET Space. See event listing. Book tickets here.

July 28-Aug 4: Shanghai Ballet: Grand Version Swan Lake

Directed by ballet maestro Derek Deane, this production of Swan Lake is a masterpiece not to be missed. Instead of the usual 16 swans, there are 48 swans in this unique production. The Shanghai ballet company will bring an enchanting, magical performance, which in appearance and perfection is not inferior to Bolshoi Ballet or The Royal Ballet in London.

July 28 & Aug 3-4, 7.30pm; RMB80-680. Shanghai International Dance Center Grand Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.