Summers in the city can be less than picture perfect. Between the hordes of people rushing to and from water parks and the ever-pervasive heat, going out to enjoy the nightlife may be the last thing on your mind. But this summer in Shanghai is the perfect time to enjoy the cool evening weather and take in a show or two. From the sophisticated tunes of a classical orchestra to the bopping and hopping beats of a kid's show, you are not going to want to miss Shanghai's summer show line up.

1) Tan Dun's "Water Heavens"View In Map
July 7 through July 28, Tan Dun will be performing "Water Heavens", a four-part percussion concert that merges water and music. The Chinese-American composer is most well known for this Oscar-winning piece found in the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon soundtrack as well as his ability to utilize organic items as musical instruments. The orchestra combined with the subtle movements of the water instrumentalists is a unique and alternative way to appreciate classical music.

When: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 19:00
Where: Water Music Hall, Tan Dun Sound Museum, #3 Caogang Tan, Xijing Street, Zhujiaojiao, Guzhen, Qingpu District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市青浦区古镇朱家角西井街漕港滩3号
Tel: 021 6217 2426/021 6217 3055
Price: 180, 280, 380, 480, 580, 680, 780, 880, 980, 1080 RMB
Website: http://www.damai.cn/ticket_35847.html
Getting there:  Take Subway Line 2 to Xujingdong Zhan, switch to the Zhuxu Bus Line and get off at Zhujiaojiao Station. Or Take the Huzhu High Speed Line at Pu'an Lu or Jinling Lu and arrive at the Water Music Hall.

2) BBC National Orchestra of Wales (NOW)
The 2012 BBC NOW China Tour is coming to Shanghai on July 12. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is both a national and broadcasting orchestra, and occupies a very important place in the heart of the Welsh community. Led by principal conductor Thierry Fischer, this orchestra has won audiences the world over and is in high demand in many of the United Kingdom's major music festivals. NOW is also known for their community work in schools, workplaces, and community centres. Book your tickets now to enjoy one of the UK's most popular and in demand orchestras this summer season.

When: July 12, 19:30
Where: Shanghai Oriental Art Center
Price: 80, 180, 380, 580, 880, 1,280 RMB
Website: http://en.piao.com.cn/shanghai/ticket_2622.html

3) American Original Edition: Shrek the MusicalView In Map
Shrek the Musical is coming to Shanghai, just in time to please the family this summer. Based on the original animated picture, this show retains the great humour of the motion picture. The show leaves the original story line, but tells the audience more about the backgrounds of Shrek, Princes Fiona, and Lord Farquaad. Sutton Foster makes a great Princess Fiona and is wonderful at delivering the memorable tunes from the show, as well as those dry fart jokes the kids love. Parents will chuckle a bit too as side references to Disney, Bob Fosse, Woody Allen, and a number of grown up favourites sneak their way into this children's favourite. 

When: July-August 5, 19:30
Add:  Shanghai Culture Square, #36 Yongjia Road, Luwan District, Shanghai
地址: 上海卢湾区永嘉路36号
Tel: 021 51509199
Price: 80, 120, 200, 280, 300, 380, 400, 480, 600, 680, 800 RMB
Website: http://en.piao.com.cn/shanghai/ticket_2616.htm

4) 2012 Disney LiveView In Map
Another super option for Shanghai families this summer is the 2012 Disney Live performance. Stars from the Little Mermaid, Toy Story, and Aladdin will rock it out, retelling some of your favourite stories to the sweet sounds of pop, reggae, hip hop, swing, and much more. This live concert is perfect for the entire family and will leave you with many long lasting memories. 

When: July 13, 19:30 (Chinese); July 14, 19:30 (English), 10:30 (Chinese), 16:00 (Chinese)
Add: Shanghai International Gymnastic Center, 777 Wuyi Road, Changning District, Shanghai
地址: 上海长宁区武夷路777号
Tel: 21 5150 9199
Price: 100-500 RMB. Packages: 550 RMB (two people); 800 RMB (three people)
Website: http://en.piao.com.cn/shanghai/ticket_2641.html
Getting there:  Take bus 73,69,74,88,96,121,224,756,825,709,829,856,909, Zhong Wei Line, Light Rail Line 3 or 4, or Subway Line 2

5) Shanghai Tango Dance PerformanceView In Map
Shanghai Tango is a set of 10 choreographic works from Jinxing Dance Theatre's past 25 years of dance. The dances, costumes, and music choice are a blend of East and West, and incorporate some Chinese folk tales into the performances themselves. The title piece, inspired by a folk tale about a mother who must choose between her lover and her family, is not a tango, however the music by Astor Piazzola is heavily influence by the sultry dance. Waltzes mix with Red Army uniforms, as the blend of East and West will enchant you throughout each individual dance performance. The Jin Xing Dance Theatre is the first and foremost independent dance ensemble in China, and has been awarded various awards for pieces such as Half Dream, a dance where the founder, Jin Xing, was awarded best choreographer at the 1991 American Dance Festival.

When: July 19-20, 19:15
Add: Shanghai Oriental Art Center Opera Hall, #272 Fengxian Road, Jing'An District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市静安区奉贤路272号
Tel: 021 6217 2426/021 6217 3055
Price: 60, 120, 220, 320, 420 RMB
Website: http://www.culture.sh.cn/english/product.asp?id=1116

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Keywords: Shanghai summer activities Shanghai performances July 2012 Shanghai events in Shanghai