Xuyan Immersive Tang Dynasty Banquet Shanghai 2026: Full Guide

What Is Xuyan? Shanghai's Immersive Tang Dynasty Banquet

Xuyan (叙宴) is not a restaurant — it is a 360° immersive cultural dining spectacle that resurrects the grandeur of Tang Dynasty court banquets. The name fuses "chronicling history" and "reminiscing with companions," and that is exactly what happens: you eat, watch, and participate in a living historical performance while seated inside a purpose-built theater.

Founded as a cultural bridge between modern vitality and ancient grandeur, Xuyan now operates in 5 Chinese cities (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Hefei, Taizhou, Shenzhen). Shanghai hosts three different shows across two venues, each with its own theme, choreography, and menu.

Three Shows, Two Venues: Which Xuyan Should You Pick?

Wan Bang Lai Chao — The Market Experience

The most interactive of the three. Guests dress in Tang attire, earn Tongbao coins, and browse a recreated Western Market before the banquet begins. During the show, watch Rainbow Robe dancers, acrobatic feats, and celebrations of the empire's prosperity. This is the best pick for families with children and first-timers who want participation over contemplation.

Chang'an Fu — The Museum Narrative

Guided by reanimated museum relics, this show weaves poetry, courtly arts, Silk Road commerce, and imperial secrets into a narrative arc. You witness the empire's glorious triumphs and poignant human dramas. Best for culture enthusiasts who want a story-driven experience with deeper historical layers.

Say Dunhuang — The Silk Road Fantasy

The newest addition, set at the stunning North Bund Raffles City atrium. Recreates the entire essence of Dunhuang — celestial dancers' flowing robes, grotto murals, and the jingling bells of Silk Road caravans. Best for photography lovers and those drawn to the mystical aesthetic of China's northwest.

Practical Details: Locations, Schedules, and Seating

Location 1: Jing'an (Wan Bang Lai Chao + Chang'an Fu)

Location 2: North Bund (Say Dunhuang)

Session Times

Seating Tiers and Prices (2026)

Tip: Children are automatically upgraded to their parents' tier (e.g., if parents hold VIP, kids sit VIP free). SVIP upgrade for children requires full-price purchase.

Hanfu Dress-Up and Makeup: Arrive Early

One of Xuyan's biggest draws is the traditional costume and makeup service. Arrive early to transform into a Tang Dynasty noble before the show begins.

Recommended arrival times for makeup:

• Lunch: 9:45–11:00 AM
• Dinner: 4:45–6:00 PM

Makeup is first-come, first-served (queue by number on site). For costume-only, arrive 30 minutes before the banquet.

The Food: What You Actually Eat

Each show pairs its performance with 8–10 courses of Tang-inspired cuisine. Dishes arrive timed to the performance — a flying celestial dance might accompany a delicate lotus-wrapped fish; a warrior's drum sequence might come with braised pork belly in palace style.

While the menus rotate seasonally, expect:

• Cold appetizers inspired by Silk Road ingredients (dried fruits, nuts, pickled vegetables)
• Signature hot dishes — slow-braised meats, steamed fish, lotus-root preparations
• Palace-style desserts — osmanthus jelly, red bean pastries, tea-infused sweets
• SVIP and VIP tiers receive exclusive premium dishes not available in standard seating

The meal is designed as a narrative — each course corresponds to a chapter of the performance, so the food becomes part of the storytelling.

Tips for International Visitors

Language Barrier?

Minimal. The shows rely on visual spectacle, music, and dance — not dialogue-heavy theater. English scene descriptions are projected on screens. Menus are bilingual. You will understand 90% of the experience without any Mandarin.

Photography and Social Media

Photography is allowed and encouraged. The 360° stage, Hanfu costumes, and dramatic lighting make Xuyan one of Shanghai's most Instagram-worthy experiences. Arrive early in Hanfu to take photos at the dedicated photo spots before the show.

Booking

• Advance booking strongly recommended — especially weekends and holidays
• Shows frequently sell out 3–5 days ahead
• SVIP seats (front rows) sell out fastest
• Private event buyout available for groups (¥98,000–¥128,000, up to 162 guests)

Getting There From Popular Areas

How Xuyan Compares to Other Cultural Dining in Shanghai

Plan Your Xuyan Visit

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