Shanghai Shiyan Dinner Show Review: Hanfu & Royal Feast Experience

Shanghai Influencer (Wanghong) Experience Dinner Show

Booking Shiyan: My Honest Review

Text/Photos by @Chaeng

On your Shanghai trip, if you want to go beyond ordinary restaurants and tourist spots,

and crave a truly special experience, then pay attention!

Ever wished there was more to an influencer (Wanghong) makeup and photo shoot?

Where you can enjoy imperial cuisine and captivating performances all at once?

Allow me to introduce you to Shiyan (SHIYAN·诗宴) 😊

Shiyan isn't just a restaurant where you simply dine;

it's an immersive cultural experience space that beautifully reinterprets

China's ancient poetry culture and traditional banquet traditions for the modern era.

Not only can you don a Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) and dazzling Wanghong-style makeup

and capture stunning photos in an elegant, antique-inspired setting,

but you can also savor traditional Chinese cuisine and enjoy captivating performances.

It’s truly a perfect travel itinerary for anyone looking to create unique memories

during their trip to Shanghai.

1. How to Book Shiyan (SHIYAN) Shanghai

Shiyan offers an immersive dinner show experience where you get to wear Hanfu,

savor delicious food, and enjoy traditional Chinese performances.

The Shanghai branch, in particular, is themed around the glorious golden age of Chinese culture,

transporting you to a special banquet in a truly traditional atmosphere,

offering a truly novel experience.

Address in English

699 Yingkou Road, Changhai Street, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China

Address in Chinese

上海市杨浦区长海街道营口路699号

Gaode Map (AutoNavi)

To enjoy not only the influencer experience but also the dinner show,

advance reservations are essential.

Prices vary depending on the row: Row 1 / Rows 2-3 / Rows 4-6.

Row 1 features 360-degree rotating tables,

allowing you to enjoy the performance more intimately without anyone blocking your view.

The back rows offer a panoramic view of the entire performance hall,

perfect for soaking in the full ambiance.

Performances are available for lunch (12 PM) and dinner (7 PM),

and you can choose whether to include the makeup and costume experience.

You can also select between a standard meal and a vegetarian option.

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Book Your Spot Here!

2. The Wanghong Makeup and Hanfu Experience

I chose the dinner show package that included a standard meal + Hanfu (costume) + hairstyling + makeup.

To fully enjoy the makeup experience,

it's recommended to arrive 2 hours before the performance begins.

There were Hanfu options for both women and men,

ranging from elegant princess dresses to imperial robes, warrior outfits, and many more!

Each costume had a photo of someone wearing it, so you could easily see and choose your favorite.

You could also try on different outfits and switch if you weren't completely satisfied,

making it easy to find your perfect look.

With dedicated staff for both hair and makeup,

they worked simultaneously, and their hands were incredibly fast!

My previous Wanghong experience in Shanghai took over an hour,

but this time, my makeup and hair were completely finished in just 20 minutes.

They even applied false eyelashes and styled everything to perfectly complement the costume.

They perfectly matched my eyeshadow and blush in beautiful pink tones!

Once your makeup is done, you'll step out to find a photo zone,

where you can snap as many pictures as your heart desires until the show begins!

The lobby exuded the grandeur of a modern banquet hall,

with a lavish splendor that truly made it feel like stepping into a magnificent wedding.

Following the staff's gracious guidance, we stepped into the magnificent performance hall!

All the staff members were fully adorned in royal court lady and eunuch costumes,

serving tea and liquor with captivating performances.

It truly felt like I had been invited to a real imperial banquet!

With fellow audience members all around, dressed in Hanfu just like me,

the experience became even more vivid and immersive!

3. Immersive Performance

While each Xiyan branch offers a slightly different performance, the Shanghai branch is themed 'The Golden Age,'

reinterpreting Chinese imperial culture with a modern twist, unfolding a spectacular and elegant performance.

Throughout the show, witty NPCs made appearances,

and their interaction with the audience was quite memorable.

With each act, the costumes and dances changed, offering a rich visual feast, and even to my untrained eye,

the dancers' movements felt incredibly graceful and beautiful.

Since the performance is primarily about experiencing and enjoying the dance,

not knowing Chinese wasn't an issue at all.

4. Traditional Chinese Imperial Banquet

Before the meal, appetizers were already laid out on the table,

and throughout the performance, our teacups and wine glasses were continuously refilled, ensuring they never ran dry until the very end.

Dishes were served between acts, allowing us to eat while enjoying the performance

without ever feeling rushed.

Each menu item is inspired by classical Chinese poetry and historical culture.

From delectable Kung Pao Shrimp to succulent rib steak and classic Hongshao Rou (braised pork belly),

the menu featured universally loved dishes. To ensure the food stayed warm throughout the meal,

it was served with warmers, so even while watching the performance,

our dishes remained perfectly warm.

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From Tanghulu and noodle dishes to desserts,

the menu was crafted with iconic Chinese foods,

making it substantial and the food quality truly excellent.

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After the performance, all the actors came out

to present a combined stage act.

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I initially thought one actor was dancing multiple times,

but I was genuinely surprised to learn that each segment featured a different performer.

It's truly a production brought to life by so many talented individuals!

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Once the show concludes, you can even take photos with the performers,

so be sure to capture a memorable moment with them! 😊

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If you follow Shiyan's official Instagram account,

there's a special event for Korean visitors where they'll take a Polaroid photo for you!

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Make sure to follow them in advance and

don't forget to snap a photo before you leave! ♥️

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Shanghai Imperial Banquet 🏮Shiyan (@sh_palace_dinner_kr) • Instagram Photos and Videoswww.instagram.com

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With traditional costumes, makeup, food, and performances

all happening in one captivating space,

Shiyan allows you to enjoy a variety of experiences

without having to move between different locations, making it

a fantastic place to visit on your Shanghai trip.

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Advance reservations are essential before your visit,

and if you plan to try the Wanghong makeup experience,

don't forget to arrive 2 hours early!

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Book Now

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