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Great World (Da Shi Jie)

Shanghai Region · China

8 story sections14 min 55 s in all

Now, it's more of a curated museum of fun, but its spirit is absolutely timeless.

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Great World (Da Shi Jie)2:10

    Welcome to the Great World, or Da Shi Jie, a name that once echoed through the streets of old Shanghai as the ultimate destination for wonder and amusement. Founded in 1917 by the entrepreneur Huang Chujiu, this massive complex…

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  2. 2The Centenary Façade and the Stepped Tower1:50

    The first thing that strikes any visitor to the Great World is its imposing facade, a century-old sentinel in the heart of the city. The architecture is a fascinating example of the 'Shanghai Style'—a blend of Western Beaux-Arts…

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  3. 3The Twelve Magic Mirrors: A Distorted Legend1:51

    No visit to the Great World is complete without experiencing the legendary Twelve Magic Mirrors. Located near the main entrance hall, these distorted mirrors have been a staple of the venue since it first opened in 1917. …

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  4. 4Traditional Performance Stages: The Soul of Da Shi Jie1:56

    The true soul of the Great World lies in its numerous performance stages, which have hosted thousands of acts over the past century. Historically, the venue was famous for its 'continuous performances,' where multiple shows would…

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  5. 5The Indoor Alleys: Recreating Old Shanghai1:45

    As you wander through the upper floors of the Great World, you will encounter a series of 'Indoor Alleys' designed to recreate the atmosphere of early 20th-century Shanghai. These areas are modeled after the traditional shikumen…

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  6. 6Interactive Folk Craft Workshops1:53

    One of the most engaging aspects of the modern Great World is its series of interactive folk craft workshops. Here, visitors can watch skilled artisans at work and even try their hand at traditional Chinese crafts such as paper…

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  7. 7The Grand Staircase and Social History1:55

    The Grand Staircase of the Great World is more than just a means of moving between floors; it is a vital part of the venue’s social architecture. Historically, this staircase was a place to see and be seen, where the city’s elite…

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  8. 8Closing1:35

    As you prepare to exit the Great World and step back into the neon-lit reality of modern Shanghai, take a final look at the mirrors, the stages, and the historic tower that have defined this place for over a century. The Great…

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What is Great World (Da Shi Jie)?

Great World (Da Shi Jie) is a place in Shanghai Region · China with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationShanghai Region · China
TypeNature
Story sections8
Total length14 min 55 s in all
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates31.2285, 121.4786
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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