Shanghai Guided Royal Banquet Photo (Incl) with Massage Opt

Planning a trip to Shanghai and craving an experience that combines history, culture, and a touch of royalty? This guided royal banquet promises an evening full of traditional performances, exquisite cuisine, and opportunities for cultural dressing and relaxation. We’ve gathered all the details to help you decide if this immersive experience is worth your time and money.

While the price starts at just $20 per person—covering the reservation fee—the real value lies in the richness of the activities, from live dance shows to authentic food, with plenty of personalized touches like photography and optional massage treatments. It’s a unique way to step back into imperial China without leaving the city.

We love the chance to wear traditional costumes and get professional makeup, turning into a Chinese aristocrat for an evening. The performances, including dance and music, are highly praised, along with the knowledgeable guides who make the experience both fun and educational. The food, showcasing royal Chinese dishes, is another highlight, with reviewers noting it’s both beautifully presented and delicious.

A potential consideration is that the experience can feel a bit rushed, especially if you opt for costume and makeup. Also, the mandatory dine-in fee is on-site, which adds to the overall cost, but many feel it’s a worthwhile investment for the memorable photos and cultural insight.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy cultural activities, want authentic photo opportunities, and appreciate good food and entertainment. It’s perfect for those seeking a fun, educational, and visually stunning evening in Shanghai.

Good To Know

• Authentic culture with traditional dance, music, and tea ceremonies.
• Royal cuisine that offers a taste of imperial China, with vegetarian and special diet options.
• Photo opportunities dressed in traditional costumes and professional makeup.
• Expert guides who explain each performance and help capture memories.
• Optional massage treatments for relaxation afterward.
• Affordable price considering the included performances and cultural activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

This tour kicks off at a central meeting point in Jing’an District, Shanghai, with easy access and clear directions. The venue is styled to evoke the grandeur of an ancient Chinese court, creating an atmosphere that transports guests back in time. As soon as you arrive, the sense of anticipation builds, especially if you’ve chosen to wear a traditional costume—an extra fee but well worth the memories you’ll create.

The Cultural Performances

The core of this experience is the live performances, which are both visually stunning and culturally informative. The Royal Dance, a highlight praised by many reviewers like Michela, who called the show “really entertaining,” features ladies with floral hairpins performing intricate movements that mimic courtly elegance. The Musical Rite showcases traditional Chinese instruments such as the guzheng and pipa, adding a melodic layer to the evening.

The Tea Ritual stands out as a serene moment, where you learn the art of Chinese tea-making—an ancient tradition appreciated for its subtle flavors and calming effect. The Sacrificial Rite and Welcome Rite give insight into imperial ceremonies, making the evening feel like a journey through history.

The Royal Dining Experience

The meal itself is a major draw. The menu, carefully curated with dishes like braised Dongpo pork, crispy black pepper beef, and crab with pickled radish, offers a taste of imperial delicacies. There are options for vegans and those with dietary restrictions, which many reviewers appreciate.

Your guide will explain each dish, enhancing the dining experience. Several guests, including Juan Alexandre, emphasized how beautifully presented and delicious the food was, providing a genuine taste of Chinese culinary heritage. The inclusion of traditional teas and Chinese fruit wine complements the meal, elevating the experience.

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Dressing Up and Photography

One of the most fun aspects is the opportunity to dress in traditional Chinese costumes—an optional add-on costing around 100 CNY. Reviewers like Khadija enjoyed this, noting how dressing up added “beautiful photos” and a memorable touch to the night. Makeup services are also available, with hundreds of options representing different dynasties, allowing you to transform into an elegant figure from China’s past.

Guests like Anastasiya praised the professional team, saying, “we felt like at home,” thanks to the friendly staff and personalized assistance. Be aware that dressing up can feel a little rushed if the venue is busy, but the results are often stunning.

The Guide and Photo Service

Our reviews consistently mention the value of the knowledgeable guides, especially Bonnie, who was described as “super nice,” “very helpful,” and “making everything smooth from start to finish.” She not only explained each performance but also took excellent photos, which guests cherish long after the event.

Many reviewers expressed how guides went above and beyond—checking in regularly, helping with transportation, and sharing tips about Shanghai. This personal touch makes the experience feel more curated and enjoyable.

Massage and Relaxation Options

After a long evening of culture, you might consider adding a traditional Chinese massage—an optional service costing around 250 CNY for a 60-minute meridian massage or 300 CNY with oil. Guests like Khadija and Anastasiya found these treatments relaxing and a perfect way to unwind after the festivities.

The massage practitioners use knowledge of meridians to ease muscles and promote relaxation, making it a valued add-on for those who want to extend their experience of well-being.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just $20 for the reservation fee, this experience offers incredible value considering the performances, food, and personalized photography included. On-site, the full royal dining costs around 1000 CNY (~$139), which many feel justifies the overall expense, especially when combined with the cultural insights and photo memories.

The optional costume and makeup services, at around 100 CNY each, can elevate the experience, making it even more memorable. The massage options, although extra, are highly rated and affordable compared to typical spa treatments in Shanghai.

Why It’s a Great Deal

Guests consistently praise the quality of the food and performances, with reviewers like Michela and Tatyana highlighting how well-organized and engaging they found the evening. The guide’s explanations help demystify Chinese traditions, making the experience accessible for everyone, whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a fun night out.

Practical Tips

• Advance booking is essential—reserve at least 2 days ahead, preferably 15+ days in advance, especially for costume and makeup options.
• Arrive early if you want to enjoy dressing up and makeup before the official start times (lunch at 12:10 or dinner at 19:00).
• Prepare for on-site payments for the full meal and optional extras, as these are not included in the initial reservation fee.
• Communicate special requests (VIP seating, dietary needs, massage) via WhatsApp for a smoother experience.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an enthralling cultural experience that combines history, entertainment, and gastronomy. It’s especially suited for those interested in traditional Chinese customs and wanting memorable photo opportunities. Families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy immersive activities and aren’t shy about dressing up will find this particularly delightful.

However, if you prefer a very relaxed, low-key evening or want a more exclusive, private experience, this might feel a little busy or touristy. Still, most reviews indicate the guides and staff work hard to make everyone feel special.

The Sum Up

This royal banquet in Shanghai offers a rare glimpse into China’s imperial past through performances, cuisine, and dress-up fun. It’s a well-rounded, affordable experience that delivers more than just a night of entertainment—it’s a full cultural package that’s both educational and visually stunning.

The presence of a knowledgeable guide like Bonnie, the high-quality performances, and the opportunity to wear traditional costumes make this a memorable activity. The food alone is worth mention—beautifully presented and authentic, giving you a real taste of China’s luxurious culinary history.

If you’re curious about Chinese traditions, looking for a fun photo souvenir, or simply want to experience a slice of old China, this tour ticks all the boxes. It offers a mix of entertainment, history, and relaxation—perfect for making your trip to Shanghai truly special.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s generally aimed at adults, with children under 3 years old not suitable. Most reviews highlight adult participation, especially with costumes and performances.

Can I book the costume and makeup services separately?
Yes, these are optional add-ons costing around 100 CNY each. They can be booked in advance or on-site, but booking ahead ensures better availability.

What does the full royal dining include?
The meal features Chinese delicacies such as braised Dongpo pork, crispy beef, crab with pickled radish, and more. Vegetarian and special diet options are available.

What time should I arrive?
Dining begins at lunchtime (12:10) or dinner (19:00). Arriving earlier allows time for costume and makeup. The experience ends back at the meeting point, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Is the guide English-speaking?
Yes, guides like Bonnie speak English and explain each performance and dish, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

How much does the full experience cost on-site?
The mandatory full royal meal costs around 1000 CNY (~$139). Additional costs include costume (~100 CNY) and makeup (~100 CNY). Massage treatments are optional and priced separately.

Can I get photos during the banquet?
Absolutely. Guides are known for taking excellent photos, especially if you opt for the costume and makeup service. Many reviewers cherish these photos as souvenirs.

Is it a group or private experience?
Most tours are group-based, but the guide personalizes explanations and photos. The overall size varies, making it lively but manageable.

What should I wear?
Casual but comfortable clothing is fine, especially if you plan to dress up. If you opt for costume dressing, you’ll be given a traditional outfit.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This royal banquet in Shanghai promises a vibrant, educational, and truly immersive cultural night. Whether you’re after stunning photos, a taste of imperial China, or just a fun evening out, it’s a memorable experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby