The world's first VR fantasy musical film, Yao A Yao, has premiered at Shanghai's historic Zhangyuan site. This immersive experience invites the public to step into the bustling alleyway life of 1990s Shanghai.

The musical film offers a fully immersive VR experience with voiceovers available in Mandarin, English, and Shanghai dialect. It aims to create a Shanghai version of La La Land for the global audience.

Putting on the VR headset, audiences can explore recreated landmarks such as Shikumen architecture, communal kitchens, the giant screen at People's Square, Metro Line 1, and Suzhou Creek — all designed to revive shared memories of the city.

Yao A Yao is more than an immersive show about Shanghai's urban past; it serves as a significant starting point for building a "Shanghai digital memory archive". Every brick, tile, and detail in the production is based on real-life references, digitally preserving the essence of Shanghai-style life.

If you go

When: Now through Feb 28, 2026

Where: 2F, Building W1, Zhangyuan, No 280 North Maoming Road, Jing'an district

Ticket price:

• Standard: 128 yuan ($18.15) per person
• Early bird: 95 yuan per person

Ticket purchase: Available on major ticketing platforms such as Maoyan and Damai.

Sources: WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an district media center at "jaxwzx", Yao A Yao