Located on Yangjingbang West Street in the former French concession, now No. 1 Xizang Zhonglu, it was run by tycoon Huang Chujiu, who accumulated his wealth from pharmaceuticals, entertainment, tobacco and other commercial ventures.

Covering an area of over 14,700 square metres, it boasted a unique and novel inner design, combining roof gardens, theatres, halls used for different purposes, and pavilions. Originally built with only two floors, its expansion in 1924 doubled its overall height and then redoubled it with a four-storey clock tower, but the 'Public Hall' on the ground floor remained the most popular place for the city's courtesans to practice their skills.

The Grand Theatre, inside, with a seating capacity of 1,000 people on its two floors, was an eye-catching attraction. Movies were shown there during the daytime, with detective films, thrillers and chase films catering to various tastes.

But at night, Peking Opera was the only choice. Elsewhere within the Great World, variety shows and folk art performances of many kinds also took place.

With more than 60 recreational programmes, of which many were introduced from abroad, and thousands of artisans, the Great World welcomed an average of 20,000 visitors every day. This achievements established its eminent position in the Shanghai entertainment industry during that time.

The economic recession in the 1930s destroyed Huang Chujiu's speculative investments and drove him into bankruptcy. Huang Jinrong became the Great World's new owner, but its heyday had passed. It was used as a temporary refugee camp in the Anti-Japanese War.

Managed by its staff members immediately after Liberation in 1949, it shifted its management to the Shanghai municipal government in 1954 and was renamed the 'People's Entertainment Park'. It was turned into the 'Youth Palace' in 1974.

After the implementation of the reform and opening up policy, the Great World regained its former position and geared up for the new era.

Apart from preserving the traditional programmes such as drama, acrobatics and ballad singing, new amusement items were added as well. The average admission charged was 30 yuan (US$3.60) per person.

But the Great World will face yet another change soon as its restoration plan has been included in the city's new Five-Year Plan and intense preparations are already underway.

The Great World still has surprises in store for the Shanghai entertainment industry, with the curtain due to rise again in 2005. 

2002/12/12
Source: Shanghai Star