With a collision of old meets new, last night witnessed the grand opening of Yu Shanghai, what is being billed as the city’s first “highly imaginative theatre-restaurant”. The multi-storey venue includes a restaurant, bar, rooftop terrace and theatre located within a 600-year-old Ming-style building in historic Yu Garden. Conceptualized by Connections Restaurant Management, it superlatively promises an “extraordinary visual and gastronomic experience”.

Within its walls Yu’s theme juxtaposes traditional patterns and imagery with contemporary design – it moves effortlessly from Ming and Qing décor through modern Shanghainese styles. The menu also includes traditional themes with new twists and flavours.

Perhaps the most important aspect of Yu Shanghai is the multi-media extravaganza entitled “Déjà Vu”, a performance that features gymnastics, martial arts, Chinese opera and dancing accompanied by traditional and modern music. The 45 minute journey transports the audience from a beginning in the 1930’s, back through Shanghai’s history.

Like a good painting the subjectivity of an evening at Yu will depend on personal taste. However, with much on offer for all five senses, Yu Shanghai is quite the experience. Dinner and a show start at RMB 388.

69 Jiu Jiao Chang Lu, Yu Garden, Shanghai. Tel: 6193 2909. www.yushanghai.com