Paramount Hall, officially known as ‘Paramount Hotel Ballroom’, was first established in 1932 and officially opened on December 14, 1933. It quickly became a hub for the elite, with neon lights and jazz music echoing through the bustling crowd of dancers. The genius film star Charlie Chaplin visited twice, accompanied by Mei Lanfang; the patriotic general Zhang Xueliang was a frequent visitor; the legendary couple Anna Chennault and Claire Lee Chennault chose this place for their engagement; and famous singers and actresses such as Zhang Lu, Bai Hong, Zhou Xuan, and Gong Qiuxia showcased their talents here.
In 2013, the restoration of Paramount Hall commenced, taking three years and costing 120 million yuan. The restoration adhered to the principle of ‘restoring the old as the old’, consulting a vast amount of historical and cultural materials to preserve the charm of 1930s Shanghai dance halls. Today, Paramount Hall has regained its former glory, with an extremely ornate exterior and a luxurious interior. Massive crystal chandeliers, sprung wooden dance floors, and classic glass dances… all those high-end scenes that can only be seen in old movies have been recreated. The second floor features private rooms named after eight famous performers, each with a different style, showcasing their splendor. There is also the Charlie Chaplin Round Hall, the Young Marshal Glass Dance Floor, and the ‘Flying Tigers General’ Claire Lee Chennault and Anna Chennault Round Hall. The third floor is a nostalgic grand ballroom, styled after the nightlife of 1930s Shanghai, complete with an international standard dance floor, reminiscent of the classic era. The reopened Paramount Hall has restored some of the signature entertainment of the time, including tea dances, banquet dances, and jazz performances, all of which can be enjoyed here. Open all year round from 14:00 to 22:30.
