Xi'an's immersive entertainment scene is built around its imperial history — live-action puzzle games set inside recreated Tang dynasty environments where you solve mysteries as a character within the story. More narrative-driven than a standard escape room, and the historical setting makes it especially interesting for Tom. Look for venues near the Bell Tower or check Dianping for current top-rated options.

A theatrical dinner performance recreating Tang dynasty court music, dance, and costume — the Tang period (618–907 AD) is China's cultural golden age and Xi'an was its capital. Entirely visual and musical — no language needed at all. Shaanxi Grand Opera House runs the most reputable version. Already slotted into Day 8 evening for the whole group.

Xi'an has a growing scene of gaming teahouses — traditional settings where you play tabletop games, many themed around Three Kingdoms and imperial Chinese history. A perfect crossover for Tom's history and board gaming interests. Best found via Dianping on the night. Cheap, relaxed, and a genuine local experience rather than a tourist one.

Shaanxi is famous for intricate paper cutting (jiǎnzhǐ) and leather shadow puppets with 1,000+ years of history. Many workshops are run by older artisans with no English — book specifically through an English-language cultural operator. Sharon for the crafting; Vincent for the making and design angle. Already on Day 8 morning.

Xi'an's most iconic local breakfast — a rich mutton broth into which you tear and crumble a dense flatbread by hand (the tearing is done by you, and the size matters). Eaten at communal tables in no-frills canteens at 7am alongside locals. For a foodie this is the most authentic food experience in Xi'an — impossible to replicate outside the city and costs almost nothing. Already on Day 8 morning.

Beyond the food, the Muslim Quarter market stalls surrounding the Great Mosque sell scarves, silk goods, ceramic Terracotta Warrior replicas, and local crafts at prices well below any gift shop — everything negotiable. Sharon for the market energy and food; Mum for the bargain stalls; everyone for the eating. Point and order — zero language needed.

Shanghai has the strongest board game café culture of the three cities — multi-floor venues with thousands of games (many playable without Chinese). The French Concession area has the highest concentration. Some venues run regular game nights with English-speaking locals. Historically-themed Chinese strategy games are widely available for Tom. A great low-cost evening for Vincent, Jeremy, and Tom.

The Electronics City buildings near People's Square are multi-storey labyrinths of gadgets, components, retro gaming hardware, custom keyboards, and technology years ahead of NZ. This is where local makers, engineers, and gamers shop. Vincent and Jeremy could lose 3 hours here easily. Bargaining on the upper floors is done via calculator — no language needed. Already on Day 13 morning.

Several ceramics studios within M50 offer short bookable sessions where you throw your own piece on a wheel or hand-build something. A natural extension of the M50 visit. Sharon's making and crafts interests are perfectly suited; Vincent will enjoy the hands-on making angle. Look for studios with English-speaking instructors or ask at the M50 information desk on arrival.

A proper foodie activity — eating xiaolongbao at three or four different establishments across your Shanghai days and comparing the differences in skin thickness, broth intensity, and filling quality. Din Tai Fung is the famous benchmark but locals debate whether Jia Jia Tang Bao or Fu Chun does it better. Yang's Dumplings for the pan-fried sheng jian bao version is an equally essential comparison. Cheap enough to do multiple times without thinking about it.

The old lane house neighbourhoods (longtang) away from the French Concession tourist strip — elderly residents playing mahjong on the pavement, laundry strung between buildings, local wet market vendors, hole-in-the-wall noodle shops with three tables and one dish. Jing'an and Putuo districts have well-preserved longtang. The side of Shanghai most visitors never find because it doesn't have a sign. Just walk in and wander.

If the group adds a Zhujiajiao day trip, the stone arch bridges and canal reflections make it one of the most photographically rewarding half-days near Shanghai. Early morning before day-trippers arrive — the water is still and the light is soft. About 1 hour from central Shanghai. Optional flex activity if the group has a spare half-day.

Dongtai Road — vintage propaganda posters, porcelain, old cameras, jade jewellery, and genuine curios. Pair with Tianzifang nearby — a warren of French Concession alleyways with independent boutiques, textile shops, and handmade jewellery. Sharon's kind of morning; Mum for the browsing and occasional treasure find. Already on Day 10 afternoon.

A massive multi-floor wholesale clothing market where locals shop for everyday clothing at extremely low prices — less polished than AP Xinyang but bigger range and lower prices. Best early in the morning when stock is fullest. Very local, very good value. For Mum if clothing is a priority.

A 1930s slaughterhouse converted into one of Shanghai's most surreal spaces — a brutalist concrete labyrinth of walkways, bridges, and circular ramps across five floors, now housing boutiques, cafés, and studios. No tour needed, just wander. Tom for the layered history; Vincent for the design and photography angles. Almost no Western tourists. Completely free to explore.

Which city and venue is this, is it running in late October, and what do tickets cost? The page title doesn't say where it is. teamLab Borderless in Shanghai was removed because it isn't running, so this could be a replacement.

The page names Lujiazui Station. Check it's the Shanghai one, whether it's open on our dates, and how long it takes. Lujiazui is in Pudong, near Binjiang Park, so it could pair with Day 11.

Check whether it's open yet, where it is and how far from the city, ticket prices, and whether it's worth a day for our group.