Artist impression of the West Bund Star Dome. Photo Credit: Xuhui district government
It’s not just Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi which are home to the immersive megadome venues. A series of multi-million-dollar Sphere-style venues are planned or opening across China.
Tiangong Nova, Hubei
In central China, the Tiangong Nova venue in Qianjiang, Hubei province officially opened on 30 May. IQ Magazine reported that it is approximately “80% smaller” than the 20,000-capacity Las Vegas Sphere.
The venue is clad in a 7,500sqm LED exterior display, while the interior features a 3,200sqm LED screen on the interior, complete with a multi-channel sound system, motion-synchronised seats, and retractable stands that allows the venue to transform for a range or event types – from live entertainment to exhibitions.
West Bund Star Dome, Shanghai
The latest announcement is Shanghai’s West Bund Star Dome, a 1.2 billion yuan (US$177.9 million) immersive spherical venue planned along the Huangpu River in the city’s Xuhui district.
The 3,000-capacity venue was formally approved during the fifth Shanghai Tourism Investment Promotion Conference and is expected to begin construction later this year ahead of a targeted opening by the end of 2027.
Located in the core area of the Xuhui waterfront, south of the West Bund Dome Art Center and adjacent to the Gate M West Bund Dream Center commercial complex, the spherical venue will feature an intelligent LED facade designed to create flowing lighting effects visible across the river from Lujiazui’s skyline.
Inside, the venue will incorporate a 360-degree panoramic screen system and circular audience layout designed for fully immersive experiences. Planned programming includes immersive performances, digital art exhibitions, fashion shows, international brand activations and technology-driven light displays.
Its location along the Xuhui waterfront also places it within reach of Shanghai’s broader Expo and Qiantan districts, potentially creating synergies with major conventions and trade fairs taking place elsewhere in the city.
Future plans call for stronger integration across the West Bund cultural corridor, linking attractions including Tank Shanghai, West Bund Theatre and the riverside promenade into a larger waterfront destination cluster.
Guangzhou Pearl Spherical Giant Screen
Meanwhile, Guangzhou authorities have approved the Guangzhou Pearl Spherical Giant Screen project, a planned 5,000-capacity immersive venue estimated to cost 1.5 billion yuan, although no construction timeline has yet been announced.