“Gateway to a hundred pleasures” whispers the name above the entrance. This is The Paramount in Shanghai a legendary ballroom. Built in 1933 by Chinese bankers it was the largest in the city. Architect S J Young designed this Art Deco masterpiece. Its location off Bubbling Well Road made it a hub for Shanghai’s elite.
The Paramount wasn’t just a dance hall. It was a symbol of a glamorous era. Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin graced its floors. The spring floor was perfect for dancing. An upstairs crystal floor offered privacy. Private dining rooms catered to lavish parties. The venue even had a hotel section with luxurious suites.
But The Paramount’s story isn’t just glitz and glamour. It faced hardship. It went bankrupt in 1936. It became a taxi dance hall. Then after the Communist Revolution it transformed into the Red Capitol Cinema. Maoist propaganda films replaced the jazz. The Cultural Revolution left the building neglected. A facade collapse in 1990 even claimed a life.
Yet The Paramount endured. Taiwanese investors poured money into its restoration in 2001. The red and gold decor returned. But challenges persisted. In 2006 plans to add a disco caused concern among preservationists. The Paramount later reopened as a nightclub in 2017.
This building saw a murder. Dancer Chen Manli was killed there in 1940. The mystery of her death remains unsolved. The Paramount witnessed the engagement of Anna Chennault and Claire Chennault. It hosted the legendary Charlie Chaplin during a visit to Shanghai. It’s a place where history and nightlife intertwine.
Today The Paramount continues its unique journey. Afternoon tea dinner and dancing beckon. It offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s vibrant past. Step inside and feel the echoes of laughter and music. The Paramount is more than a building. It is a living testament to a city’s captivating story.