LARP Events in China – Live Action Roleplay in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou & Beyond
China's live-action roleplay (LARP) scene—known locally as "剧本杀" (jubensha, or "script murder") and "沉浸式剧本体验" (immersive script experience)—has exploded in popularity over the last decade. While most venues and events are run in Chinese, a growing number of large-scale, narrative-driven LARP events are accessible to international participants, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. These games range from immersive murder mysteries and historical dramas to fantasy adventures and innovative original scenarios. Below is a list of the most notable, publicly accessible, in-person LARP events in China as of 2025—excluding pure historical reenactments and play-by-post games.
[CluePlus LARP (线索+) – Nationwide (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chengdu)]
Primary language: Chinese (some English-language events in Shanghai & Beijing)
Genre/theme: Modern mystery, sci-fi, horror, original immersive drama
Description: The largest commercial LARP venue chain in China, CluePlus hosts dozens of different interactive "scripted" LARP games every month, including weekend-long immersive mysteries, horror/thriller nights, and fantasy adventures. Some special events are run in English and explicitly welcome international participants (especially in expat-heavy areas of Shanghai/Beijing). Their scripts are well-produced, with professional actors and elaborate sets.
Website: clueplus.cn or WeChat official account "线索plus"
[Re:World (Shanghai Immersive LARP Community)]
Primary language: Bilingual (Chinese & English runs available)
Genre/theme: Fantasy, sci-fi, cyberpunk, historical, original indie scenarios
Description: Re:World is an independent LARP design group in Shanghai hosting monthly large-group narrative-driven games, including 3–4 hour "immersion" sessions and full-day story events. Their English-language sessions (often co-organized with local international communities) include cyberpunk dystopia, historical murder mystery, and urban fantasy. They also run collaborative world-building LARPs inspired by Western-style live roleplay.
Official link: [WeChat/Weixin search: "Re:World LARP"] or Meetup "Shanghai Tabletop & LARP"
[JuBenSha International (Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou)]
Primary language: Chinese (occasional English-language or bilingual sessions)
Genre/theme: Murder mystery, period drama, detective, horror
Description: "剧本杀" is the most widespread LARP format in China—essentially live-action murder mystery games with elaborate props, costumes, and venues. JuBenSha International is a collective of venues offering English-friendly, foreigner-accessible sessions in major cities. Scenarios are often 6–8 players, but special "immersive mega-nights" (with 20–50+ participants and multi-room sets) run monthly.
Official page: jbsinternational.cn (for current English/expat events), or join the "Beijing LARPers," "Shanghai LARPers," or "Guangzhou LARP" WeChat groups
[The Golden Mask – (西安 Xi'an)]
Primary language: Chinese (English by arrangement for groups)
Genre/theme: Historical palace intrigue, murder mystery
Description: A flagship LARP by "The Golden Mask" venue, held in a real restored Tang Dynasty palace set in Xi'an. Players become court officials, concubines, eunuchs, and generals embroiled in a web of betrayal, secret societies, and ancient magic. The experience features professional actors, period costumes, and multi-room immersive sets. Private group bookings can arrange for bilingual game hosts.
Official link: WeChat mini-program or Dianping: "金面具沉浸剧本杀"
[Chang'an Fantasy (长安幻境) – Xi'an, Chengdu, Hangzhou (Traveling Event)]
Primary language: Chinese
Genre/theme: High-fantasy "Xianxia" (immortal heroes), martial arts, historical adventure
Description: One of China's best-known immersive high-fantasy LARP events, Chang'an Fantasy is a weekend camp-style experience with 100+ participants. Players take roles as immortals, martial artists, or court officials in an ancient Chinese mythic setting, complete with duels, rituals, and collaborative storytelling. The production value (sets, costumes, SFX) is among the best in Asia.
Official link: changanfantasy.com or "长安幻境" on WeChat
[International LARP Expo (Shanghai)]
Primary language: English & Chinese
Genre/theme: Multi-genre festival; includes workshops, public demo games, and new scenario showcases
Description: An annual weekend LARP and narrative gaming festival in Shanghai featuring both local Chinese and international game designers. The expo offers English-language one-shot games, panel talks, and playtests for new large-scale "mega-LARP" formats. It's the most accessible event for foreigners interested in the China LARP scene.
Official link: Announced annually via "Shanghai International LARP Expo" on Meetup/WeChat
Sources and Additional Information
Sources: Official venue sites and LARP community listings (including CluePlus, Re:World, JBS International, Dianping, and Chinese LARP associations). "Jubensha" is now a massive industry in China, and new games are constantly being developed—especially in Shanghai and Beijing's expat scenes.
Note: While the majority of Chinese LARP games are in Mandarin, expat-heavy cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou host English-friendly and international sessions—especially on weekends or for private groups. Most venues provide WeChat mini-programs for updates and booking.
Shanghai
- Most English-friendly LARP scene
- Home to Re:World and International LARP Expo
- Regular bilingual events
Beijing
- Large expat LARP community
- CluePlus flagship venues
- English sessions available
Guangzhou/Shenzhen
- Growing international LARP scene
- JuBenSha International presence
- Weekend English events
Xi'an
- Historical and fantasy focus
- The Golden Mask venue
- Chang'an Fantasy events