One of the POB's gala showpieces, Blake Works I. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The first time the POB visited Shanghai was in 2005, when its performance of Giselle created a sensation in the city, says Zhang Xiaoding, general manager of Shanghai Grand Theatre.

"It is very difficult to have the company come to China, because the cost is really high," Zhang says.

"We decided to make the best out of the opportunity, and prepared lectures, workshops and other educational programs to allow the artists to communicate with the public in Shanghai."

Tickets to the four Swan Lake shows sold out quickly, and the theater added dozens of temporary seats for each performance.