Nightlife in Shanghai
Shanghai is considered one of the most buzzing cities in Asia and its nightlife reflects that. There's a definite tendency towards the luxurious, especially around the Bund area, where cocktails and party frocks are the norm at places like Bar Rouge. More relaxed drinking can be found in the French Concession quarter at laid-back Cotton's. Most nightclubs are open until late and there are a number of after-hours clubs. For shows, head no further than People's Square to the Shanghai Grand Theatre.
Bars
Expand all1. Bar Rouge - Flamboyant bartenders and cocktails
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Well-heeled guests sit in chandeliered booths and nibble canapés at Bar Rouge in the Bund area. Flamboyant bartenders mix original cocktails with fresh ingredients like mango, ginger and wasabi. The outdoor terrace has some of the best views in town.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
7F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Shanghai 200002
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 6339 1199
2. Shanghai Studio - Artistic drinking
Show moreHidden underground along Huaihai Middle Road, Shanghai Studio is a friendly art studio-cum-bar. Headlining the city's gay nightlife scene, locals and expats alike gather to grab a drink and party while taking in some risqué exhibits.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
4, Huaihai Middle Road, Shanghai 1950
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 6283 1043
3. Glamour Bar - Live jazz and readings
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The pink decor at Glamour Bar in the Bund area evokes Hollywood's Golden Age, though the striking views of Pudong are unmistakably Shanghai. Pretty girls and corporate suits enjoy the world-class cocktails, laid-back music, live music acts and book readings.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
6F, No. 5 The Bund (at Guangdong Lu), Shanghai 200002
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 6350 9988
4. Barbarossa Lounge - Moroccan buzz and hookahs
Show moreBarbarossa Lounge is a Moroccan-style Kasbah on a lake in the middle of People's Park by People's Square. A beautiful crowd smoke hookah pipes in the upstairs boudoir, drink on the terrace or dance to some of Shanghai's coolest music.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
231, Nanjing Xi Road, People's Park, Shanghai
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 63180220
Transport
People's Square metro
5. Cotton's - Elegant and relaxed bar
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The courtyard of this relaxed French Concession bar, set in an elegant 1930s French villa, is a great spot for a summer beer. In the winter, guests relax by the fireplace in the red room.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
132, Anting Lu near Jianguo Xi Lu, Shanghai 200030
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 6433 7995
6. Cloud 9 - Heavenly cocktails
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Futuristic Cloud 9 is named after its lofty location, 87 floors up the Jin Mao Tower. Decked out with dark Bond-style furniture and steel girders, it's a popular haunt for well-heeled couples, who sip cocktails to the unrivalled city views.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
Grand Hyatt, Jin Mao Tower, 88 Century Avenue, Shanghai 200121
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 5049 1234
Clubs
Expand all7. MAO - Cool crowd clubbing
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Opened in summer 2007, MAO's dark, sexy club in the French Concession quarter is a favourite with Shanghai's cool crowd. The city's best-looking bar staff man the central bar. French DJs produce lush bass-lines. There's a garden for summer nights.E-mail this item
Address
46, Yueyang Lu, near Dongping Lu, Shanghai 200030
Telephone
+86 (0) 137 6127 1129
Transport
Taxi
8. Babyface - Glamorous party people
Show moreWith nightspots all over China, Babyface is known for booking top European DJs and is a popular choice with well-heeled clubbers. At this sleek branch near People's Square, local 'it' crowds pose, people-watch and dance to thumping house music.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
Unit 101, Shanghai Square, 138 Huaihaizhong Road, Shanghai
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 6375 6667
9. Muse - House and hip hop
Show moreThe white, angular decor at Muse in the Jingan area may look space-age, but the music is firmly rooted in the present day. While the main floor plays house music, hip hop fans assemble in the smaller dance room.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
68, Yuyao Lu, Shanghai
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 5213 5228
10. Not Me - Friendly indie hangout
Show moreThe packed dance floor and international guest DJs playing electro, rock and indie music are the focus of Not Me in Shanghai's French Concession. Lounge on comfortable bubble sofas, or compete with friends at the popular foosball table.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
21, Dong Ping Road, Shanghai
Telephone
+86 (0) 64330760
Entertainment
Expand all11. JZ Club - Toe-tapping jazz
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JZ Club in the French Concession quarter offers unpretentious and accessible jazz every night. Largely local bands mix jazz with samba, salsa and other Latin favourites. Dim lighting and candles create an inviting ambience for a night of toe-tapping.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
46, Fuxing Xi Road near Yongfu Lu, Shanghai 200031
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 6431 0269
12. Shanghai Grand Theatre - Premier opera venue
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Shanghai Grand Theatre on People's Square is the premier venue for classical music, opera, drama and ballet. Shanghai Ballet regularly performs classics like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker but imported musicals like Cats and The Lion King are most popular.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
300, Renmin Dadao, People's Square, Shanghai 200003
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 6386 8686
13. Logo Bar - Best up-and-coming bands
Show moreLogo Bar in the French Concession quarter regularly hosts Shanghai's best emerging bands at weekends. The rest of the time, DJs spin beats while trendy types lounge on sofas. With cheap drinks and entry, it's one of Shanghai's best-kept secrets.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
13, Xingfu Lu near Fahuazhen Lu, Shanghai 200030
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 6281 5646
14. Shanghai Oriental Art Centre - Spectacular arts centre
Show more The shiny structure of Shanghai Oriental Art Centre with its reflective, transparent façade cost US$120 million. The 2,000-seat orchestra hall in Pudong has welcomed the likes of Jose Carreras. There's also a 1,000-seat lyric theatre and 330-seat chamber music hall.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
425, Dingxiang Lu, Pudong, Shanghai 200135
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 6854 1234
15. Yuyintang - Underground gigs
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Shanghai's ultra-trendy set heads to Yuyintang in the Hongqiao district to hear the latest in live underground indie music. Sweaty crowds dance close to the jamming musicians on stage, and the dark poster-covered walls add to the intimate feel.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
1731, West Yan An Rd (Kai Xuan Rd), Shanghai
Telephone
+86 (0) 21 5237 8662
