Shanghai’s Nightlife Guide: Bars & Clubs on a Map
Home / Travel Blog / Blog Details
Shanghai doesn’t sleep. As the sun sets over the iconic skyline of Pudong, a different kind of energy awakens. The city, a pulsating metropolis where East seamlessly meets West, transforms into one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse nightlife playgrounds. From sophisticated speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors to colossal superclubs hosting international DJs, and from serene rooftop bars with breathtaking views to gritty, authentic local beer halls, Shanghai offers an experience for every nocturnal desire. This guide is your curated map to navigating this electric landscape, ensuring you find the perfect spot for your evening, whether you seek craft cocktails, pulsating beats, or simply a place to soak in the city’s luminous glow.
Before we dive into specific venues, understanding the geography of Shanghai's nightlife is key. The city's bar and club scene is not monolithic; it's a constellation of distinct districts, each with its own unique flavor and vibe.
This is where old-world charm collides with modern luxury. The Bund, with its parade of colonial-era architecture, is home to some of the city's most upscale hotel bars and breathtaking rooftop venues. The vibe here is sophisticated, often requiring a smarter dress code, and the prices reflect the unparalleled views of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. It’s the ideal starting point for a night of elegance.
A labyrinth of tree-lined avenues, hidden lanes (known as *longtangs*), and charming villas, the Former French Concession is the heart of Shanghai's chic and alternative scene. This area is famed for its speakeasies—intimate, often hard-to-find bars focusing on expert mixology and creative cocktails. You’ll also find a plethora of wine bars, quirky pubs, and bohemian lounges tucked away here, perfect for a more relaxed and conversational evening.
Centered around the majestic Jing'an Temple, this district is a bustling commercial and residential area that boasts a dense and varied nightlife. Here, you'll find a mix of everything: expat-friendly sports bars, high-energy clubs, live music venues, and trendy cocktail bars. It's a central, always-reliable district where you can easily bar-hop and find a crowd every night of the week.
Xintiandi is a beautifully restored pedestrian area of traditional *shikumen* stone-gate houses, now housing stylish restaurants, luxury brands, and upscale bars. The atmosphere is polished and social, attracting a well-heeled crowd. It’s a great spot for pre-dinner drinks or a classy night out, though it tends to be quieter than the dedicated club districts.
Now, let’s plot some essential stops on your personal Shanghai nightlife map. These venues are landmarks in their own right, each offering a unique slice of the city's after-dark culture.
**Location:** Former French Concession
No list is complete without this legendary speakeasy. Accessed through a disguised door in a bartending equipment shop, Speak Low is a multi-story wonder. Each floor offers a different atmosphere and menu, from the vibrant ground level to the intimate, reservation-only top floor. The cocktails are works of art, often involving theatrical preparation. It’s a pilgrimage site for cocktail lovers worldwide.
**Location:** The Bund (Ritz-Carlton Pudong)
Perched on the 58th floor of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Pudong, Flair holds the crown for the most spectacular outdoor vantage point in the city. You get a direct, head-on, panoramic view of the historic Bund buildings. It’s an open-air terrace, so it’s weather-dependent, but on a clear night, there is simply no better place to sip a champagne cocktail and watch the city's light show. Be sure to book a table well in advance.
**Location:** Jing'an (near)
A behemoth in Shanghai’s clubbing scene, TAXX is a statement of excess and energy. Sprawling over two massive floors with a formidable sound system and dazzling light shows, it regularly hosts top-tier international DJs. The crowd is glamorous, the tables are expensive, and the party goes until the sun comes up. If you're looking for a full-blown, high-budget clubbing experience, this is your destination.
**Location:** Former French Concession
At the other end of the spectrum lies The Brew, a microbrewery and gastropub that has been a cornerstone of Shanghai's craft beer scene for years. It’s a sprawling, industrial-chic space where you can enjoy a pint of their freshly brewed ale alongside solid Western pub food. It’s unpretentious, always buzzing with a mix of expats and locals, and perfect for a casual night out with friends.
**Location:** People's Park, Jing'an
Nestled in the middle of People's Park, Barbarossa is a multi-level Middle Eastern-inspired lounge that feels like a hidden oasis in the center of the city. With its Moorish decor, lush greenery, and pond-side seating, it offers a uniquely exotic and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a fantastic spot for shisha and creative cocktails, providing a completely different vibe from the glass-and-steel towers elsewhere.
Shanghai's nightlife extends beyond just drinking and dancing. The city offers unique evening experiences that blend entertainment, culture, and gastronomy.
For over a decade, JZ Club has been the epicenter of Shanghai's jazz scene. Located in the vibrant Found 158 complex (a sunken plaza packed with bars and restaurants), this venue hosts incredible live music every night, featuring both talented local musicians and international acts. The sound quality is superb, and the intimate setting makes for a memorable night of soulful entertainment.
After last call, the night isn't over until you've had some *xiaoye* (midnight snacks). Sinan Mansions, another restored *shikumen* area, comes alive at night with a range of upscale restaurants and bars that cater to late-night crowds. It’s a more refined option for a post-club meal compared to the ubiquitous street-side *chuanr* (skewer) stalls, though those are an essential experience in their own right.
No guide to Chinese nightlife is complete without mentioning KTV, or Karaoke Television. It’s a cultural institution. Groups of friends or colleagues book private rooms equipped with couches, a disco ball, a powerful sound system, and an endless catalog of songs in multiple languages. A night of singing, drinking, and ordering snacks directly to your room is a quintessential Shanghai social activity. Party leaders should be prepared for this unique and hilariously fun adventure.
* **Getting Around:** Didi (China's Uber) is your best friend. It's affordable and efficient. Avoid unlicensed taxis. The metro stops running around 11:00 PM, so plan your return accordingly.
* **Cover Charges:** Most clubs will have a cover charge, especially on weekends or for special events. This often includes one or two drink tickets. High-end clubs operate on table service; walking in and just buying a drink at the bar isn't always possible.
* **Dress Code:** While the Former French Concession is generally casual-cool, clubs like TAXX and rooftop bars on the Bund enforce a smart casual dress code. Avoid shorts and sandals to be safe.
* **Payment:** While mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate, international credit cards are widely accepted in most established bars and clubs. It's always wise to have some cash as a backup.
* **WeChat:** This app is indispensable. You use it for everything: contacting friends, ordering Didis, making payments, and even discovering events. Many bars promote their events and specials through official WeChat accounts.
From the dizzying heights of its rooftop terraces to the hidden depths of its speakeasies, Shanghai’s nightlife is a thrilling reflection of the city itself: fast-paced, forward-thinking, and endlessly fascinating. This map is merely a starting point. The real adventure begins when you step out into the neon-lit night and create your own path through one of the greatest cities on Earth.
Copyright Statement:
Author: Shanghai Travel
Link: https://shanghaitravel.github.io/travel-blog/shanghais-nightlife-guide-bars-amp-clubs-on-a-map.htm
Source: Shanghai Travel
The copyright of this article belongs to the author. Reproduction is not allowed without permission.
Prev:Shanghai’s Best Beef Dishes: A Meat Lover’s Tour
Next:The Best Documentaries About Shanghai’s Architectural Wonders