10 Best Shanghai Nightlife

An essential part of any visit to Shanghai, Huangpu River cruises offer dazzling views of the city’s double-sided skyline. On the west bank, dozens of classical buildings that make up the Bund showcase an array of Western and Chinese architectural styles. Directly across the river sits a cluster of modern marvels glowing with neon light. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the world’s tallest towers and steals the show with its spaceship-like design.

Cruises typically last about 1 hour and offer flexible departure times. Most boats have a restaurant and a bar, although you’ll want to spend most of your time on the deck admiring the cityscape.

Sleek club M1NT is a staple of Shanghai nightlife. Hosting international DJs and themed events year-round, M1NT draws energetic partygoers. Expect a crowded dance floor and music ranging from EDM and house to hip-hop. This stylish spot is known for its strict door policy, so make sure to dress to impress.

Perched on the 24th floor of a skyscraper in the Bund, the bar offers excellent views of the towering skyline across the river. And if that doesn’t impress you, maybe the giant shark-filled aquarium will.

The most popular performance art in Shanghai is undoubtedly acrobatics. Practised for more than 2000 years, the acrobatic arts in China go beyond simple stunts. They demand a high level of flexibility, strength and skill. Expect feats like high wire cycling, Chinese martial arts and mind-blowing balancing acts.

Several groups put on regular performances around the city, each with a unique programme incorporating elements of live music and special effects. These spectacles are highly theatrical and often accented with comedic flair. Find a performance group that suits your fancy and prepare for a mesmerising, memorable evening.

Rooftop bar TOPS at Banyan Tree Hotel has one of the best views in the city. Located on very top of the luxurious hotel in the Bund, the bar has an entirely unobstructed view of Shanghai’s glittering skyline and the Huangpu River. There’s no bad seat on this wide, airy terrace, whether you’re around the bar, at a private table or lounging on the sofas.

TOPS doesn’t take reservations except for a small area reserved for the most special occasions, so expect it to be busy. With a selection of cocktails and tapas to fuel your fun, you’re bound to have a great time, and the exceptional view makes this a place not to miss.

Tianzifang is a network of little streets filled with cafes, shops and galleries in the old French Concession. This charming labyrinth is a wonderful place to get lost, particularly in the evenings when colourful lamps light the snug alleyways. Snack on street food, browse arts and crafts galleries and soak up the ambience.

The trendy and the traditional collide in this neighbourhood where Shikumen-style architecture houses modern cafes and shops. You’ll find more tourists than locals around, but don’t let that deter you. Beyond the souvenirs, there are plenty of treasures and surprises in the shops here, plus great restaurants and bars.

Karaoke is a hugely popular night-time activity among Shanghai locals. KTV bars, as they’re called here, typically consist of small, private rooms where groups of friends and colleagues come to let loose. You don’t even need to leave your booth to get a drink, the bartenders come to you.

There are several popular KTV chains with locations across the city. Haloedi is your no-frills option, while K Party has the broadest music selection. Other spots like V-Show shine with the over-the-top design of their spaces, from marble floors and jazz-era mic stands to gothic decor and black chandeliers.

A signature spot on the Bund, Bar Rouge is a moody nightclub hosting international DJs. A longstanding staple of Shanghai nightlife, the club remains a great entry point into the Shanghai party scene and draws a lot of expats. Expect great music, a lively dance floor and chic décor accented with red mood lighting. When the weather is right, the club’s terrace offers top-notch views of the skyline across the river.

Bar Rouge is located on the upper floors of the Chartered Bank Building, which is also home to several well-known restaurants. Check out Mr. & Mrs. Bund for gourmet Western dishes in chic surroundings.

Speak Low is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked into the French Concession. It’s really 3 bars in 1. The first floor has a New York feel, with friendly bartenders and a lively atmosphere. The second is more refined, showcasing Japanese attention to detail and cocktails like the eponymous Speak Low (a sweet-bitter blend of Bacardi, matcha and sherry). Make your way to the third level for a more intimate, exclusive experience.

You’ll find the bar entrance hidden behind a slide-away bookcase inside a cocktail equipment shop. Owned by a manager from New York City’s infamous Angel’s Share and voted one of the best bars in Asia, Speak Low has lost its secret status but still serves up excellent, inventive cocktails.

The jazz band at the Peace Hotel Old Jazz Bar holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest-performing jazz band. The 6 octogenarian musicians are still putting on performances of Shanghai Jazz, a blend of big band sounds and Chinese folk melodies that developed in the 1920s and 1930s. Nightly performances start at 7 pm, with a jazz singer joining the group from 9 pm.

The backdrop for these performances is the historic cocktail lounge at the Peace Hotel, an elegant Art Deco building on the Bund. Sip on classic cocktails and allow yourself to be transported to the Shanghai of a bygone era.

If you’re looking for something fun and funky to do with your Shanghai nights, consider RIINK. Shanghai’s mini roller disco slash cocktail bar is a place where everyone can have a great time. Neon lights zigzag across the ceiling and live DJs spin tracks that fill up the skate floor at the weekend. And if the alcohol-on-skates combo worries you, RIINK offers a host of plush protective gear for rental.

The fun and friendly staff make it their mission to see that everyone's having a good time, and the bar is open until late serving drinks and snacks. Don’t let the roller rink ambience fool you, the cocktails are fabulous, featuring fruity flavours and homemade infusions.