After Dark: Nightclubs That Define Shanghai’s Night Scene

Shanghai’s nightclub scene has evolved into one of the most dynamic in Asia. Once limited to hotel lounges and a handful of high-end bars, the city now boasts a diverse range of clubs—from mega venues with international DJs to fashion-forward lounges and themed party spaces. Nightlife here isn’t just about music—it’s a curated experience.

One key difference from Western nightlife is the focus on table culture. In many Chinese clubs, the action centers around VIP tables and bottle service rather than crowded dance floors. Think LED light shows, live MCs, big group energy, and an emphasis on socializing in style. Dancing is still part of the night—but it often plays second fiddle to the spectacle and status.

Shanghai’s club scene is fast-moving and trend-sensitive, with new spots opening (and closing) regularly. But a few standout venues continue to define what it means to party in this ever-evolving city.

Our Picks

High-Energy Destinations:

• INS Park (INS 新乐园) – A multi-venue nightlife complex in Fuxing Park that delivers festival-style energy across several themed club floors with a single entry. Great for group nights and variety seekers.
• RADi – Regularly ranked in DJ Mag’s Top 100 clubs, this sleek venue features top-tier DJ lineups, immersive lighting, and a sharply dressed crowd.

Fashion-Forward & Themed Nights:

• Le Baron – A trend-setting, retro-inspired lounge-club, known for its selective door policy, funky beats, and its popularity with the fashion and creative scenes.
• La Suite – An energetic Wuding Road spot offering themed nights, international DJs, and a playful, dance-friendly vibe that blends expat and local crowds.

Lounge & Dining Destinations:

• The Nest (The Nest 鸟巢餐厅酒吧) – A stylish gastro-lounge on the North Bund that blends premium cocktails, Nordic-inspired cuisine, and ambient electronic music in an upscale yet relaxed setting. Ideal for starting the night with dinner and staying for drinks and beats.

Where to Sip the Best Cocktails in Shanghai

Shanghai’s craft cocktail scene has matured into a major draw for international drink enthusiasts. From the early pioneers like Bar Constellation to sleek speakeasies and ultra-creative lounges, the city now boasts a diverse cocktail culture that blends global technique with local flair. Guest bartenders frequently push boundaries with unusual ingredients and nostalgic nods.

Our Picks

Local Icons & Creative Concepts:

• Bar Constellation (星座酒吧) – One of the city’s original cocktail destinations, known for its Japanese-style precision, extensive whiskey selection, and moody, intimate atmosphere.
• The Odd Couple – A bold, neon-lit bar co-founded by renowned bartenders Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider. Featuring dual menus and a retro arcade vibe, it's a standout for both style and substance.
• Sober Company – A multi-space venue with a casual front café, a tucked-away bar, and even a hidden speakeasy for those who unlock all the right clues.
• Epic – Sleek and refined, this cocktail bar focuses on seasonal ingredients and precise technique, all served in a minimalist, modern space.
• Pony Up – A laid-back bar with vintage touches and strong, well-balanced cocktails. Its approachable atmosphere makes it a local favorite.
• Coa – The Shanghai outpost of a tequila and mezcal-focused bar that’s made waves for its smoky, agave-driven cocktails and cool, industrial vibe.

Where to Find Great Beer in Shanghai

Craft beer took a little longer to catch on in Shanghai than in some other cities, but it’s now firmly part of the city’s drinking culture. Whether you're into hop-heavy IPAs, crisp lagers, or something more experimental, there are plenty of places pouring quality pints. You’ll find everything from German-style microbreweries to laid-back bottle shop bars and casual hole-in-the-wall chains where the vibe is more about good beer and good company than flash or fuss.

Our Picks

• Tap That (出⁠来喝酒) – A casual chain of small streetbar style joints serving low-priced local and international craft taps. Perfect for grabbing a few good beers with friends outdoors or at a compact bar. Both Ruijin Road and Xiangyang Road locations stay lively into the night.
• Goose Island Brewhouse (鹅岛精酿啤酒餐厅) – A spacious twostory brewpub in Jing’an offering 29 taps of Goose Island and housecrafted beers alongside a full menu of burgers, ribs, tacos, and live music on weekends. The friendly service and energetic crowd make this feel like an authentic Chicago brewpub experience. It now has numerous outlets across the city.
• Zapfler Craft Beer Brewery (ZAPFLER 扎夫德国精酿) – A German microbrewery and restaurant at Found 158 with more than 30 taps of beers and ciders. Known for German pub classics (currywurst, schnitzel) and experimental brews, it has won numerous awards for its beer.
• Butler & White’s Guinness Bar (英式酒吧) – A friendly British-style pub in a picturesque area of restored lane houses, popular for its draft Guinness, fish & chips, crumpets, and occasional live events. Great choice for a relaxed, pubclassic evening.

Where to Discover Great Wine in Shanghai

Shanghai’s wine scene has leveled up. Today, it’s more than status labels—it’s about relaxed sophistication, approachable sommelier service, and thoughtfully selected bottles that reflect global terroir and the local palate. You’ll find everything from cozy corner wine bars and garden patios to elegant bistros in revamped heritage villas. Whether you're after natural wines, Italian varietals, or French classics, these spots offer excellent selections and friendly atmospheres.

Our Picks

• Cellar to Table – A wine-focused bistro in a beautiful old villa offering a deep, well-priced wine list alongside elevated Italian and Mediterranean dishes. The courtyard is especially inviting on warm evenings.
• Just Grapes – A longtime Anfu Road favorite with over 400 labels, casual Italian bites, friendly staff - a prime people-watching spot.
• SOiF – A stylish natural wine bar on Wuding Road with a rotating list of low-intervention wines, creative small plates, and a cool, cork-lined interior.
• RAC Wine Bar – A modern bistro/wine bar venue known for both classic and natural wines. Excellent for pairings, snacks, and relaxed evening or daytime drinking.
• Le Vin – A Parisian-style wine café on Changle Road offering French wines by the glass and a cozy ambiance.

Outdoor Bars for Fresh Air and Great Views in Shanghai

Shanghai offers roughly six glorious weeks of patio-perfect weather—a narrow window wedged between the cold, damp winter and the sticky summer heat. When that sweet spot arrives, locals and expats flock to rooftops, courtyards, and leafy lanes to soak up the sun (or evening breeze) with a drink in hand. Whether you're after skyline views or a quiet garden hideaway, these bars offer some of the best seats outside.

Our Picks

• Cotton’s Bar (棉花酒吧) – A long term favorite housed inside a French Concession villa, with charming garden seating, great happy hours, and a reliably chill vibe. The cocktails are solid, and the shade under the plane trees is prime real estate in spring and fall. There’s usually some live music in the garden at weekends.
• FunkaDelI – A laid-back bar with outside seating that mixes casual bites, creative cocktails, and an easygoing atmosphere. It draws a crowd for weekend day drinking and is usually buzzing well into the night.
• Captain Bar – Rooftop bar with a front-row seat to the Bund skyline. Slightly tucked away above the Captain Hostel, it offers some of the best views for the price—without the velvet rope attitude.
• The Fellas Terrace – Chic and upbeat, this rooftop bar offers dramatic views of the Lujiazui skyline and the Bund. Ideal for photo ops, date nights, or a more polished start to your evening.
• Flair Rooftop Bar – Sitting atop the Ritz-Carlton in Lujiazui, Flair delivers luxury cocktails and panoramic views from one of the highest rooftops in the city. Expect higher prices, but the view makes it worth the splurge.

Where to Catch Live Music in Shanghai

Live music in Shanghai is still going strong, from underground rock to old-school jazz and polished stage productions. While some of the old classics have closed their doors, a new generation of venues keeps the scene alive and diverse. Whether you're in the mood for smooth jazz, powerhouse vocals, or a night of mosh pits and indie bands, there’s a stage waiting for you.

Live Music at Cotton's

Our Picks

• The Pearl – Housed in a historic theater in Hongkou, The Pearl puts on crowd-pleasing tribute shows (Queen, Bowie, Lady Gaga, and more), cabaret nights, and live band karaoke. Expect big energy, tight performances, and a mix of locals and expats.
• Heyday (黑代酒吧) – A sultry, vintage-style jazz lounge where velvet booths and low lighting set the tone for live jazz vocals and cocktails with a touch of 1930s glamour. A go-to for romantic evenings and real-deal jazz fans.
• Blue Note Shanghai – The local branch of the legendary New York jazz club brings big-name international acts, slick acoustics, and top-tier food and drink in a polished setting.
• Mao Livehouse – One of Shanghai’s longest-running venues for rock, electronic, and indie acts. The stage draws everything from local punk bands to touring international artists—not quite an arena, but certainly loud and fun.

Fun Nights: Karaoke (KTV) in Shanghai

If you really want to party like a local in Shanghai, you need to try KTV—China’s wildly popular version of karaoke. But this isn’t the bar-stage setup familiar to Westerners. At KTV, you rent a private room with your friends, where you can sing your heart out without strangers watching. The rooms are equipped with massive song libraries (including English hits), touchscreen controls, plush seating, and sometimes even disco lights or mini stages. Food, drinks, and bottle service are all available to your room, so once you're in, you're set for the night.

KTV is a staple of birthdays, after-parties, and corporate bonding events, and it only gets more fun as the night goes on—especially with a little liquid courage.

Our Picks

• 魅KTV (Mei KTV) – A popular mid-range option with stylish private rooms, reliable English song selection, and a clean, modern vibe. Good service, decent food, and fair pricing make it a favorite among both locals and foreigners.
• Chun-K (纯K) – A more upscale KTV chain with slick interiors, excellent AV systems, and a deeper music catalog. Ideal for groups looking for a slightly more polished night out. Locations are often in malls and central areas.

What to Know Before Going Out in Shanghai

Shanghai is, for the most part, a very safe and welcoming city. But like any major metropolis, a good night out can go south if you're not aware of a few common pitfalls—especially after a few drinks. Here are some tips to help you stay safe, smart, and scam-free while enjoying the city’s nightlife:

1. Beware of “talking bars.”
   These bars aren’t labeled, but once you’re inside, they’re easy to spot. Typically quiet and mostly empty—aside from a few unsuspecting patrons—they feature an overly friendly, all-female staff eager to chat and drink with you. You’ll be encouraged to buy them drinks (they get decoy shots, you get real booze), and they’ll keep the charm coming as you foot the growing bill. At the end of the night, you may find yourself paying not only for your drinks but also for their “company.” If you argue, there’s usually a large, intimidating bouncer ready to “mediate” the situation—and you can guess whose side he’s on. If the attention seems too good to be true, it probably is. You're not a VIP—you're a target.
2. Ignore offers of “massage services” on the street.
   In some areas, you may be approached by women offering massages. These are rarely legitimate and often tied to shady, semi-legal operations. If you follow them, you may find yourself at a venue with unclear pricing, offers of illegal services, and—once again—a large man ready to "help" with any disagreements. Best case: you get overcharged for a mediocre massage. Worst case: you wind up in a legal or health-related mess. Either way, just keep walking.
3. Watch out for tea scams.
   This classic tourist trap is still alive and well. A friendly, well-dressed stranger (often claiming to be a student) strikes up a casual conversation near the Bund or People’s Square. After a bit of small talk, they invite you to a “traditional tea ceremony” to practice English or share culture. You’re then taken to a tea shop, served a few small cups—and handed an absurdly inflated bill. Declining to pay often brings out aggressive staff who make it clear you won’t be leaving until you do. If someone you just met invites you to tea, politely decline and keep walking.
4. Don’t get into fights—especially with locals.
   Bar fights are never smart, but they’re especially risky here. If you get into a physical altercation with a local and the police get involved, it doesn’t matter who started it—you’ll likely come out on the losing end. Even a minor scuffle can result in fines, jail time, visa complications, or worse. If things start to escalate, be smart and leave. Don’t worry, your temporarily wounded pride is a far lesser price to pay than hospital bills or jail time.