Shanghai

๐Ÿธ

Bars and Nightlife

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Comprehensive Guide to Bars and Nightlife in Shanghai, China

Shanghai is one of the most vibrant cities in Asia, offering a dynamic and diverse nightlife scene. From rooftop bars with stunning skyline views to underground speakeasies and pulsating nightclubs, the city caters to all tastes and preferences. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Shanghaiโ€™s nightlife.

1. Popular Venues

Shanghaiโ€™s nightlife is divided into several districts, each offering unique experiences. Here are some of the most popular venues:

Rooftop Bars

  • Bar Rouge (Bund Area): A legendary rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the Bund and Pudong skyline. Known for its glamorous vibe, themed parties, and signature cocktails.

    • Price Range: Cocktails start at ยฅ100-150.
    • Dress Code: Smart casual; avoid flip-flops and sportswear.
    • Reservations: Recommended, especially on weekends.
    • Address: Bund 18, 7/F, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road.

  • Flair Rooftop Bar (Pudong): Located in the Ritz-Carlton, this upscale bar offers panoramic views of the city and a luxurious atmosphere.

    • Price Range: Cocktails from ยฅ120; wine and champagne are pricier.
    • Dress Code: Business casual or formal.
    • Reservations: Strongly recommended.
    • Address: 58/F, Ritz-Carlton, 8 Century Avenue.

Speakeasies

  • Speak Low (French Concession): A hidden gem with a multi-level concept. Each floor offers a different ambiance, from casual to exclusive.

    • Price Range: Cocktails start at ยฅ90.
    • Dress Code: Smart casual.
    • Reservations: Not required for the first floor, but necessary for upper levels.
    • Address: 579 Fuxing Middle Road.

  • The Odd Couple (Jingโ€™an): A retro-themed speakeasy with creative cocktails inspired by the 1970s.

    • Price Range: Cocktails from ยฅ80-120.
    • Dress Code: Smart casual.
    • Reservations: Recommended for weekends.
    • Address: 2/F, 99 Taixing Road.

Nightclubs

  • M1NT (Bund Area): A high-end club with a shark tank, VIP tables, and a mix of international DJs.

    • Price Range: Entry fee ยฅ100-200; drinks start at ยฅ80.
    • Dress Code: Strictly upscale; no sneakers or casual wear.
    • Reservations: Required for tables.
    • Address: 24/F, 318 Fuzhou Road.

  • Taxx (Xintiandi): A popular club for electronic dance music (EDM) lovers, with a state-of-the-art sound system and a young, energetic crowd.

    • Price Range: Entry fee ยฅ100-200; drinks start at ยฅ60.
    • Dress Code: Trendy and stylish.
    • Reservations: Recommended for tables.
    • Address: 123 Xingye Road.

Craft Beer Bars

  • Boxing Cat Brewery (French Concession): A pioneer in Shanghaiโ€™s craft beer scene, offering a variety of locally brewed beers and pub food.

    • Price Range: Beers from ยฅ50-80.
    • Dress Code: Casual.
    • Reservations: Not necessary.
    • Address: 82 Fuxing West Road.

  • Liquid Laundry (Xuhui): A trendy gastropub with craft beers, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.

    • Price Range: Beers from ยฅ60; food from ยฅ80.
    • Dress Code: Casual.
    • Reservations: Recommended for large groups.
    • Address: 2/F, 1028 Huaihai Middle Road.

2. Types of Drinks and Food Available

  • Drinks: Shanghaiโ€™s bars and clubs offer a wide range of beverages, including:
    • Signature cocktails (e.g., lychee martinis, baijiu-based drinks).
    • Imported and local craft beers.
    • Fine wines and champagne.
    • Premium spirits and whiskeys.
  • Food: Many venues serve bar snacks or full meals, including:
    • Western-style dishes (e.g., burgers, pizzas, tapas).
    • Asian fusion cuisine.
    • Late-night street food options near nightlife districts.

3. Price Ranges

  • Budget-Friendly: ยฅ50-80 for beers, ยฅ60-100 for cocktails (e.g., local bars, craft beer spots).
  • Mid-Range: ยฅ100-150 for cocktails, ยฅ80-120 for beers (e.g., rooftop bars, speakeasies).
  • High-End: ยฅ150+ for cocktails, ยฅ500+ for bottles (e.g., luxury clubs, exclusive lounges).

4. Dress Codes

  • Casual: Accepted at craft beer bars and casual pubs.
  • Smart Casual: Required at most rooftop bars and speakeasies.
  • Upscale/Trendy: Mandatory for high-end clubs like M1NT and Bar Rouge. Avoid sneakers, flip-flops, and overly casual attire.

5. Reservation Procedures

  • When to Reserve: For popular venues, especially on weekends or for large groups, reservations are highly recommended.
  • How to Reserve: Use platforms like Dianping (Chinese Yelp), call the venue directly, or book through WeChat.
  • Tips: Some venues require a minimum spend for table reservations, especially in clubs.

6. Local Customs

  • Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China, but rounding up the bill is appreciated in high-end venues.
  • Sharing Drinks: Itโ€™s common to share bottles of alcohol (e.g., whiskey or champagne) in clubs.
  • Baijiu: If offered this traditional Chinese spirit, sip it slowlyโ€”itโ€™s very strong.
  • Noise Levels: Be mindful of noise levels when leaving venues, especially in residential areas.

7. Safety Tips

  • Drink Responsibly: Avoid overindulging, as alcohol laws are strictly enforced.
  • Beware of Scams: Avoid strangers inviting you to bars or tea houses, as these could be scams.
  • Keep Valuables Safe: Pickpocketing can occur in crowded clubs or bars.
  • Emergency Numbers: Dial 110 for police and 120 for medical emergencies.

8. Transportation Options

  • Metro: The metro is efficient and affordable, but it stops running around 11:00 PM. Plan accordingly.
  • Taxis and Ride-Hailing:
    • Taxis are widely available, but ensure the driver uses the meter.
    • Didi (Chinaโ€™s version of Uber) is a reliable ride-hailing app.
  • Walking: Many nightlife districts, like the Bund and Xintiandi, are pedestrian-friendly.
  • Late-Night Buses: Limited routes are available, but they can be confusing for non-locals.

9. Making the Most of Your Nightlife Experience

  • Start Early: Many bars have happy hours from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
  • Explore Different Areas: Each district offers a unique vibeโ€”try the Bund for luxury, the French Concession for charm, and Jingโ€™an for trendy spots.
  • Stay Connected: Download a VPN before arriving in China to access apps like Google Maps or Instagram.
  • Learn Basic Mandarin: Phrases like โ€œๅคšๅฐ‘้’ฑ?โ€ (How much?) and โ€œ่ฐข่ฐขโ€ (Thank you) can be helpful.

Shanghaiโ€™s nightlife is a blend of sophistication, energy, and cultural diversity. Whether youโ€™re sipping cocktails on a rooftop or dancing the night away in a club, this guide will help you make the most of your experience. Enjoy your time in this electrifying city!