Shanghai Nightlife Guide

Shanghai after dark is glamorous, varied and surprisingly safe. The skyline lights up, the bars fill and the streets of the old villa districts turn into a string of candlelit terraces. Whether you want a cocktail with a view, a quiet glass of wine or live jazz, there is a corner of the city to suit you, and most of them are a short ride from each other.

The skyline view

The most famous bars are on the rooftops of the old buildings along the Bund, where the whole glittering skyline of Pudong lies across the water. Prices are high and some venues have dress codes, but the view is the real attraction, and a single drink on a terrace can be a highlight of a trip. Go at sunset to see the sky change, and book ahead for a table at the edge, which sells out at weekends.

French Concession bars

For a more relaxed evening, head to the leafy streets of the French Concession. Yongfu Road, Anfu Road and the streets around Hengshan Road are lined with wine bars, craft cocktail rooms, beer bars and small restaurants with outdoor tables. The mood is local and easygoing, and the bars are often in old villas or lane houses. Many open in the early evening and stay busy until after midnight.

Xintiandi and Jing'an

Xintiandi is polished and upmarket, with terraces, restaurants and lounges in restored lane houses. It is lively on weekend nights and a sound choice if you want a smooth, comfortable evening. The Jing'an district has a mix of stylish hotel bars, cocktail rooms and a few nightclubs, and it is well served by the metro.

Live music and jazz

Jazz has a long history in Shanghai, and several bars and clubs still keep the tradition alive. The bar of the historic Peace Hotel has long hosted a house jazz band, and smaller clubs in the French Concession feature local and visiting musicians. Verify the programme and the cover charge before you go, and arrive early for a decent seat. The music often starts around nine or ten in the evening.

Acrobatics and shows

If you prefer a seat to a bar stool, Shanghai is famous for acrobatic shows. A long-running show at the city's circus venue combines acrobatics, lighting and music, and it is easy to enjoy even if you know no Chinese. Book through the official site or a trusted agent, because resellers sometimes inflate prices. Opera and concerts at the People's Square theatres are another option.

Late-night food

Hunger after midnight is easy to solve. Small restaurants and street stalls serve noodles, skewers, fried rice and hotpot into the early hours, and delivery apps can bring food to your hotel. A bowl of noodles after a night out is a local tradition, and our street food guide suggests what to look for.

Safety and sense

Shanghai is a safe city, but a few simple habits help. Keep an eye on your drink, and avoid bars where a stranger has steered you from the street. Be wary of anyone who insists on taking you to a particular bar, because the bill can be shocking. Use official taxis or a ride app for the trip home, and share your location with a friend if you are alone.

Last trains and rides home

Most metro lines stop running between about half past ten and half past eleven at night, so see the last train before you settle in. After that, taxis and ride apps are cheap and easy, though they can be slow around the Bund at closing time. A hotel card with the address in Chinese is a useful backup.

What to skip

You do not need to spend a lot to enjoy a night out, and you can skip the most crowded clubs. If you only have one evening, take a river cruise, then a drink on a quiet terrace.