After Dark in Shanghai: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Nightlife in Shanghai, CN

As dusk settles over Shanghai, a tantalising hum fills the air - snippets of laughter spill from lantern-lit courtyards, neon signs flicker to life reflecting in puddles on the slick pavement, and deep bass pulses through underground clubs. Here, the city breathes a dual rhythm: trendy rooftop lounges with panoramic views mingle with dimly lit speakeasies echoing jazz beats from bygone eras. Locals, expats and adventurers weave through this labyrinth of sound and light, sharing craft cocktails, live music shows and spontaneous dance-offs, making Shanghai’s after-dark scene not just a spectacle, but a rhythm to be lived and felt.

Why Go Out in Shanghai, CN?

If you’re asking where to go out in Shanghai, CN, prepare to be spoiled for choice and atmosphere. Shanghai’s nightlife is a kaleidoscope: from elegant rooftop bars framing the futuristic skyline to dimly lit basements where DJs spin avant-garde tracks. Music here caters to all tastes - soul-soaked jazz at hidden speakeasies, pounding electronic beats in sprawling clubs, and indie bands playing in intimate venues. What truly sets the city apart is the unique blend of east meets west, old meets new. Locals appreciate sophisticated lounges where refined cocktails flow alongside spirited karaoke sessions, while expats chase the underground party scene that thrives in converted warehouses. The crowds vary nightly: stylish young professionals on Friday nights contrast with bohemian artists and DJs on weekends. After-dark traditions such as late-night street food stalls lining bar districts and impromptu rooftop gatherings enrich your night out beyond the conventional.

I still remember my first time gazing over the Huangpu River from a lofty rooftop bar as lanterns flickered and the city’s neon heartbeat synced with the DJ’s deep house set - it was then I realised Shanghai’s nightlife is an immersive, all-senses experience that pulses far beyond the calendar.

Top 10 Best Nightlife Spots in Shanghai, CN

1. Bar Rouge: Nestled on The Bund, this iconic rooftop lounge dazzles with panoramic city views, buzzing crowds and expertly crafted cocktails - expect electronic beats and a fashionable international crowd.
2. Speak Low: A hidden speakeasy in the French Concession, celebrated for its classic cocktails and Prohibition-era charm, setting the scene with jazz and soulful tunes.
3. Arkham: Shanghai’s hotspot for EDM lovers, this sprawling club draws dedicated ravers and international DJs with its cutting-edge sound system and vibrant laser shows.
4. Mr & Mrs Bund: By day a chic restaurant, by night transforms with live saxophone performances and elegant wine bars, perfect for more relaxed, intimate evenings.
5. Afterlife: Underground legend in Jing’an; dark interiors, forward-thinking music programming, and a dedicated local crowd keep the energy high until dawn.
6. Union Trading Company: Casual yet innovative cocktail bar with a laid-back vibe; locals rave about the mixology creativity and friendly bartenders.
7. The Shelter: Former WWII air raid shelter turned club, famed for thrumming techno nights and unique industrial atmosphere.
8. Woobar: Located inside the luxury W Hotel, this lounge combines sleek design, house music and celebrity clientele for a glamorous night out.
9. El Coctel: Latin-inspired bar in the French Concession, where salsa rhythms and exotic drinks create a vibrant, dance-friendly setting.
10. JZ Club: Shanghai’s premier jazz venue with an extensive live music programme, attracting jazz aficionados and romantics alike.

Price & Style Grid: Going Out at a Glance

The best nightlife in Shanghai, CN offers thrilling variety - from plush rooftops with panoramic views to underground clubs pulsing with global and local beats. Prices and styles cater to the discerning cocktail lover and the all-night dancer alike, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan mix. Whether you fancy the polished elegance of a hotel lounge or a gritty subterranean beat, Shanghai’s nightlife scene is a playground where all vibes co-exist and evolve.

Nightlife Districts

The Bund

The Bund is Shanghai’s quintessential nightlife postcard - a string of upscale rooftops and elegant bars along the Huangpu River offering jaw-dropping views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline. Here, glamour meets sophistication. You’ll find international DJs, champagne-fuelled celebrations, and a dress code to match. The vibe is cosmopolitan and lively, perfect for those wanting to experience the city’s luxury side after dark.

French Concession

By contrast, the tree-lined lanes of the French Concession showcase a bohemian, laid-back nightlife. Vintage cocktail bars, jazz clubs and hidden speakeasies scatter through its colonial streets. This neighbourhood buzzes with creative energy, artful mixologists, and indie live music. It’s an ideal area if you want something offbeat or prefer sipping bespoke cocktails in an intimate setting.

Jing’an

Jing’an district thrives as Shanghai’s hub for clubbers and electronic music fans. Packed with underground venues and trendy late-night eateries, it draws young locals and expats looking to dance until dawn. The rougher, industrial aesthetic of many clubs gives it an authentic urban feel, setting it apart from the city’s more polished nightlife quarters.

Xintiandi

Xintiandi offers a polished, pedestrianised nightlife scene full of restored shikumen houses reimagined as stylish bars and restaurants. A hotspot for after-work drinks and weekend socialising, it mixes old Shanghai charm with buzzing modernity. Here you’ll find a crowd that’s fashion-conscious but relaxed, enjoying live music and al fresco terraces late into the evening.

Hidden After-Dark Gems

• Komuna Shanghai: A subterranean gem near Jing’an, beloved for its eclectic lineup of DJs and intimate vibe where locals retreat for soulful deep house.
• C’EST JEU: Located in a former factory near the French Concession, this bar offers creative cocktails and often showcases emerging local artists, making for a culturally rich night out.
• The Apartment: A cosy speakeasy tucked behind an unmarked door, renowned for its prohibition-style drinks and plush vintage furnishings, cherished by Shanghai’s cocktail connoisseurs.

How to Experience the Night in Shanghai, CN

Diverse Venue Types: Whether it’s a rooftop lounge with panoramic city views or an underground warehouse pulsing with techno, Shanghai's nightlife caters to every mood. Mix it up to get the full spectrum.

Nightlife Apps & Booking: Download local apps like Dianping and WeChat for up-to-date venue info and to access guest lists or promotions. Many bars require a reservation, especially on weekends.

Stay Safe: Shanghai is generally safe at night, but always keep belongings secure, avoid unlicensed taxis, and use reputable ride-hailing apps like Didi for late-night journeys.

Getting Around: The metro operates until midnight, while taxis and ride-hailing services cover night hours reliably. Walking is a great way to soak up nighttime street life in dense areas like the French Concession.

Money-Saving Tips

• Hit happy hours in bars like Speak Low and Union Trading Company where cocktails can be half price before 9pm.
• Join guest lists early online; many clubs waive or reduce entry fees for RSVPs (March 2024 data).
• Enjoy discounted drinks on weekdays - apart from weekends, many venues offer specials to entice early crowds.
• Use local apps to find flash deals or promotions; Dianping often lists limited-time bar bargains.
• Dine late at street food stalls near nightlife hubs for affordable afterparty snacks instead of pricier club menus.

Sample 3-Night Itinerary

• Night 1: Start with cocktails at Speak Low, then head to Arkham for late-night techno, finishing with spicy street noodles from a nearby stall.
• Night 2: Enjoy a sunset drink at Bar Rouge, followed by live jazz at JZ Club and late-night dumplings in Jing’an.
• Night 3: Lounge at Mr & Mrs Bund, dance salsa at El Coctel, then discover The Apartment for intimate cocktails to cap the night.

Eight Nightlife Mistakes Visitors Make

1. Overdressing or underdressing - Shanghai nightlife varies from casual to chic, so check the dress code before you go.
2. Ignoring cover charges - many clubs have entry fees or minimum spends, so factor this into your night budget.
3. Missing local-themed nights - special events often feature local DJs or performances that reveal Shanghai’s unique scene.
4. Relying on taxis without apps - unlicensed taxis can be expensive or unsafe; use Didi or metro where possible.
5. Arriving too late or too early - peak nightlife usually kicks off around 10pm; hitting venues too early might mean empty rooms.
6. Ordering generic drinks - try unique local cocktails or Baijiu-infused mixes to fully experience Shanghai’s flavour.
7. Neglecting to make reservations - popular spots fill up, especially weekends, so booking ahead is wise.
8. Not checking opening hours - some venues close earlier midweek or shift days, so always double-check.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical entry fees for clubs in Shanghai?

Entry usually ranges from ¥50-150 (€7-20), with some premium venues charging more on special event nights (Tourism Board, 2024).

Is ID verification required for entry?

Yes, most venues require a valid passport or Chinese ID to enter due to licensing laws.

Are there any local customs or etiquette I should be aware of?

Polite behaviour and modest dress in upscale venues are advisable. Tipping is not customary but appreciated in higher-end bars.

When do most nightlife venues close?

Barring exceptions, bars typically close by 2am and clubs around 4am; however, weekend hours may extend later.

Ready to Explore Shanghai’s Nightlife?

The best nightlife in Shanghai, CN reveals a city alive with contrast and energy - where every night out is a new adventure. Share your favourite must-visit bars in Shanghai, CN or tips from your nocturnal journeys, and subscribe to our nightlife guides for insider updates worldwide. Whether it’s your first night or tenth, Shanghai’s after-dark dance floor is waiting.