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Shanghai Clubs and Bars

Written by Matteo Updated Apr. 8, 2025

Do you want to know about some famous clubs in Shanghai that can offer you an unforgettable nightlife experience? Here are some clubs in Shanghai to enjoy your nightlife.

Cloud 9

Perched on the 87th floor of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Jinmao Tower, Cloud 9 was the highest bar in the world when it was built. It was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The club provides a variety of beverages, and Cloud 9 Composition is their highlight. What makes Cloud 9 Composition special is that it abandons the traditional way with a brand-new style of mixing drinks. There is also no shortage of delicious snacks like shrimp spring rolls and grilled beef. And make sure you get this special ice cream: sweet crystal with merry orange and pickled cherry.

Customers now need to pay the CNY 100 entrance fee with their first drink. There are 140 seats. Cloud 9 is not easy to find — some obscure interior design law of the hotel means that they don't mark out how to get there. Use the lift and let the discreet waiters at the top show you the rest of the way.

California Club

California Club is a part of Muse at Park 97, which is a famous and popular restaurant in Fuxing Park. The designer is a Malaysian, and the decoration company is from Hong Kong, giving the club a unique passion from South East Asia. The red color marks the club and also the food specialties of the two restaurants outside. Red high chairs, red sofas, and even red back cushions make this place a super good spot for dating and forgetting the outside world. City stories take place there every moment.

The club is the only spot offering a California Margarita in the city, and most customers are foreigners. It becomes very hilarious during weekends. If you go there early when there are just a few people, you may find a comfortable sofa and have drinks with friends together to enjoy the special moment. Or you could just be alone there, indulging yourself in the sound of Louis Armstrong.

The spot gets crowded around 11:00 at night and most are foreigners and Chinese people from Hong Kong and Taiwan. No matter how different they are, there is one common reason for them going there-dance music in such a great atmosphere. The DJ is Daiya Kobayashi, and hip-hop is very popular at the moment. A reservation is necessary for weekends.

George V

There is no reason to skip this pub when talking about the top nightclubs in Shanghai. Classical English nostalgic decoration style, delicious raw ham, a great jazz band, half-price drinks 7:30–8:30 pm, and the charming sound of blues singers speak for themselves at George V.

It is a 3-story pub with the upper two floors half-annular, which makes the ground floor a perfect stage for the band. Every corner of the pub is trying to bring you into the old days. The fireplace and wooden carving board with a picture of an old blues singer above as the stage backdrop tells of the music taste there.

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday is jazz band time, while on the other days, the stage is set for an American singer called Shawn Boy Blues. The most exciting moment in the pub comes when customers ad-lib on stage.

The other highlight is that all Chinese names of cocktails are taken from famous film stars and classical movies, such as Roman Holiday, Marilyn Monroe, and Waterloo Bridge. Even the menu is not cheap, using a whole imported cow skin from Italy.

Judy’s Too (Maoming Road)

Judy’s Too is a major gathering place for Germans in Shanghai. It was once a very famous basement disco when it opened in 1998. It is one of the oldest pubs operated by foreign people in the city. Most regulars were literature celebrities who loved to dance. The band was a black band named Wala Wala. Often they played dance music and soft music whilst sometimes they added some crazy feeling.

Now the pub is on Maoming South Road. The interior design style is the perfect mix of Old Chinese style and Western style. Red is the main color. Every Thursday night there is a special performance when lots of foreigners take part. The pub often plays some old foreign music from the 1980s, which attracts Germans, French, and English. You can even find some old customers' photos hanging on the wall. Do try Endingen (Dark of Blonde) and Kamikazzie.

The Rabbit Hole

Partner of Rabbit Holes- Blake Showalter is a veteran of the nightlife bar industry. He opened many bars in Japan, and celebrated his bar Club Pure, which celebrated its sixth anniversary in Osaka. He and his partner wanted to create a place to escape the bustling city, and avoid the crazy mass life, and eventually had The Rabbit Hole.

Alice is the theme of the bar, which is decorated with break-roaming Alice Wonderland illustrations in photo frames. The Rabbit Hole standard cocktails are CNY50, and the City and Long Island Iced Tea are a bit more expensive, as well as the cocktails of White Queen and Mad Hat.

There is also a fully equipped kitchen that provides dinner, a supply of appetizers, and a main dish from 6 pm to 11 pm, and a pizza supply till 1 a.m. Barkeepers' indulgence to keep up with the trend of organizing different themes of activities, they already have Latin Nights per week and a monthly "crazy Hat Tea Party". These activities will offer cocktails in teapots. This is one of the odd aspects of the bar in the overall moderation and casual atmosphere.

People 7

Located on Julu Road, People 7 is next to Shanghai Shintori Restaurant, with an open design of minimalism and cement. The fun and strangeness of People 7 start before you even walk through the door. It always needs a specific password to open the door which is provided once you make a booking. Enter the password to open the door on the left, otherwise, only the right side of the door will open, which is a mirror.

When entering the bar, it does not have a complete set of walls and floors in the hall, the black and white bicolor knocks off silk sparks. Dishes are considered "concept” routes, they serve small look nice and also taste good. The bathrooms are another neat surprise – which we won't say too much here! These odd designs always make you feel full of creativity. People 7 are often fully booked. People must be booked in advance before you come.

The Alchemist

The brand new old-style house buildings, villas, and Commercial Street can complement each other in this street. Ancient and modern conversion can also fit right into each other. Cocktails and tapas here almost turned everyone's initial impression of these two things. The ultimate creative is a great challenge to the taste buds. Although the Constellation has many super selections of whiskies and Cocktails that no one can reach, The Alchemist has created her new space. The El Coctel, which the same belonging to Spain's Fancy Style, does not have as strong an impact as The Alchemist. This is a very special Rum bar, if you like to drink Rum, here is the perfect place you must come because Rum is their specialty, better not to miss. If you are not a person who likes Rum, after drinking this alcohol, you will be fascinated by it.

Salon de Ning

Salon de Ning Bar is associated with a Shanghai woman. She was the host of Shanghai International in the 1920s and got the name of Shanghai social heiress. Salon de Ning restored the Artiest Deco in her period: from traditional luxury global travel to her crazy and weird collection of souvenirs and great exotic works of art. The live-in luxury salon, Oriental Paris, relying on a white bridge and the Peninsula Hotel, Shanghai stories of the 1920s are all reflected here.

Top 10 Shanghai Bars

Aptly called the “Paris of the East”, Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city with a huge selection of bars, clubs, lounges, and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for an upscale wine bar, a place to meet expats, a bouncing dance club, brunch, or something more specific, Shanghai has you covered.

Funk A Deli

Funk A Deli is a big, popular bar with expats. It’s a good place for dinner, brunch, drinks, and atmosphere. Guests will find a long list of drinks including wines and cocktails, and quality Italian food. Funk A Deli is perfect for relaxed brunches or after-work dinners and drinks with a relaxed ambiance.

VUE Bar

As you might imagine, VUE Bar is a high-end establishment, and the atmosphere and prices reflect as much. You will have a great view of the Bund while you sip professionally made cocktails. Expect a cover fee of about 100 CNY that will include a drink. This is the place to take someone you want to impress.

Dada

Dada is a dive bar and club that features local DJs from Thursdays to Saturdays. The atmosphere is less pretentious than a lot of the high-end places, and the crowd is mostly younger Chinese and expats. Prices are moderate to low with various drink specials.

Bar Rouge

The gorgeous view of the Bund greets you at this rooftop bar and lounge. On weekdays come for a relaxed vibe to have a drink or two. This is one of the city’s iconic bars, and on weekends it gets packed, so make reservations if you want a table. Unfortunately, it’s become more of a tourist destination than a place where locals hang out, but it’s definitely still worth a visit. Bar Rouge serves a mix of beer/wine, champagne, and cocktails.

Speak Low

Not so secret anymore, Speak Low used to be accessible only by telling the doorman you were looking for it and then going through a hidden entrance. Although it’s pretty crowded these days, this bar is a must-go if you are visiting Shanghai. Speak Low focuses on unique and strong cocktails primarily, and has been listed as one of the world’s top 50 bars.

Revolucion Cocktail Shanghai

Good food, good cocktails, and a good vibe all add up to make Revolucion Cocktail Shanghai a great all-around experience. Come for quality specialty cocktails as well as Latin/Western food, and stay for the great atmosphere and music with a Cuban flair.

Flair Bar

Boasting the highest rooftop venue in Shanghai, Flair Bar offers a luxurious view of the city that is second to none with a chic, stylish atmosphere. With contemporary and décor and architecture, and amazing service, Flair offers a high-end experience at the top of the city. Flair serves food, cocktails, beer, and wine- come for dinner and watch the sun go down and the lights come on.

CJW Jazz Bar/CJW Jueshi Pub

CJW stands for cigars, jazz, and wine...what’s more to ask? For those looking for something outside the normal bar/lounge circuit, CJW offers something different in a Shanghai bar. Primarily serving whiskeys, wine, and beer, you will pay a little extra for the atmosphere and the view, but it’s worth it to experience one of the last hole-in-the-wall jazz bars in Shanghai. You can also listen to live soul, funk, and blues at CJW.

The Tipsy Fiddler Irish Pub

Live music, Western food, a good beer selection, and a homey vibe make this bar a nice hang-out spot for locals, tourists, and expats alike. The Tipsy Fiddler feels like a slice of home for many from the UK. You won’t find a more appropriate place to have a pint in Shanghai.

Riink

Those looking for a bit of nightlife off the beaten path should look no further. Riink is a roller bar. Have a drink, skate around the floor (yes, it’s shaped like a skating rink), or just take it all in from a seat. Riink beers, cocktails, neon lighting, and a unique theme make this bar a one-of-a-kind experience.

Huangpu River Night Cruise

Huangpu River cruises run from 10 am until 9 pm, and the cruises after 6 pm are most popular. They provide a spectacular view of the Bund and Pudong District by night. It is rated by some as equal to that of Hong Kong harbor at night.

The regular cruise ships start from the Bund and pass the Oriental Pearl TV & Radio Tower, Binjiang Avenue, and return to the Bund after reaching Yangpu Bridge. This is the most spectacular view. This allows passengers to appreciate the contrast of modern skyscrapers with classical European buildings which are beautifully lit. Cruises including dinner are available for about CNY200/person, or just take in the sights for 100 Yuan/person. The cruises last from 40 minutes to 1 hour.

The cruise ships are operated by 3 cruise companies. Routes and prices may vary a little but all ships include the main sights.

Shanghai Service Travel Center

Watch a Night Show

Night shows are a highlight of Shanghai nightlife and Shanghai has many to offer. The most special and popular ones for foreigners are the Shangcheng Acrobatic Show and Era Intersection of Time.

Shangcheng Acrobatic Show

Era Intersection of Time

Explore Night Markets

Night markets are a good way to see a city and experience local life. Shanghai is no exception. The night markets are usually local food streets and grocery streets.

Local Food Streets

Street food is very popular with locals, especially young people. Good food is very easy to sell. Most night markets start at about 8:00 pm and close at almost 1:00 am.

Changli Road

There are many different goods sold on this street, but the street food is most famous. The most popular food is Zhou Bin Chou Tofu (Smelly Tofu). 2 hours is enough time to explore the market.

Tongbei Road

The main offering is seafood. It starts at 5:00 pm and closes at 3:00 am. The most famous restaurant is Lao Si Shao Kao Restaurant. 2 1/2 hours is recommended for the visit.

Shouning Road

Barbecue is a major highlight of Shouning Road, especially crayfish. Er Zi Barbecue Restaurant is very popular. It provides take-away service so that visitors can enjoy crayfish in other restaurants and taste barbecues from Er Zi Shan Kao Restaurant.

Other Night Markets

These night markets are very popular with locals because they provide almost everything cheaply. Clothing, hats, shoes, flowers, animals, books, and CDs are all available. Street food is also available.

Linfen Road

Zhongyuan Road

Dongchang Road

Zhongshan Park Station of Metro Line 2

Night Walks

Shanghai by night can be simply enjoyed by yourself and combined with dinner or a drink. The French Concession, the Bund, Xintiandi, and Sinan Mansions are quite easy to enjoy by yourself. Road signs are good. These areas provide good photo opportunities.

The former French Concession has many cafes and specialty stores that sell interesting items. The French Concession is a trendy area.

Hengshan Road, in another part of the French Concession, has a pub culture and is a great place to watch a football game, listen to live music, dance, etc.

With many good restaurants, outdoor seating, and live tunes, music has become the hub for nightlife in Shanghai, and Sinan Mansions has some high-end cocktail bars.

On the other side of the road is the Bun,d where bars of all sorts abound. Bar Rouge is considered the must-go place for first-timers. It has a great view but is expensive. Reservations may be required.

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