After careful consideration and research – read cocktails and Tsing Tao – I think Shanghai is at its shiny best at night. Darkness falls, and huge towers light up like Star Wars sabers. It’s magical. If you’re visiting Shanghai, even for a day or two, I highly recommend you go out and explore some of the city’s varied nightlife (and finish your evening with some tasty skewers from street vendors).
Here’s a few mini-reviews of the Shanghai bars and clubs I visited on this trip:
M2
A Shanghai super-club (located at the top of a mall), packed with pretty people and an interesting stage show. Get ready to dance your ass off if you start buying jugs of redbull and vodka…
Windows
There are a few Windows bars around Shanghai. The chain stands for cheap beer, bad music and random conversations with both tourists and locals. I found it good for people watching and kind of endearing!
G-Plus
Another super-club perched on the upper levels of a mall. Everything at G Plus is on a massive scale… spread over two levels with massive LCD screen behind the multiple DJs. Watch out for the diamonds on the wall and odd unisex bathrooms.
Shelter
Located in the French Concession, the club is an old bomb shelter. Low ceilings, good music and hanging smoke create a unique experience. I really liked this place – I went there twice!
ArtLab @ MoCA
A cool bar/restaurant located on the rooftop of Shanghai’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Laze on a wicker lounger and look out over the beautiful park – it’s a good place to chill both day and night.
Three On The Bund
Head to the 7th floor and the New Heights bar for a sparkling view of the Bund. It’s not cheap here (cocktails are better value than beer!) but when you see the views from their large outdoor terrace you’ll forgive all.
Number Five
Number 5 is a very unpretentious basement pub on the Bund, with free pool, a foosball table and friendly staff (they took photos for us). A place to linger before heading out to a dance club. The girls I went with were mightily impressed by the Japanese style toilets too!
Grand Hyatt
There are several sky scraping bars in the Jin Mao Tower, located on the Pudong side of the river. Sit inside at the Patio Bar and look up at the amazing 33-story atrium. For views, head to the Cloud 9 Bar that looks out over the rest of Shanghai – almost making the Oriental Pearl Tower look small! Hint: if you can’t afford the drinks just go to the lobby area on the 87th floor and peep out the windows.
A video clip of some of the fun bar adventures had – J. & W. might kill me for posting this but oh well…! The song is The Bug – Poison Dart feat. Warrior Queen.
Shanghai nights from Amber Parkin on Vimeo.
