Discover the best bars, clubs, and evening entertainment in China.
China offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of history, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to ultramodern Shanghai skyscrapers. Experience diverse landscapes ranging from karst mountains in Guilin to the Tibetan Plateau, savor world-renowned cuisine, and witness the fusion of ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology.
China's major cities offer vibrant nightlife spanning from rooftop cocktail bars in Shanghai's Former French Concession to underground electronic clubs in Beijing's Sanlitun. Shanghai leads Asia's nightlife scene, while Chengdu is famous for its laid-back teahouse culture mixing into late-night bars. Beijing's expat-heavy Sanlitun and local favorite Gulou districts offer contrasting scenes.
Bars typically serve until 2-3AM; clubs until 5-6AM in major cities. China is generally very safe late at night in city centers. Use Didi app rather than street taxis after midnight. Baijiu is the local spirit - very strong (52%+), order judiciously.
Find the vibe that suits you.
Beijing's premier nightlife district anchored by the Taikoo Li shopping complex with dozens of bars, restaurants, and clubs on surrounding streets. Mix of upscale hotel bars, Western-style pubs, and Chinese lounge bars with a predominantly expat and young professional crowd.
Beijing's most authentic nightlife neighborhood in the hutong alleyways around the Drum and Bell Towers. Low-key bars, live music venues, underground clubs, and local craft beer spots draw a creative crowd of artists, musicians, and Beijing's bohemian community.
Shanghai's most stylish nightlife area in beautifully restored 1920s-1930s French colonial streets. World-class cocktail bars like The Nest, Bar Rouge, and Shelter occupy historic lane houses. Dense concentration of rooftop bars, jazz venues, and late-night restaurants.
The iconic waterfront strip's colonial hotels house some of Asia's most spectacular rooftop bars including The Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria and the Captain Bar. Pudong's night skyline creates an unbeatable backdrop for evening cocktails.
Chengdu's historic broad and narrow alleyways transform into a buzzing bar district after dark with traditional teahouses, Sichuan-themed cocktail bars, and outdoor seating. The contrast of Ming Dynasty architecture and craft cocktails is quintessential Chengdu.
Guangzhou's modern CBD by day transforms into a sophisticated bar and lounge scene at night. Pearl River views from rooftop bars and sleek hotel lounges cater to business travelers and Guangzhou's affluent professionals.
Insider tips, venue recommendations, and safety advice.
Top spots for drinks and socializing.
Award-winning Shanghai cocktail bar in the French Concession consistently ranked among Asia's best. Bartenders create complex cocktails incorporating Chinese five-spice, Sichuan peppercorn, and medicinal herbs. Standing room only on weekends.
Iconic rooftop bar atop the Peninsula Hotel with sweeping views over Wangfujing and Tiananmen area. Classic cocktails expertly prepared by skilled bartenders. Formal dress expected; reservations recommended on weekends.
Legendary Bund institution with expansive terrace overlooking the iconic waterfront and Pudong skyline. Australian-inspired menu with excellent wine list and signature cocktails make it a mandatory Shanghai experience.
Beloved narrow hutong bar near Beixinqiao in a converted courtyard house. Natural wine selection, creative cocktails, and excellent cheese boards in an authentic Beijing atmosphere. Perpetually busy Thursday-Saturday.
Shanghai's best tiki bar in the French Concession mixing classic rum cocktails with Chinese ingredients. Ceramic Tiki mugs, tropical decor, and inventive drinks make it a cult favorite for cocktail enthusiasts.
Pioneering craft spirits bar near Taikoo Li introducing drinkers to premium baijiu in cocktail form. Expert bartenders create accessible cocktails using China's national spirit alongside Japanese whisky and Taiwanese gin.
Where to dance the night away.
Shanghai's most famous superclub in a massive warehouse venue with internationally renowned DJs on rotating residencies. Laser shows, multiple rooms, and a capacity of 2,000+ create an internationally competitive clubbing experience.
Influential underground music venue and club with locations in Beijing (Gulou) and Shanghai (French Concession). Known for curating cutting-edge music with Chinese and international DJs. Small and sweaty - genuinely alternative crowd.
Shanghai's premier underground techno club in a basement venue in the former French Concession. Strict door policy, serious music programming, and China's best sound system. Advanced booking or guest list recommended.
Chengdu's most popular mainstream club with Chinese hip hop, R&B, and EDM nights. Multiple VIP rooms, bottle service culture, and consistently packed dance floors attract a young Chinese and expat crowd.
Guangzhou's leading nightclub in the Zhujiang New Town area with rotating international DJs, multiple themed rooms, and spectacular light shows. Popular with Guangzhou's affluent young crowd and visiting Singaporean and Hong Kong clubbers.
Long-running Beijing alternative music venue in Gulou neighborhood hosting live bands, DJ sets, and emerging Chinese and international electronic artists. Exposed brick walls, great sound, and an intellectual bohemian crowd.
Beyond bars and clubs.
Beijing's Yugong Yishan and MAO Livehouse host international and Chinese rock/indie acts; Shanghai's JZ Club is Asia's best jazz bar with world-class performers; Chengdu's Little Bar Sichuan has authentic folk music nightly
Ghost Street (Guijie, Beijing) has 100+ hotpot restaurants open until 4 AM; Shanghai's nightlife areas have numerous late-night dumpling and ramen spots; Chengdu street food stalls operate until sunrise
Available at Middle Eastern and hookah bars in Beijing's Sanlitun and Shanghai's Gubei area; multiple Arabic restaurants in Sanlitun offer authentic shisha experience
Shanghai's Bund 18 terrace; FOUND bar at JW Marriott Guangzhou; SKY 100 Hong Kong; The Opposite House rooftop Beijing; 365 Rooftop at URBN Shanghai
Stay safe and make the most of your evenings.
Download Didi app before going out - essential for safe, metered rides home late at night as street taxis may refuse, overcharge, or refuse to use meters
WeChat Pay or Alipay essential at many bars - cash and especially foreign credit cards often refused at smaller venues
Chinese clubs and bars have a strong bottle service culture - a table with a bottle of spirits and mixers often cheaper than buying individual drinks at some venues
Bar tabs are not standard at Chinese bars - pay as you go is the norm; keep track of your spending
Dress smartly for Shanghai's upscale venues - sneakers may be refused at premium clubs and hotel bars on weekends
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