Ningbo Laiwaitan Live House sits on Waitan Road in the Laiwaitan (Old Bund) district of Ningbo's Jiangbei District, in the riverside strip of restored colonial-era buildings along the Yong River. The crowd is younger and more energetic than the district's beer houses and wine bars, mostly 20s to mid-30s, mixing local students, young professionals, and touring music fans; dress is casual, with no enforced dress code. Programming runs live rock and pop-cover bands Thursday through Sunday, with the room shifting to DJ-led dancing once the live set ends, typically after 11PM. Drinks focus on beer and simple mixed cocktails rather than an extensive cocktail list, priced in the CNY 40-90 range, with drink specials often tied to the night's act. The venue operates only Thursday to Sunday, 9PM to 2AM, and stays closed the rest of the week; within that window, Friday and Saturday draw the largest crowds and the busiest dancefloor, while Thursday and Sunday nights are noticeably calmer. Cover charges of roughly CNY 40-100 apply depending on the act, with better-known bands commanding the higher end; there is no formal reservation system, so early arrival is the main way to secure a spot near the stage.
| Price | CNY 40-90 per drink (approx USD 5.96-13.41) |
|---|---|
| Cover | CNY 40-100 depending on the act (approx USD 5.96-14.90) |
| Hours | Thu-Sun 9PM-2AM |
| Address | Waitan Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang |
Good to know
- Signature
- Live band performances and late-night dancing along the riverside
Weather through the year in Zhejiang
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Zhejiang.
Location
Waitan Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang
29.8836, 121.5652 View on map
Highlights
- Live rock and pop-cover bands Thursday through Sunday
- DJ-led dancing after the live set ends, typically past 11PM
- Riverside setting in a restored colonial-era Laiwaitan building
- Open only four nights a week, closed Monday through Wednesday
Tips for visiting
- Friday and Saturday nights draw the largest crowds and busiest dancefloor
- Arrive before the live set starts to get a spot near the stage
- Cover charge of roughly CNY 40-100 varies by act, so check the night's lineup
- The venue is closed Monday through Wednesday
- No table reservations are taken; arrival order determines the best spots
Frequently asked questions
What nights is Ningbo Laiwaitan Live House open?
It operates Thursday through Sunday from 9PM to 2AM and is closed the rest of the week.
Is there a cover charge?
Yes, cover runs roughly CNY 40-100 depending on the night's act.
What kind of music does the venue feature?
Live rock and pop-cover bands play through the night, with the room switching to DJ-led dancing once the set ends.