Shanghai Nightlife
Visitors who return to China after many years away are often taken aback by the lively nature of the country's nightlife scene.
Shanghai is seen as China's party capital and the city is home to a large number of hedonistic characters living for the weekend. In Shanghai weary travellers can enjoy a few quiet drinks on the waterfront, while their more energetic friends party hard in numerous nightclubs: the choice is yours!
Heading down to the Maoming area of town will guarantee you nightlife. Seedy in patches, the area offers a breathtaking introduction to Shanghai's evening scene and if you find yourself still here after 02:00 and wondering where everyone is, look for the Buddha Bar and you'll find them.
Shanghai has an enormous range of classy bars, where prices aren't cheap but the décor and the beverages are splendid. Try Face on Ruijin Erlu, where opium beds, minus the opium, are available to rest your tired limbs while you sip a famous chocolate mint martini. The Glamour Bar at M on the Bund, with its views, Art deco design and cocktails is another spot popular with those who have money to burn.
If it's dancing you're after, follow the crowds of young clubbers down to the Rojam Disco in the French Concession. With techno on the weekends and any variety of genres throughout the week, the place is popular and busy ? good for all sorts of goings on.
Travellers on a limited budget can try out the Captain's Bar on Fuzhou Lu, which offers great views of Pudong. The lift up from the Captain Hostel can be nerve-wracking but it's worth it. A great night guaranteed!
The most famous jazz haunt in the city is the Peace Hotel. The resident sextet that plays here has a combined age of over 400 and seems to have been playing the classics here for even longer. It's pricey but classy and a big favourite with tourists.
However, for the best of live jazz and blues in Shanghai head on down to the Cotton Club in the French quarter. This smoky joint plays host to good bands on most nights of the week, with a young crowd always in looking for a good time.
Nearby you will find music of a different nature. The Conservatory of Music offers classical music from both China and the west, played by some of the country's leading up and coming musicians. Performances take place most evenings from 19:15 and ticket prices are extremely reasonable.
A similarly relaxing experience can be enjoyed at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, where theatre, opera and dance, both national and foreign, take centre stage. The building itself is exquisite and an evening here is often the highlight of a stay.
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Nightlife
