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 state-of-the-art 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.
Lively and cosmopolitan in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Shanghai's nightlife is world-class with rooftop bars along the Bund, sophisticated cocktail culture in the French Concession, and one of Asia's best electronic music scenes. Beijing is more low-key but culturally rich with hutong bars and live music venues.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Sanlitun (Beijing)
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.
Best for: International cocktail bars, upscale clubbing, rooftop bars
Gulou (Drum Tower Area, Beijing)
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.
Best for: Live music, craft beer, alternative clubs, local bars
Former French Concession (Shanghai)
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.
Best for: Craft cocktails, jazz bars, sophisticated drinking, rooftop views
The Bund and Huangpu (Shanghai)
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.
Best for: Iconic skyline views, rooftop bars, luxury hotel bars
Kuan Zhai Alley Area (Chengdu)
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.
Best for: Teahouse culture, unique cocktails, relaxed Chengdu vibe
Zhujiang New Town (Guangzhou)
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.
Best for: Rooftop bars, upscale lounges, Pearl River views
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
The Nest
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.
Known for: Innovative cocktails using Chinese herbs, local spirits, and seasonal ingredients
Jing Bar (Peninsula Beijing)
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.
Known for: Classic cocktails with Beijing city views
Capital M (Shanghai)
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.
Known for: Signature cocktails with Bund colonial architecture views
Mao Mao Chong (Beijing)
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.
Known for: Natural wines and creative cocktails in hutong setting
Tiki Punk (Shanghai)
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.
Known for: Tiki cocktails with Asian twists
Jiu Bar (Chengdu)
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.
Known for: Baijiu cocktails and Sichuan whisky
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Taxx Shanghai
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.
Cover: $15-30
Hours: 10PM-6AM
Dada Bar (Beijing and Shanghai)
Influential underground music venue and club with locations in Beijing (Gulou) and Shanghai (French Concession). Known for curating state-of-the-art music with Chinese and international DJs. Small and sweaty - genuinely alternative crowd.
Cover: $8-20
Hours: 9PM-5AM
Arkham Shanghai
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.
Cover: $15-25
Hours: 11PM-late
Lantern Club (Chengdu)
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.
Cover: $10-20
Hours: 10PM-4AM
V&E Club (Guangzhou)
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.
Cover: $15-30
Hours: 10PM-5AM
School Bar (Beijing)
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.
Cover: $5-15
Hours: 8PM-5AM
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Live music
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
Late dining
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
Shisha
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
Rooftop
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
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
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