Recently updated on March 28th, 2024 at 03:13 pm
At night, Shanghai transforms into one of the most thrilling cities in the world. There is a famous song in China about Shanghai nightlife:
| 夜上海夜上海你是个不夜城 华灯起乐声响歌舞升平 只见她笑脸迎谁知她内心苦闷 夜生活都为了衣食住行 酒不醉人人自醉 胡天胡地蹉跎了青春 晓色朦胧转眼醒 大家归去心灵儿随着转动的车轮 换一换新天地别有一个新环境 回味着夜生活如梦初醒 | Shanghai nights, Shanghai nights, you are a city that never sleeps Bright lights, sounds of cars, singing and dancing Just seeing her smiling face, who knows of her inner sorrow? Nightlife is just as important as food, shelter and transport Alcohol doesn’t make people drunk, they make themselves drunk Troubled sky and earth, wasted youth The hazy light of dawn makes everyone’s eyes tired The soul returns with the turning of car wheels She finds a new world, not a new environment The aftertaste of nightlife like waking from a dream |
The nightlife offers a variety of enjoyable activities, from river cruises and theater shows to bars, circuses, and exploring the vibrant Bund area. Here we’ve listed the top 10 things to do at night in Shanghai.
1. Roam around the Bund
At night, the Bund in Shanghai is a must-visit spot. You’ll see towering skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower lit up beautifully, along with boats cruising along the Huangpu River. The area is also surrounded by fancy hotels and historic buildings, making it even more special. The colorful lights reflect Shanghai’s lively atmosphere, much like the Great Wall does for Beijing. Don’t forget to bring your camera to snap some amazing shots!
2. Take a night cruise along Huangpu River
At night, Shanghai’s skyline changes minute by minute, creating a mesmerizing view. When you’re in Shanghai, don’t miss out on taking a night cruise along the Huangpu River. You can choose from different options, but a 1-hour cruise is affordable and offers stunning views of the Bund area, which looks like it’s coated in gold. On the other side of the river, you’ll see the lively lights of Pudong. You can catch the cruise from Shiliupu Wharf or Qinhuangdao Wharf. Just keep in mind that holidays and dinner time (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) can be busy, so it’s best to use public transportation and maybe even book your cruise ticket ahead of time.
3. Shopping at the bustling Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s busiest shopping street, just a short 10-minute walk from the Bund. It stretches for a long way and is filled with name-brand stores, both Chinese and international, offering everything from high-end brands to affordable goods. You can explore it all on foot. If you get tired, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, tea houses, and ice cream shops where you can take a break. You can also hop on a mini tram for just 5 CNY per person. Nanjing Road is famous for shopping in Shanghai. At night, when the neon lights come on, the old buildings on both sides of the road add even more charm to the city’s beautiful display.
4. Explore Shanghai Old Town
Shanghai Old Town is a big area around the famous Yu Garden and City God Temple. While Yu Garden closes at night, Yuyuan Old Street stays busy, keeping its traditional Chinese style. It’s always bustling with tourists, offering shopping and tasty local snacks. This lively street is a nice break from the city, with lots of restaurants and souvenir shops. During the Chinese Spring Festival, they hold the Lantern Festival here, with colorful lanterns lighting up the streets for the holiday.
5. Roam Around the Alleys of Tianzifang
Tianzifang, nestled in the old French Concession, is a gem worth exploring. Its charm lies in the traditional Shikumen buildings and narrow alleys.
These maze-like pathways are filled with boutique gift shops, clothing stores, galleries, and craft shops. Strolling through the cobblestone alleys offers a slower pace compared to the busy streets of Shanghai, allowing you to soak in the city’s art and culture.
6. Enjoy Panoramic views from high-rise observation decks
In the Lujiazui area of Shanghai, the skyscrapers offer more than just a distant skyline view. You can visit the high-rise observation decks inside these towering buildings for a stunning perspective of the city. Among the top four skyscrapers in Shanghai—Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and Jinmao Tower—all have observation decks open to visitors. Notably, the observation deck of Shanghai Tower is the world’s highest. The tower exhibits are well-designed, offering plenty of information and visuals on other tall and ultra-tall towers worldwide.
Additionally, at the Oriental Pearl Tower, you can indulge in fine dining at the revolving restaurant located in the upper sphere of the tower. The views are breathtaking, and looking down at other skyscrapers gives you a sense of the incredible height of the building.
7. Take a sip at the best bars in Shanghai
As a populous city catering various crowds, Shanghai allures a great number of local people, migrants, businessmen, and travelers to discover its sleepless night. From historic alleyways to modern skyscrapers, whether you’re into underground parties or high-end banquets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With an abundance of options to choose from, including live music bars, jazz clubs, dance venues, and rooftop bars with skyline views, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a night out in Shanghai, no matter what you’re looking for.
8. Try local snacks on Changli Road
One of the most famous snack streets in Shanghai is Changli Road, renowned for its wide array of delicious foods. As evening falls and the lights come on, Changli Road transforms into a bustling and lively scene. Small restaurants extend their tables and chairs from indoors to the fronts of their gates, creating a bustling and vibrant atmosphere.
9. Enjoy Seafood on Tongbei Road
If you’re a seafood lover, visiting Tongbei Road is a great choice as it’s renowned for its seafood offerings. Being a major port city, Shanghai boasts a variety of fresh seafood. At Tongbei Road’s nighttime snack street, you’ll find a diverse selection of seafood at reasonable prices.
10. Watch acrobatic shows
Shanghai Circus World is widely regarded as the best circus in China, offering a variety of exceptional shows that you won’t find anywhere else.
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