Shanghai boasts more nightlife than any
other mainland Chinese city after Beijing. Its
quality and variety have increased so markedly
in the last several years that many veteran
expats consider it to be in the same league as
Hong Kong's. There are many Western-style bars
open 24hr, especially in the Huaihai Lu area,
nearly all of which serve food, and some of
which have room for dancing. There are now
several gay and lesbian bars , among
the most popular being 85%, 101
(all male) and Asia Blue. Most of the
places listed draw a mix of Chinese and expats.
The streets north of Huaihai Lu and south of
Yan'an Zhong Lu, most notably Julu Lu and
Maoming Lu, have the greatest concentration of
bars in the city, although pockets also exist
around Fudan University and Hengshan Lu. There
is a full range of drinks available in
Shanghai bars, though beer is usually bottled
rather than draught and prices are on the high
side; reckon on ¥25-60 per drink in most
places, which is a lot more than what you'll
pay in many restaurants. If it's Chinese rock
that you're after, live music can
certainly be found, though don't bet on the
quality. For up-to-date information about
current events, as well as news about the
latest bars that are opening up, check the
latest edition of the expat periodical Shanghai
Pictorial.