Shanghai adores its lychee martinis and cappuccinos to go, and with dazzling salaries and soaring property prices leaving the streets sloshing with cash, there are more than enough bars and cafes to wet the lips of the thirsty white-collar set. But don't be intimidated by the glitzy exterior: underneath is a happening nightlife scene that keeps everyone – VIP or not – plenty entertained.
Bars
While bars today are predominantly frequented by expats and internationally minded locals, the race is on to capture the domestic market. In Beijing a more populist approach rules, but Shanghai has stayed true to its roots: it’s all about looking flash, sipping craft cocktails or imported wine, and tapping into the appetite for new trends. As might be expected, new bars pop up and disappear as fast as the money vanishes from your wallet, but the upside to the intense competition is weekly specials and happy hours (generally from 5pm to 8pm) that manage to keep things affordable.
Cafes
Cafe culture has long steeped Shanghai in caffeine and roasted coffee beans. Though decent teahouses can be as rare hen's teeth in trendy areas, lattes and sandwiches served at hip wi-fi hang-outs – some familiar names, some not – are all over the place. Also look out for street stalls selling bubble tea (zhenzhu naicha), a fabulously addictive Taiwanese milk tea with tapioca balls, and all sorts of related spin-offs, such as hot ginger drinks or freshly pureed papaya smoothies.
Clubbing
Shanghai’s clubs are mostly big, glossy places devoted to playing mainstream house, techno and hip-hop. The offerings are getting better, and each year sees at least one new opening that strives to go beyond mainstream expectations. Loads of big-name DJs are flying in, which has helped boost interest among the locals, although the crowds are still predominantly made up of Westerners, Hong Kong and Taiwanese expats, and young, rich Shanghainese. Unsurprisingly, high turnover is the name of the game; check the local listings for the latest up-to-date hot spots.
Drinking & Nightlife by Neighbourhood
AThe Bund & People’s Square The Bund serves up glamour and gorgeous views in equal measure.
AFrench Concession East Fine crop of cafes and bohemian boltholes.
AFrench Concession West The most alcohol-saturated stretch of the city, jostling with clubs, pubs and microbreweries.
AJing’an Sports bars and a few divey faves.
APudong It’s all about the views in Pudong.