Gay club shanghai

Shanghai stands as a dazzling metropolis like Beijing, a symphony of neon lights, historic narratives, and futuristic aspirations.

Another magical spot to visit - The Jade Buddha Temple - is a Buddhist temple in Shanghai, founded in 1882. There are group of small gay and queer bars in this area called "French Concession Gay Triangle," but they are commonly shut down, and then reopen in different locations to stay afloat. The crowd is mostly women in their 30s and up, making for a mature and engaging atmosphere.

They also run the popular Thursday “Thirstation” night from 9 pm, a mid-week queer party series for those who just can’t wait for the weekend.

Glam Bar @ M On The Bund

A gay-popular but very mixed bar serving swish, upscale cocktails with prices to match. Pre-order the best local SIM card now to have it waiting for you in Shanghai when you arrive.

The Bund

Easily the best thing to do in Shanghai, a walk along this historic waterfront area offers a glimpse of old Shanghai on one side and modern Shanghai on the other.

This is ‘the spot’ to see and is seen, so bring your game Glam Bar can get ever-popular late at night so maybe consider heading downstairs to the restaurant ‘M On The Bund’ for cheaper cocktails in the more relaxed setting (and the food is just as incredible as the view).

Sunshine Bar @ Captain Hostel

A liberal international hostel with a very swish rooftop bar and stunning views of the Bund.

The signature Lollipop cocktail is a must-try, and Thursday offers topless bartenders to draw in the crowd. Similar to London’s Tate Modern, though, its budget does not quite match yet.

Time Acrobatic Show

It is a breathtaking showcase of traditional Chinese acrobatics combined with martial arts, special effects and just a touch of magic.

Shanghai Tower

The highest observation deck in the world – in the world’s second tallest building.

As with most observation towers, sunset visits are crowded but the best.

Shanghai Disneyland

The newest and possibly best Disneyland Resort in the entire world – as well as the cheapest, you should not miss this incredible park with a distinct Chinese twist. With Live DJs, a crazy dance floor, and friendly staff – Lucca 390 is the standard go-to gay club in Shanghai and for a good reason.

However, in 2020 Shanghai Pride was put on hiatus and is currently waiting to be started again, but will let you know when it begins again.

Get a WeChat account. Just around the corner from Lollipop Bar, so maybe stop in and see if it gets any better?

Lai Lai Dance Hall

Not really a gay nightclub but worth a mention as a discreet meeting place for older Chinese men from a time when being openly gay was highly Taboo.

Whatever your sexuality or gender identity, if you want to try drag, or want to learn more, then don’t miss our launch event. The massages here aren’t bad either, with full ‘body-to-body’ and body scrub options available.

H42 Sauna in the Changning District is closed as of April 2018 and remains chained up with a police order out front.

China’s drag scene is growing.

The nightlife and bar scene here is exploring, and it seems gay venues, in particular, are opening faster than we can keep track, with many drawing a diverse crowd of ex-pats and young things from all over China who migrated to modern Shanghai to just be themselves. 

Still, the epicenter of the Gay Shanghai Triangle is in the French Concession neighborhood centered around Lucca 390, and filled with plenty of creatively designed and eccentrically themed bars and lounges calling to Shanghai’s ever-growing, and increasingly cosmopolitan gay crowd.