Shanghai Nightlife: What to Do After Dark 2024
Daytime in Shanghai is fine. Everything is open, energy is high. Great. But once the sun goes down and the artificial lights come up, a different Shanghai emerges.
The city comes alive after dusk - it blushes on the Bund, whispers on its Huangpu River, giggles in the Nanjing Road, and roars in its skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Walk out onto the shadowy lanes and lively bars, and you’ll meet Shanghai whose vibe and verve simply couldn’t exist without the cover of darkness. From evenings of a river cruise, theatre, bar, and circus or a night out around the bund area, there are plenty of fun things to do in Shanghai at night.
In this nightlife guide, we have listed the top 7 things to do at night in Shanghai. Plenty of tips and detailed info are provided to help you make the most out of your visit. So, lace up your walking shoes, and let’s do this.
As the top attraction, the landmark of Shanghai, the Bund offers a spectacular night view. From The Bund, you can see the high-rise skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower gleaming in every hue with boat sailing by in the dazzling Huangpu River. Also, the numerous high-end posh hotels and exotic historic buildings around this region complement the scenery, enhancing the attractiveness of this bund too. It is a must-visit site at night and the colorful night lights were one of the highlights of Shanghai, and are also a reflection of how economically vibrant Shanghai is. Like the great wall to Beijing, the Bund is the iconic site to Shanghai. Take your camera, snap a couple of shots here!
♦ Useful Link: The Bund
• Popular Shanghai Tour: 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour
Silhouette of Pudong Skyline Seen from the Bund
Exotic Buildings Lining on the Bund
At night, the city’s nightscape changes minute by minute. When you visit Shanghai you MUST ensure that you schedule a night cruise down the Huangpu River. Various options exist but an inexpensive 1-hour cruise allows you to view the fabulous Bund area which seems to be coated in liquid gold and is a stark contrast to the disco version of Pudong on the other side of the river. Tourists usually get on board from Shiliupu Wharf or Qinhuangdao Wharf. However, be aware that holidays and dinner time (17:00-21:00) can be rather busy along the river, so mass transit will be your best option and you may need to book a cruise ticket in advance.
♦ Useful Link: Huangpu River Cruise
• Popular Shanghai Tour: 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
Lujiazui, Pudong Seen from the Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship Sailing on the Huangpu River
Huangpu River Cruise Routes, Schedules & Tickets
There are many cruise options which vary in size, capacity, decoration and amenities. The ships you are going to take depend on when you board the cruise. The cruise route usually starts from Shiliupu Wharf.
Cruise Route: Shiliupu Wharf - Binjiang Avenue - Shanghai Tower - Shanghai International Convention Center - Oriental Pearl Tower - Qinhuangdao Wharf (U-turn) - North Bund - Sinar Mas Plaza - Waibaidu Bridge - Bund International Architecture Exhibition - Shiliupu Wharf
Cruise Duration: about 50 minutes.
Price: Nov. 26~Feb. 25 off season day cruise ¥90, night cruise ¥115; Feb. 26~Nov. 25 peak season day cruise ¥115, night cruise ¥135; holiday price day cruise ¥135, night cruise ¥135; all listed pricing does not include dining and snacks onboard.
Ticket Booking: 1. Travel with China Discovery and we will take care of all your ticket booking including for the river cruise. 2. You can buy ticket at Huangpu River Cruise Ticket Office of the Shiliupu Wharf and Qinhuangdao Wharf; 3. Many hotels provide ticket booking service and you check it with your hotel.
Service: Free Chinese and English explanation telling about the history and tourist spots of Shanghai.
Travel Notes: 1. Please arrive at the exact wharf at least 30 minutes in advance. 2. Take care of your kids and watch out for your steps. 3.The cruise time is on the ticket. If it is not used at the specified time, the ticket will become invalid. 4. The cruise ticket you purchased does not include many optional services on the cruise ship. Please inquire the staff on the cruise ship for more details. 5. Children under 1.3 meters are free to get on the cruise ship. Children need to get a free child ticket at the ticket office before boarding. One adult can take only one child with a free ticket on board.
As the busiest shopping street in Shanghai and only about 10 mins’ walk from the Bund, Nanjing Road is a long commercial street lined with name-brand stores, both Chinese and International from high brands to affordable shopping goods, all of which can be done by walking. For those who feel tired, there are also restaurants, cafes, coffee/tea houses, and ice cream shops on Nanjing Road, so there is plenty of places for one to take a break, and you can also take a mini tram which can be availed for 10 CNY per person. It’s the most famous street to go shopping in Shanghai. When the night comes and neon lights are on, the beautiful displaying lights with the old buildings on both sides of the road more charms of the city.
♦ Useful Link: Nanjing Road
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Nanjing Road Night View
Bustling Nanjing Road
Standing tall in the Lujiazui area, the skyscrapers of Shanghai is more than the view of a faraway skyline. You can get on the high-rise observation decks inside the tall building and enjoy this city from another terrific angle. As the top 4 skyscrapers in Shanghai, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and Jinmao Tower, all of them have observation decks opened for visitors, and especially the observation deck of Shanghai Tower is the highest in the world. The tower exhibit itself is well designed with lots of information and visuals of other tall and ultra-tall towers in the world. Besides enjoying the cityscape, in the Oriental Pearl Tower, you can enjoy fine dining at the revolving restaurant located in the upper sphere of the tower. Views are amazing and when you are looking down at skyscrapers you get a feel for how high this building actually is.
♦ Useful Link: Shanghai Skyscrapers | Shanghai Tower | Shanghai World Financial Center | Oriental Pearl TV Tower
• Popular Shanghai Tour: 3 Days Shanghai Highlights Tour with Water Town
Cityscape Seen from Shanghai Tower
High-rise Skyscrapers of Pudong, Shanghai
Observation Decks in Top Skyscrapers
▶ Shanghai Tower No. 501, Middle Yincheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区陆家嘴银城中路501号
◎ Height: 632m / 2,073 ft; Floors: 127
◎ Observation Deck: F118 (546m, the 2nd highest in the world)
◎ Opening Hours: 8:30~22:00 (no entry after 21:30)
▶ Shanghai World Financial Center No. 100, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 上海市浦东新区世纪大道100号
◎ Height: 492m / 1,614 ft; Floors: 101
◎ Observation Deck: F94 (423m); F97 (439m); F100 (474m)
◎ Opening Hours: 11:00~21:00 (no entry after 20:00)
▶ Oriental Pearl Tower No. 1, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China 上海市浦东新区世纪大道1号
◎ Height: 468m / 1535 ft; Floors: 25
◎ Observation Deck: Space Capsule Sightseeing Floor (351m); Sightseeing Galleria (263m); Transparent Observatory (259m)
◎ Opening Hours: 09:00~21:00
▶ Jinmao Tower 88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai上海市浦东新区世纪大道88号
◎ Height: 421m / 1380 ft; Floors: 88
◎ Observation Deck: F88 (340m)
◎ Opening Hours: 8:30~21:30 (no entry after 21:00)
Only about 9km from the Bund, Shanghai Circus World is a great place to watch the acrobatic show which is suitable for all ages! You are recommended to buy the tickets online. There are two routine performances in Shanghai Circus World at present, namely ERA Intersection of Time and Happy Circus, and each of them will leave you an unforgettable memory.
♦ Useful Link: Shanghai Circus World
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Shanghai Circus World
Amazing Acrobatic Show
▶ ERA – Intersection of Time
◎ Ticket: CNY 380 - CNY 880
◎ Performing Time: Weekdays 19:30; Weekends 14:00 & 19:30
This performance focuses on the breathtaking acrobatic shows.
▶ Happy Circus
◎ Ticket: CNY 160 - CNY 260
◎ Performing Time: Friday 19:00; Saturday 10:00 & 14:00; Sunday 14:00
Happy Circus is a perfect choice for families with kids.
Shanghai Old Town is a large area around the famous Yu Garden and City God Temple. Though the Yu garden is usually closed at night, the Yuyuan old street never sleeps which has successfully preserved its architecture is distinctly Chinese style while constantly pulled in endless streams of tourists to visit. This is also one of the most vibrant old streets where shopping mingles with yummy local food and snacks. Escaping from the cement jungle, the old street is a very happening old street with lots of restaurants and shops selling souvenirs. During the Chinese Spring Festival, the old town area will usually hold Lantern Festival with many colorful lanterns hanging around to celebrate the holiday.
♦ Popular Attractions in Shanghai Old Town: Yu Garden & Bazaar | City God Temple
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Shanghai Yu Garden at Night
Shanghai Old Street at Night
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 old lanes to modern skyscrapers, for holding either underground parties or a high-end banquet, all walks of people can find their entertainment spots in Shanghai. There are always more than enough options to decide: live music bars, jazz bars, swinging dance bars, rooftop bars to view the skyline...Whatever type of night out you want, you can always find it in Shanghai.
• Popular Shanghai Tour: 4 Days Shanghai Magic Tour with Disneyland Park
Bar at Shanghai Xintiandi
Enjoy Leisure Time at Tianzifang
Best Shanghai Trips for 2024
No matter it is your first, or the second or the third trip to Shanghai, China Discovery will always find a suitable tour package for you to see and experience Shanghai in the best way. No matter how many days you plan to stay in Shanghai, there is always a tour suitable for you. Following are some best Shanghai tour packages covering most highlights in Shanghai. If you still have no idea where to start, you can contact us to design a tailor-made Shanghai trip for you.
The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center, Tianzifang
The Bund, Shanghai Museum, West Lake, Lingering Garden, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory, Tongli Water Town
The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, Wukang Road City Walk,
The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Nanjing Road, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai World Financial Center, Yu Garden
