Where to go in Shanghai at night? 25+ must-visit & best places to visit in Shanghai at night

Possessing a series of flashy skyscrapers, high-rise buildings and many ancient architectural works, Shanghai is a tourist destination that always attracts a large number of visitors. The nightlife in Shanghai is also completely different from that in Beijing with many interesting things. So, what to do in Shanghai at night and where to go in Shanghai at night? Let’s check out our Shanghai nightlife guide with the list of 25+ best places to visit in Shanghai at night and top things to do in Shanghai at night in this article!

Shanghai at night is one of the four great beauties of China. And in this splendid city, there are always great corners for visitors to enjoy the sparkling lights of the city, filled with the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of a prosperous life. So if you travel to Shanghai, where do people usually go at night? Let’s visit the tourist attractions as well as best things to do in Shanghai at night below!

Shanghai is also an important financial center of China and is considered a source of pride for the Chinese people. In addition to its reputation for commercial development, it is also a famous tourist city in Asia. Coming to Shanghai, you will experience the modernity and magnificent beauty of this city.

The Bund – Symbol of Shanghai (#best places to visit in Shanghai at night)

It is no coincidence that the Bund is considered the symbol of Shanghai when there are hundreds of tourist and sightseeing spots here. The Bund is a complex of famous foreign-style buildings. During the day, this place offers a beautiful and unique architectural space. When night falls, the scenery becomes more attractive than ever under the illumination of the lights.

The Bund is a familiar nightlife choice for tourists and locals in Shanghai. The buildings on both sides of this historic street not only reflect the modern historical changes of Shanghai, but also combine Chinese and Western elements.

There is nothing better than taking a stroll in this area after stopping and shopping at Nanjing Road. Another great suggestion for you is to take a tour of the area in an open-top jeep.

The Bund has long been a popular place for European and American businesses since the late 19th century, when today’s colonial buildings were built to house banks and financial institutions, a major financial center of Asia in the past.

At night, when the city lights up, the Western-style buildings on the Bund are brightly lit, creating a charm that is completely different from that of the day. In addition, the bustling lights and beautiful scenery across the Huangpu River add to the charm of the Bund.

Coming here, visitors can choose to dine at a restaurant overlooking the river, or take a cruise tour and watch the Huangpu River or the splendid Shanghai Wharf, or take a walk on the streets of Zhongshan, Yuanmingyuan Road, etc. and feel the uniqueness of both the architecture and the pace of life of Shanghai at night.

When coming to this area at night, visitors will be able to admire the banks of the Huangpu River, a famous river in Shanghai. This is the boundary dividing the space of this area into two completely different areas. One side is ancient, with a strong European architectural style, the other side of the river is modern, bustling with skyscrapers.

Lujiazui – Forest of Skyscrapers

Located on the opposite bank of the Huangpu River and facing the Bund, the skyscrapers in Lujiazui are a testament to Shanghai’s rapid and remarkable development over time. Visitors can reach the Shanghai World Financial Center via the under-river tunnel for a panoramic view of the city. Night trains are available upon request.

Lujiazui in Pudong is one of Shanghai’s most glamorous night spots, facing the Bund across the river. Four skyscrapers, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower, are all located here.

These skyscrapers are simple and elegant in style, complementing the lanterns of the International Finance Center and Super Brand Plaza. In addition, the clock tower at the Disney Store further enhances the splendor of the city at night. When night falls, climb up these tall buildings, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of thousands of lights and stars. It is a new visual experience that can only be found at night in Shanghai.

When you visit and enter a tall building, you will be able to observe the entire surrounding area from above. If you love taking pictures, you will have for yourself beautiful and interesting backgrounds. Standing from above, you can also imagine the development of Shanghai over the past 30 years.

Viewing the city from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower

In the evening, Shanghai city lights up, the sparkling and splendid image gives us an extremely attractive and appealing feeling. To be able to fully admire that beauty, you can go to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower to see the whole city from above. This is the third tallest TV tower in the world with a height of 468 meters, but visitors are only allowed to visit below a height of 350 meters. And the ideal height for you to view Shanghai is 263 meters.

Nanjing Road – Shanghai’s busiest shopping street (#where to go in Shanghai at night)

With a length of more than 5km and attracting about hundreds of thousands of visitors every day, Nanjing Road is a destination that any visitor should visit when coming to Shanghai. Spending your night time shopping on this street with hundreds of shops selling a variety of fields is a great thing.

This place is always crowded at night and has many interesting things. You will see shops that have been around for decades, as well as high-end and modern restaurants and shopping malls. Nanjing is a prominent street at night in Shanghai. The musical fountain in Century Square makes this shopping street much more lovely and lively.

To get to Nanjing Road, you can choose the subway, go through People’s Square and then walk to Nanjing Road. Remember to bring a camera or phone to capture wonderful moments in the eye-catching neon lights.

Nanjing Pedestrian Street is located in Huangpu District, the first commercial center after Shanghai opened and is known as “China’s No. 1 Commercial Street”. At both ends of the pedestrian street, there are marble screens with the words “Nanjing Pedestrian Street” written by President Jiang Zemin. Nanjing Road is even more vibrant at night with a series of shops and snack bars attracting a large number of tourists to walk and shop.

Yu Garden – City God of Temple

Yu Garden is a classic Jiangnan garden with a long history located in Huangpu District, Shanghai, built during the Jiajing and Wanli periods of the Ming Dynasty and covering a total area of ​​over 30 acres. Located just west of Chenghuang Temple, these two attractions are connected by ancient commercial buildings, creating an extremely magnificent architectural complex.

Especially at night, Yu Garden and City God of Temple become especially lively, the lighting system and colorful lantern decoration corners shimmering and charming make the ancient buildings look extremely beautiful. In addition, the LINE FRIENDS theme market in Yuyuan has also attracted a large number of tourists to visit and have fun at night in Shanghai. Many meticulously decorated 3D scenes and models, along with snack stalls and surrounding lights, make this place full of comic-like atmosphere.

Disneytown Shanghai

Shanghai Disneytown Wonderful Night is a major night attraction in Pudong New Area, bringing tourists to experience the vibrant nightlife of the most splendid city in Jiangnan.

Every weekend night, the town lights up brilliantly, gathering many stalls with all kinds of food and entertainment facilities. Among them, the night view of the artificial lake and the castle is particularly spectacular. In addition, traditional crafts such as clay sculpture making, sugar painting, and sugar sculpture blowing are also gathered here, allowing visitors to experience rich cultural meanings while having fun. When the night falls, brilliant fireworks bloom, bringing people into a dreamy fairy tale world. Disneytown Shanghai is also one of the top famous check-in spots in Shanghai that tourists must visit.

Shanghai Old Town

If you want to find an ancient, nostalgic feeling in a modern, prosperous beauty, Shanghai Old Town is an ideal place for you. Coming to the old town, you will see the past image of Shanghai. This place has witnessed many years of the city’s history. The streets, traditional houses, restaurants, and tea shops from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present are still intact, becoming witnesses of the times in Shanghai.

World Expo Source

World Expo Source is located at 1368, World Expo Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. This area is especially quiet at night. The scattered passersby, the gentle sound of the piano, and the purple-blue lights together create a peaceful atmosphere, making people slow down.

It is especially worth mentioning that Sunshine Valley, the iconic building of Expo Source, will display colorful and unpredictable light and shadow effects when night falls. In addition, the shopping center will also become brilliant at night, turning the entire area into a city that never sleeps.

Anyi Night Alley

Where to go in Shanghai at night? Let’s go Anyi Night Alley is a unique night tourism destination in Jing’an District, Shanghai, located in the bustling Jing’an Temple commercial area. This 300-meter-long street offers a completely different look during the day and at night. During the day, people can leisurely enjoy coffee and watch the city; at night, the entire street is decorated with dreamy lights, with people passing by and the atmosphere bustling.

In addition, the small street also offers a variety of snacks, Shanghai delicacies, and handicraft stalls for everyone to choose from. Every Saturday and Sunday, from 12:00 to 23:00, Anyi Night Alley has become a famous Shanghai night tourism destination for residents and tourists who love Shanghai’s nightlife.

People’s Square

People’s Square is the central destination in Shanghai. It is surrounded by famous and crowded places such as: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Grand Theatre. People’s Square is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shanghai. When it gets dark, the large buildings around the square become even more wonderful. Lights are lit from every building, emitting a gentle light, highlighting the square area. Visitors coming here will feel a warm and quiet atmosphere full of relaxation. In the heart of bustling Shanghai, the square is peaceful and quiet, touching the hearts of all visitors.

Huaihai Middle Road – A romantic avenue

Huaihai Middle Road is like an elegant lady in the middle of the modernity and development of Shanghai. People who love this street do not hesitate to compare it to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Fifth Avenue in New York and Ginza in Tokyo.

At night, this street becomes even more charming and romantic. The elegant and strange architectural styles along with the atmosphere created by hundreds of shadows from the shops create a colorful and unique picture. It would be a pity to come to Shanghai without visiting this place at night. Let your trip have new experiences with this romantic Huaihai street.

Qibao Ancient Street

If you have enough photos of modern Shanghai during your trip. You need a new space to add to your collection, Qibao Ancient Street is a good choice for you to change and have more experiences. This place is considered a typical water town in China.

Qibao Ancient Town is a small water town, not far from downtown Shanghai. Shanghai is an interesting city with many different water towns. If you have visited Qibao Ancient Town in the evening, you do not need to go far to visit other water towns such as Zhujiajiao Water Town, Zhouzhuang Water Town and Tongli Water Town.

This ancient town is mainly composed of three stone arch bridges, two canals and four main streets along with some side lanes. When traveling by boat to see the night scenery, visitors will find that the nooks and crannies of this small water town offer many rich locations, suitable for capturing memorable photos.

In addition, do not forget to stroll through the markets, wander along the ancient streets, walk across the stone bridges and stop by the snack stalls. You will take a series of unique photos of the lives of people in the bustling water town as well as have delicious late-night meals with snacks here.

Some tips for you:

• This is a crowded place, so if you do not like noise, bustle and crampedness, then skip this destination.
• Always keep your belongings well, this place often has pickpockets due to the large number of tourists.
• When you want to buy something, bargain to get the best price.
• Avoid visiting this water town on holidays or weekends because it will be difficult to find a quiet space among the sea of ​​visitors here.

Suzhou Creek

As a living proof of Shanghai’s development, Suzhou River is the main river of Shanghai city. At night, the space is lit up by a “forest of lights” of modern buildings. The yellow night lights provide an insight into history and the blue lights show the vitality of this great city. Come here to see the most unique symbols of Shanghai’s development.

Xintiandi – Entertainment venue with multi-functional restaurants

Shanghai Xintiandi is a neighborhood in Huangpu District, Shanghai, covering an area of ​​30,000 square meters and perfectly combining the historical Shikumen architecture with modern urban style.

This is not only a window to Shanghai’s history and culture, but also a large-scale entertainment pedestrian street integrating dining, commerce, leisure, shopping and sightseeing services. Especially at night, Xintiandi becomes vibrant, attracting many tourists and locals, becoming a tourist attraction with a strong European style and vitality.

Xintiandi is a multifunctional area that can meet many customers’ desires. From dining to entertainment, all your needs will be solved when you come here.

Xintiandi stands out not only during the day but also at night by the ancient buildings under the yellow lights. Everything becomes very quiet and graceful. This is where you will feel overwhelmed by the rich culture of Shanghai.

Xintiandi was formerly a French settlement in Shanghai from 1849 to 1943. Although France withdrew from China, it still has a strong Western culture. Although it has been developed in recent decades, the area still retains its unique character and is a popular destination for taking souvenir photos with its colonial buildings. The architecture of the houses here is quite diverse and rich.

Dongtai Road

A dining and entertainment area with modern restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Some activities you can try here: Try local dishes or fusion food at restaurants and experience classic or modern bars.

Tianzifang District

A small alley with art-style shops, galleries and bars. Some activities here: Relax in cozy little bars, enjoy creative cocktails or stroll through unique craft shops.

Famous nightclubs

• M1NT: One of the most luxurious clubs with giant fish tanks, DJ music and modern space.
• Taxx: Loved by young people with vibrant music, top-notch lighting effects.
• Club Myst: Famous for its large space and top-notch music parties.

Hengshan Road

Along both sides of Hengshan Road are trees and modern European-style buildings. It creates an elegant and quiet scene. Nowadays, many of the buildings here have become bars, making Hengshan Road a famous bar district. These bars are more popular than many other bars in Shanghai. Right next to the Xujiahui commercial area roundabout, Hengshan Road is in a very convenient location.

The bars are close together, connecting each other, making it easy for you to drink tea and coffee. With many bars with many themes from noisy to intimate and quiet, it is very suitable for your every mood. Therefore, if you want to feel the nightlife in Shanghai, Hengshan Road is a place not to be missed. It is one of the busiest places in the city.

Nam Maoming Road

This is a street that foreign tourists love. Here, there are old bars that are popular with many people such as Judystoo, which are still familiar to tourists. More and more Babyface-style businesses are opening in a booming way (Babyface is a lobby bar and is usually crowded because it is a place where young people like to hang out). The Color and Face clubs inside the Ruijin Hotel on the street add to the splendor of this street. It is located at No. 180, Maoming South Road.

Fuxing Park

Fuxing Park, located at No. 2, Haolan Road. It is the only well-preserved French park in China. So people also call it “French Garden”. There are 3 clubs here, namely Park 97, Guandi and Cash Box.

Among them, Park 97 is the most suitable place for nightlife. There are also 3 famous culinary and entertainment areas including: Baci Restaurant of Italian cuisine, Tokio Joe Restaurant with Japanese cuisine and California Club from Lan Kwai Fong Hong Kong creating the attractive Park 97. Compared to Xintiandi, the nightlife here is not colorful but exudes an eternal charm. With elegance, strangeness combined with wine and top music works. Park 97 has a very special appeal that visitors cannot refuse.

Guandi is the most notable club, this is the leading outstanding club opened in China after Taibei’s.

Cashbox is home to the oldest and most famous KTV in Shanghai, it is also the largest in this city. All of the above bring visitors to enjoy a very new and emotional nightlife.

Vibrant night markets

Shanghai Night Market is one of the must visit attractions not to be missed when traveling in this city. With a vibrant, colorful space and unique flavors, these markets not only offer a rich culinary experience but also an opportunity for visitors to explore the rich culture and history of Shanghai. If you want to have a completely different experience and immerse yourself in the bustling, colorful atmosphere of the city, do not miss the opportunity to explore Shanghai Night Markets below!

Shanghai Night Market is famous for its colorful experiences, attracting visitors with its diverse cuisine, vibrant atmosphere and unique local culture.

Yu Yuan Market

Located in the old town of Shanghai, Yu Yuan Market is located near the famous Yu Garden, in Huangpu District. The market is open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, but is most vibrant in the evening when tourists and locals gather in large numbers.

Yu Yuan Market is a paradise for shoppers with a series of stalls selling handicrafts, calligraphy paintings, ceramics and traditional Chinese souvenirs. This area also hosts water puppet shows, folk music, recreating the unique cultural features of Shanghai. Walking through the narrow streets, visitors will admire the typical architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties, creating an ancient and vibrant space.

Zhoupu Pudong Market

Zhoupu Night Market is located in Pudong, one of the most modern urban areas in Shanghai. With more than 200 stalls, this is a must-see destination for those who want to explore the diverse cuisine and vibrant nightlife of Shanghai. In addition, the market also serves a variety of typical snacks such as steamed buns, stinky tofu, grilled seafood, and traditional sweet soups.

The atmosphere at Zhoupu is always full of energy, especially on weekends when the number of visitors is large. Visitors can not only enjoy the cuisine, but also immerse themselves in the unique street culture. Many stalls are decorated in traditional Chinese style, interspersed with modern stalls. High hanging lanterns create a cozy, romantic atmosphere.

Tianzifang Market

Tianzifang Night Market is located in the French Concession area, one of the oldest historical areas and bearing the mark of Western architecture in Shanghai. Different from the usual night markets, Tianzifang stands out with a complex of small alleys, renovated from traditional Shikumen ancient houses. This place is known as a paradise for art lovers. Visitors can find a variety of art galleries, craft workshops, and small shops selling paintings, ceramics, and unique handmade products.

This place is not only a destination for art lovers but also a shopping paradise. Tianzifang is famous for its high-end souvenir shops, exclusive designer clothes, handmade jewelry, and handicraft products. Visitors can relax in cozy little cafes, enjoy Western or Chinese dishes in a nostalgic space. Tianzifang also has many restaurants and bars serving international dishes and local specialties, providing a rich culinary experience.

Wisdom Bay night Market

Wisdom Bay Night Market is located in Baoshan District, one of the largest and most modern night markets in Shanghai. With a spacious space, it attracts a large number of tourists and locals, especially young people. Unlike traditional night markets, Wisdom Bay has a modern, youthful and dynamic atmosphere.

In addition, the night market offers a variety of street food, from Chinese barbecue, fresh seafood to international dishes. The open culinary space, combined with street music, creates a colorful experience. In addition, stalls selling handicrafts and fashion accessories give visitors more unique shopping options.

Qibao Night Market

Qibao Night Market is located in the ancient town of Qibao, Shanghai, famous for its ancient features and unique traditional culture. This is one of the ideal destinations for visitors who want to explore local history and cuisine. Qibao Old Street is a street food paradise with countless delicious dishes, the most prominent of which are: xiao long bao, dragon beard candy, braised pig’s feet, etc.

In addition, Qibao Market is notable for its ancient Ming-Qing style houses and stone bridges across the river, creating a poetic scene. Visitors can watch traditional folk art performances such as water shadow plays and traditional singing and dancing. The market offers many unique handicrafts, souvenirs and gifts imbued with Chinese culture.

Shouning Road Night Food Market

Shouning Road Night Market is located in the central area of ​​Shanghai, not only famous for its bustling atmosphere but also for its unique and attractive dishes. This is an ideal destination for those who are passionate about street food and want to explore the unique flavors of Chinese dishes.

One of the dishes that cannot be missed at Shouning Road is crawfish cooked in spicy chili oil. Besides, you can also find other street foods such as stinky tofu, braised pig’s feet or noodles with special sauce, bringing richness to the culinary experience here. This place attracts tourists not only by its cuisine but also by its bustling and vibrant atmosphere. Crowded stalls, enthusiastic vendors along with unique dishes have created a cozy and colorful atmosphere.

Yangpu Riverfront

Yangpu Riverfront is a very worth-visiting place in Shanghai at night. This used to be a “rusty industrial belt” but has now turned into a “life performance belt”. Especially when the night falls and the lanterns are lit for the first time, the vibrant atmosphere of the riverside reaches its peak. This is not only the world’s largest riverside industrial heritage site, but also the best place to see the brilliant night lights on both sides of the Huangpu River.

Anting Old Town – A small water town

Another small water town that is quite famous in Shanghai for its beautiful night scenery is Anting Water Town. When you come here, walking in this old town, you will feel like you are walking on the paved roads of a water town near Shanghai. A series of shops selling antiques, porcelain, Chinese paintings and calligraphy works along with old-style teahouses appear. This place shows the culture of the old streets in Shanghai.

Shanghai Street is a testament to the long-standing origins and traditions along with the rapid economic development of Shanghai in the past 30 years. The old cultural customs, traditional cuisine, folk arts, etc. here have been well preserved and developed in the best way.

Shanghai Old Street is the best place to visit at night and enjoy and admire the traditional culture in Shanghai. You will have interesting moments when seeing the cultural features of the community and watching a “classic” life of the Chinese city.

Jing’an Temple – A Quiet Temple

Jing’an Temple is an ancient temple with a long history in Shanghai, located in Jing’an District and was founded in 247. As one of the ancient temples of the Shingon Sect in Shanghai, the temple is not only a unit to protect the city’s cultural relics but also preserves many authentic relics passed down from ancient times to the present day.

As the most famous temple in Shanghai, Jing’an Temple is known for its sacredness and tranquility. This tranquility and tranquility are even more evident at night. This is considered one of the green parks in the center of Shanghai, where you can stroll around, immerse yourself in nature and relax your mind.

Entering Jing’an, the strong Platanus trees along the corridor are like soldiers ready to welcome you. A solemn temple located in the middle of a bustling shopping center, bringing an atmosphere that is completely opposite to the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, creating a unique and different highlight.

At night, Jing’an Temple is sparkling with lights and even becomes a highlight of the bustling urban area when it maintains its own unique ancient architectural style; completely opposite to the modern buildings around. The main attractions in the temple include the Chiwu Monument, Jing’an Eight Views, etc. Despite its thousands of years of history, Jing’an Temple still retains its ancient charm and is one of the oldest temples in Shanghai.

Jing’an Temple is the most famous temple in Shanghai, located in the city center and you can find it easily. Take some time to walk around Jing’an Temple and enjoy the quiet, peaceful night scene of China.

Go all out at famous bars in Shanghai

After a long day of exploring Shanghai, there is nothing better than relaxing at famous bars and clubs among the places to explore Shanghai at night. Listen to music, enjoy drinks, and enjoy the comfortable atmosphere. Visit JiuZhongTian JiuLang – the highest bar in the world, X-Club – the most wonderful theme in Shanghai, or California Club, Bar Rouge and Baby Face to experience a vibrant night of fun!

The 25+ best places to enjoy the night scene in Shanghai have been introduced to readers. Hopefully, through the useful information that we share, visitors will have another option to explore Shanghai at night. Wish you a happy and lucky trip!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shanghai you can refer to

• Shanghai By Night
• Best of Shanghai Half Day Tour
• Essential Shanghai 3 Day Private Tour
• Shanghai Museum Half Day Tour
• 2 Days Shanghai Private Tour
• Modern Shanghai Private Day Tour
• Shanghai City Walking Tour
• Traditional Shanghai Private Day Tour
• Private Shanghai Classic Full Day Bike Tour
• Shanghai Disneyland Admission Ticket
• Shanghai Disneyland Admission (90 days calendar)
• Huangpu River Cruise（Qingjiang Line）
• Yu Garden Admission Ticket in Shanghai
• Shanghai Tower 118th Floor Observation Deck Ticket
• Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
• Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Ticket
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transfers
• [World Highest Skywalk] Shanghai Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Exclusive Skywalk Experience
• [Bund View·Klook Exclusive] Shanghai Magic Jungle Ticket
• Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
• Shanghai EF PARK Power Formula Park
• Shanghai Disneyland Annual Pass
• Shanghai Disneyland (1 Day Admission/2 Day Admission)
• Oriental Pearl Tower
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• [Thailand Pick Up] Dtac GO INTER SIM Card Zone 1(Asia, Australia, USA, exclude Thailand)
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Read more Shanghai guide here.