10 Things to Do in Shanghai at Night

Dine at the Venice of Shanghai, marvel at the views from the Shanghai World Financial Center and cycle along the festival of lights, exploring the best that the city's nighttime magic has to offer.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Shanghai at Night

Shanghai by night | ©Jay Huang

Among the best things to do in Shanghai are nightlife activities, with endless options for touring the city. Start with a craft beer tasting at the French Concession, exploring unique culinary nooks and crannies. It continues with an acrobatic show that challenges the limits of human dexterity. And for an enchanting evening, dine at the Venice of Shanghai, immersing yourself in the romantic atmosphere of its canals.

Looking for adventure? Take a city tour by bicycle and admire the city under an unparalleled glow. From the heights of the Shanghai World Financial Center to a cruise along the Huangpu River ending at the Bund, every moment is a special experience and here are the unique things to see and do in Shanghai.

1. Enjoy Shanghai's acrobatic spectacle

Shanghai Circus World| ©David Stanley
Shanghai Circus World| ©David Stanley

Night after night, Shanghai lights up with the amazing Chinese acrobatic show, an experience not to be missed on your nightly journey through the city. Shanghai's acrobatic school and troupe, recognized with countless gold medals in international competitions, will leave you breathless with their prowess.

With your Shanghai Circus World tickets you get access to the acrobatic show of the moment, as "ERA: Intersection of Time," a show created by the same group behind Cirque du Soleil, is the crown jewel in the crown of avant-garde circus on stage.

This dazzling event chronicles the history of China from its origins to the present day, featuring contemporary landmarks such as the Maglev Train and the Shenzhou 5. With extraordinary acrobatic feats, immersive sets, live music and a stunning conclusion, it's perfect for all ages and guarantees a night full of awe. Take your seat and prepare to be transported through time in this mesmerizing show under the Shanghai night lights.

Details of interest

  • Address: 2266 Gonghexin Road, Zhabei Qu, Shanghai.
  • Price: from €45.

Buy your tickets for the acrobatic show

2. Dining at the Venice of Shanghai

Venice of Shanghai| ©Bernt Rostad
Venice of Shanghai| ©Bernt Rostad

Imagine a magical evening in **Shanghai'**s Venice! After exploring its canals and bridges at sunset, the city comes alive with a romantic light show. That's when Zhujiajiao' s culinary experience becomes the icing on the cake.

Head to gems like Fangsheng Bridge, Kezhi Garden and the inconspicuous Qingpu Road Bridge for an unforgettable dinner. Before the evening's main course, grab local snacks and gifts at the stores, try delicacies such as roasted soy beans and the famous zongzi. Restaurants along the canals offer fresh delicacies, such as fried river fish at Shun Ji, which is a real treat. The crispy little fish with spicy chili peppers are the perfect appetizer for a cold beer overlooking the river!

Another must-try is the river clam dish with Chinese chives: a feast of marine flavors that will leave you speechless. Zhujiajiao, just 46 kilometers from downtown Shanghai, retains its old charm among its houses, cafes and friendly boatmen. I suggest scheduling a day trip from Shanghai with dinner included - on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.

Book a tour to Zhujiajiao

3. Indulge your taste buds with Shanghai cuisine

Dining in Shanghai| ©Dave
Dining in Shanghai| ©Dave

You'll find everything from authentic local snacks and street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. And in the evenings, flames dance under the woks to prepare the locals' signature dishes. Food is everywhere and it's not just rolls and three-delicious rice, on every corner and in all kinds of Chinese and international restaurants.

Shanghai's cuisine, designed to be sweet and light, is perfect for those who avoid the spicy and heavy. In that style I recommend trying jiaozi, especially if your trip coincides with Chinese New Year, and if your visit to the city is with the kids or friends, try a hot pot, better known as Chinese fondue or Mongolian pot. This is a dish with a variety of textures and flavors to please all tastes.

On the other hand, if you feel like eating like the locals, evenings in Shanghai are the perfect time to embrace strong flavors by trying dishes like the famous chicken gong bao, a delicacy that is capable of making you cry. The cuisine of this Asian giant will surprise you, after all, you are in one of the best gastronomic cities in the world. Its culinary offer is quite varied so it is advisable to hire a gastronomic tour in Shanghai, so you do not lose track of the secrets of its cuisine.

Book a gastronomic tour

4. Follow Shanghai's night light festival by bike

Shanghai by night| ©Franck Michel
Shanghai by night| ©Franck Michel

Discover the magical nighttime Shanghai by following the city's signature light display by bike. You can pedal through the Garden of Happiness or Yu Yuan Garden, as well as past the bustling People's Square.

Let the night breeze caress your face as you ride past the Shanghai Tower and the Temple of the Jade Buddha.

Also, you can skirt the Huangpu River or visit the Pudong Financial Center. Enjoy the views from The Bund, explore night markets, sample delicious street food and immerse yourself in the lively nightlife, all while pedaling at your own pace. In short, rent a bike and venture out on your own or hire a guided tour to discover secret corners and get live information - you can enjoy an enlightened and unique Shanghai!

Book a guided tour of Shanghai

5. Enjoy the best views from the Shanghai World Financial Center

Shanghai World Financial Center| ©Curt Smith
Shanghai World Financial Center| ©Curt Smith

The Shanghai World Financial Center rises majestically on the skyline, glowing at night. And from its glass observation deck, one of the most iconic in the world, you'll have the opportunity to appreciate the financial heart of the city - ideal for your vacation postcards!

This skyscraper competes for attention with the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the third tallest tower in the world. Ride the 49-second elevator up to the 94th and 97th floors, and you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The most spectacular, however, is on the 100th floor, where the Sky Walk offers guests the opportunity to marvel at this Chinese metropolis from over 470 meters above the ground.

The views from the top of the Shanghai World Financial Center are unforgettable, but be aware that if you are afraid of heights you should avoid this attraction. The observation decks on the 94th and 97th floors have floor-to-ceiling windows just like the Skywalk, so it is not considered a place suitable for people with vertigo. If this is not your case, it is worth noting a stop at this place in your itinerary, it is quite an experience.

Details of interest

:

  • Address: 100 Century Avenue. The tower is within walking distance of Dong Chang Road and Lujiazui subway stations.
  • Hours: The observation decks are open to visitors from 08:00 to 23:00 (last entry is at 22:00), allowing you to watch the sunrise or sunset.

6. Huangpu River Cruise to the Bund

Shanghai from the cruise| ©Dennis Jarvis
Shanghai from the cruise| ©Dennis Jarvis

If you want a nighttime experience of another level in this oriental giant, don't miss one of the best cruises in Shanghai, the boat ride on the Huangpu River to The Bund. Imagine this: you're floating peacefully down the river, with the night breeze caressing your face, and suddenly, boom! The illuminated Bund greets you with its skyscrapers and European colonial architecture.

From the boat, you will have in front of your eyes one of the 10 tallest buildings in the world, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and it is not the only skyscraper, you will also see the Jin Mao Tower, the old Customs House and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, all illuminated as if they were stars of the city. It's like the**"Wall Street of the East**" at night, exuding elegance and modernity.

The view from the cruise ship is a gem, especially when the sky is colored and the skyscrapers are transformed into a light show. Although the Bund is top during the day, it is at its most beautiful at night. But be prepared for a lot of action, because the place is mega popular and there is always an atmosphere, even in the wee hours of the morning!

Interesting details

  • Address: Zhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai.
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 22:30 to catch the cruise, however, the bars and restaurants have different hours and can go until the wee hours of the morning.

7. Do a craft beer tasting

Craft beer| ©Phreddie
Craft beer| ©Phreddie

Immerse yourself in Shanghai' s beer scene with a craft beer tasting. This experience stands out on the list of the best things to do in Shanghai at night because it combines an experience packed with flavors, culture and exploration in this beer metropolis.

Start the evening by making your way through colonial architecture, and a mix of boutiques and distinctive cafes in the French Concession, to a gastropub like The Brew, where you sample local brews ranging from refreshing wheat varieties to intense stouts.

The next suggested destination is Boxing Cat Brewery, a terrace named after its multi-award-winning beer. From pilsners to Sucker Punch pale ale, the range of flavors is a delight for lovers of this distillate. Conclude the evening around Fuxing Park, where beer discoveries combine with the vibrant energy of Shanghai - enjoy your happy hour!

8. Karaoke with your friends

Karaoke| ©Arnoud Martens
Karaoke| ©Arnoud Martens

Enjoy Shanghai's nightlife with China's favorite pastime: karaoke, a 24-hour activity. Alone or with friends, get ready to sing at a vibrant KTV club, as karaoke is known in China.

Unlike Western karaoke bars, Chinese KTVs offer huge, multi-story venues filled with private rooms of all sizes. Rent one in English or Chinese, choose from themes such as jungle, futuristic or spaceship, and get ready to sing with your friends. These rooms, with comfortable sofas and a subdued atmosphere, are perfect for unlimited music enjoyment.

You'll find KTV bars and clubs all over the city, but the favorite choice for fun in Shanghai is The Bund. Not in the mood for bars? Go to the park, KTVs are part of the must-do experiences in Shanghai and in the parks, besides tai chi and ballroom dancing, there are impromptu KTVs.

9. Take advantage of the bargains at the Dongchang Street Night Market

Dongchang Street| ©席子
Dongchang Street| ©席子

If you're looking for a place to find the best deals, Dongchang Street Night Market is the perfect destination. It is one of the busiest areas of the city and this bazaar is considered to rival the Linfen Night Market in popularity.

Before visiting, it's important to note that this area is mostly frequented by locals returning from work, or office workers on a date with their partners or shopping while on their way home. Want to gauge the pulse of the Asian pearl? This is the place!

Aside from the local street vendors, Dongchang Night Market is famous for its wide collection of cute and affordable items, such as purses, socks, necklaces, clips, key chains and much more. The local snacks are also delicious and the prices are very reasonable.

Details of interest

  • Address: near Dongchang Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai.
  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

10. Spend the Night at Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland| ©edchua
Shanghai Disneyland| ©edchua

Looking for a magical night out, head to Shanghai Disneyland! As the first Disney park in mainland China, this attraction came with the promise of offering fun for the whole family. Getting there is easy by cab, subway or with a private transfer booked online. With seven unique themed areas, it fuses Disney magic with Chinese elements, offering an authentic experience.

Meet Mickey Mouse's classic character friends, visit themed stores, exciting shows and seasonal activities with the fusion of Eastern and Western culture in one venue. At the end of the day, nighttime shows like LUMINATE! come to life. Celebrate Chinese New Year, Christmas, and the range of iconic festivals representing Chinese culture among Disney's activities.

The environment is culturally enriched and marks a substantial difference compared to other Disneyland venues. The proposition is well worth enjoying. A night at Shanghai Disneyland guarantees laughter, excitement and memories you will treasure.

Details of interest

  • Address: Pudong, Shanghai.
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 - 21:30 hours.

11. Visit the Oriental Pearl of Shanghai's TV Tower

Television Tower| ©Colin J
Television Tower| ©Colin J

Visit the Oriental Pearl Television Tower, also known as the Oriental Pearl Tower, an imposing landmark that offers its best views of Shanghai at night.

From the 350-meter-high "Space Module," you'll enjoy a unique perspective of the illuminated city. In addition to the observatories, explore the Shanghai Municipal Museum of History in the tower, which tells the history of the city through more than 18,000 collectibles.

With three levels of tours, each with different views, this tower is the key to appreciating Shanghai's nighttime spectacular. Elevate your experience!

Details of interest

  • Address: 1 Shiji Blvd, Lujiazui, Pu Dong Xin Qu, Shang Hai Shi.
  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 am - 09:30 pm.