Gay GUIDE SHANGHAI

Club

Angel @ Obama Club

Shanghai Stadium -access by Gate 7 on Lingling Road (near Xietu Road), Xuhui District | map

Club Angel is the biggest weekend gay dance party in Shanghai attracting a younger crowd who just can’t wait to get their shirts off. The club features international guest DJ’s and regular themed events including the popular Heaven party

Bars

Eddy’s Bar

1877 Huaihai Zhonglu | map

A Shanghai institution, Eddy’s Bar opened in Weihai Lu in 1995 but moved to Huaihai Lu in 2002. This makes Eddy’s the longest-running gay bar/dance club in the city, and it still pulls in crowds of locals and expats at the weekends. Decor-wise, Eddy’s is an interesting combination of grey slate, Chinese lanterns and Asian art. Great service and an affordable drinks menu make this the place to hang out before moving on to Shanghai Studio. Gets busy from 10pm.

Shanghai Studio

1950 Huaihai Middle Road, No 4 | map

Subterranean labyrinth of World War II bomb shelters that has been converted into a stylish gay playground for the young and trendy crowd. Access is via a flight of steeps and through a hallway art gallery to a series of interconnecting lounge bars and small dance floor. Shanghai Studio is located in the French Connection close to Eddy’s Bar, Regular special events and a happy hour every day from opening until 10:30pm.

390 Shanghai

One of the newest venues in the Shanghai gay scene. 390 is a bar with regular live music during the week and turns into a club with DJ’s filling the dance floor at weekends. Regular special events – check Shanghai 390′s website or Facebook page for details.

390 Shanghai

390 Panyu Lu (near Fahuazhen Lu | map

One of the newest venues in the Shanghai gay scene. 390 is a bar with regular live music during the week and turns into a club with DJ’s filling the dance floor at weekends. Regular special events – check Shanghai 390′s website or Facebook page for details.

Transit Lounge

141Tai An Road | map

Intimate, upmarket Transit Lounge bar offers a more laid-back and relaxed environment where you can enjoy a cocktail and a chat with friends. Easy-listening Asian pop music in the background.

Bobo Relaxing House

1011 Qiu Jiang Road 3rd Floor, Chu Tian Hotel | map

Bobo Relaxing House (or simply “New Bobo”) is a Japanese-styled karaoke bar and dance club that is one of Shanghai’s most popular hangouts for panda bears and their chasers. Expect a kaleidoscope of funky lighting illuminating the main (flashing) dance floor and plenty of singing action in private rooms.

Blend

LGBT hangout that has re-enforced its gay-friendly credentials by sponsoring the 2013 Shanghai Pride. Blend offers a great selection of smoothies, ice creams, pastas and pizzas, along with a wide selection of coffees, sodas, cocktails, beer and wine and free WiFi. Find Blend on Yongjia Road (near The Intercontinental Rui Jin Hotel). Regular weekday evening happy hours and excellent weekend brunch menu.

Blend

3 Yongjia Road, Lane 15 | map

Popular LGBT hangout that has re-enforced its gay-friendly credentials by sponsoring the 2013 Shanghai Pride. Blend offers a great selection of smoothies, ice creams, pastas and pizzas, along with a wide selection of coffees, sodas, cocktails, beer and wine and free WiFi. Find Blend on Yongjia Road (near The Intercontinental Rui Jin Hotel). Regular weekday evening happy hours and excellent weekend brunch menu.

Lai Lai Dance Hall

2/F, 235 Anguo Lu, near Zhoujiazui Lu | map

Lai Lai Dance Hall in Hongkou provides a uniquely Chinese way for older gay men to discreetly meet and dance.

The hall is dominated by the Chinese pop classics blasted out in this rather run down venue. Customers don’t come for the music or for the environment, but rather to feel comfortable in a place where they can – for a few hours, and show their genuine feelings. The hall affords a generation of gay men, many of whom are married, a few hours to be themselves. Understanding foreigners most welcomed.

Saunas

Studio 2006

2006 Huaihai Middle Road, Changning District | map

Shanghai’s premier gay sauna and gym. Studio 2006 features a sauna, steam room, dark room and semi-private stalls. There is a bar/café that serves drinks and a gym. Attracts both locals and tourists. Most popular with Asians who prefer other Asians. Tends to be busier at the weekends. Nearest metro station - Jiaotong University.

Ding Lin Mens Clubs

775 Yanchang Middle Road, Zhabei District 闸北区延长中路775号 | map

The largest gay sauna in Shanghai, Ding Lin is a private members club so you will be required to complete a short membership form on arrival. Features include a sauna, steam room, lounge and café. Private relaxation cabins are available at extra charge. Masseurs are available for massages. Attracts a mixed crowd 0f both locals and tourists of all ages. Open 24 hours a day. Particularly busy at the weekends.

Lian Bang

228 Zhizaoju Lu | map

Lian Bang is located on the right hand side of the entrance to the Lian Bang Hotel. There is another sauna on the left (closer to the entrance) that is straight. Facilities include a sauna, steam room and private relaxation cabins. Attracts wide range of locals and foreigners and plenty of commercial guys.

Huli (Mutual Benefit)

415 Bao Tong Lu | map

Gay sauna and massage spa. Facilities include a steam room and dark room. Massage therapists available providing ‘body to body’ massages and body scrubs. Located in the north of the city. Nearest metro station – Dongbaoxing Road on Line 3.

Cruising

Ba Yi Park

Famous cruising park in Heping District, more or less in city center. Supposed to be always jumping. Beware of MBs.

Lu Xun Park

Park along Nan canal.

Wan Liu Tang Park

A peaceful place. There are lots of trees, a lake, an "extraventricular natatorium" (Summer) and a rockery. It is beautiful.