Shanghai gay scene
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They host workshops and shows. It's like your best friend's living room, only with an impressive cocktail menu. Our pick for the best place to meet up and hold an intimate conversation.
Rice Bar
A cute bar with Japanese theming that offers delicious cocktails, a mixed foreign and local crowd and generally chilled vibes.
It was only around 1995 that Shanghai’s gay male population moved from cruising spots of ‘fishing holes’ in parks and public restrooms into bars and clubs, and while the Shanghai LGBT scene is still growing, it has yet to find its feet completely.
Depending on your mood, you can find anything here, from a relaxed cocktail in an upscale bar to an all-night dance rave surrounded by your queer family!
Then why not get a sensual male massage in Shanghai – there are plenty of options! They even have a 24/7 call-out service.
Shanghai Thailand Health Club
(Temporarily or permanently closed.
In the next few years, it is expected Shanghai will play catch up to the rest of the world, and we will talk about the gay scene here like that of Sydney, San Francisco or Medellin.
Whether that is true or not remains to be seen, but in this city that is constantly growing, redefining itself and looking to the future, it is not hard to imagine.
Sadly the Shanghai institution Eddy’s Bar permanently folded in 2016, and as of 2018, Happiness 42 bar, the PinkHome complex and the infamous Club Deep is closed – If the situation changes, please get in touch with us!
Man Massage and Gay Spas in Shanghai
Don’t care about the sights or simply want to take advantage of affordable gay massages in Shanghai?
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. Shanghai was growing more into a global scene for the LGBTQ+ community.
Super local and cheap, visit this historic landmark for China’s underground, the gay scene between 7 and 9.30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays up in the Hongkou area.
Roxie
The only real lesbian bar in Shanghai, with decent prices, drinks and a packed dance floor at the weekend.
They do not run contests.
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The biggest gay spa in Shanghai, Hero man spa, offers plenty of space, almost 20 treatment rooms, shows, wood jacuzzies and more. A microcosm of China and particularly beautiful in the evenings – this is one view you will never forget.
Propaganda Poster Art Centre
An eclectic museum hidden in the basement of an apartment block in the gay triangle of Shanghai showcases the unique art and posts of the Maoist period of China.
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.
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A local gay sauna in Shanghai is somewhat hidden with an unmarked door on the right-hand side of the Lianbang Hotel (there is also a straight sauna here where pay). Don’t miss the newly opened ‘Big Pink’ claw game arcade; it might take some looking around to find, but it’s like nothing else you have ever seen.
Yuyuan Gardens
An extensive garden and temple complex of a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) gives a stunning glimpse into Old Shanghai.
Shanghai Maglev
Ok, it’s not really an attraction but forget to take a taxi or subway, and instead opt for the Shanghai maglev from Pudong Airport, covering 19 miles in 7 minutes with a top speed of 268 mph (431 mph!).
Women get free entry and a drink on Fridays and Saturdays, and it is becoming a bit of a Lesbian hotspot in Shanghai.
Lollipop Bar & Lounge
Still finding its groove, the newly opened candy-themed Lollipop gay bar has soft lighting, eclectic music, and some interesting decorations. A temple to coffee and modernity – Even if you hate Starbucks, you really should take a peak inside.
Power Station of Art
The first state-run museum dedicated to contemporary art in mainland China, this museum is housed in an old power station that was used for the pavilion of the future at the 2010 Shanghai Expo.
You can lose hours wandering through window-shopping and rubbing shoulders with trendsetters, designers, yuppies, and ex-pats.
In Shanghai, their electric night skyline views, frenetic nightlife at their popping bar, chic restaurants, and designer POP Art style – as well as a killer location – will leave you breathless!
Hotel Indigo On The Bund ☆☆☆☆☆
Uniquely decorated rooms with views of Pudong and the Bund.
If you’re on a budget, want people to go out and explore Shanghai with (by day or by night) and don’t mind a bank mate, we recommend you check this out!
Hotels In The Gay Shanghai Triangle
Located around 20-30 mins by subway from most of the main attractions in Shanghai, these hotels offer better value than those more centrally located and are within walking distance to all the gay bars in the French Concession neighborhood known as the Gay Shanghai Triangle.
Mixed reviews from past guests – and at the very least, it needs a decent refurbishment, but it’s a private option.