The Megalist of Live Music Spots in Shanghai

Shanghai’s live music scene comes brimming with characterful bars, swinging jazz joints and exotic basement clubs by the dozens. Leave your typical clubbing blueprint at home and let a live band soundtrack your night out.

There are plenty of live music venues in Shanghai well worth checking out, so read on for our hand-picked selection of the very best in the city.

GENRES 

JAZZ & BLUES

LATINO BEATS

LIVE ROCK

BAR & RESTAURANT BANDS

LOCAL BANDS

LOUNGES

CLASSICAL CHINESE MUSIC

JAZZ  & BLUES

HOUSE OF BLUES AND JAZZ

Address: 60 Fuzhou Lu, near the Bund

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Tuesday to Thursday, 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 10pm

This Bund side Motown bar brings the heat. They’ve got live jazz, funk and soul and the regular. While they don’t have a regular house band, it makes for an interesting mix of different crowds and music, pop on in next time you’re in the area to find out. 

JZ CLUB

Address: No 158 Julu Road near Ruijin Road 

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: 8pm to 2am

JZ Club is no stranger to most of us. It reopened over this year’s JZ festival much to everyone’s delight. The new JZ Club is rather like a concert hall where the audience sit in the seating area facing towards the stage. The Club is decorated in red, which defines its old Shanghai style and ambience.

CJW

Address: Xintiandi, South Block, Lane 123 Xingye Lu, near Madang Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: 9pm to 12:30pm

The Xintiandi branch of CJW opened in 2002, much to the excitement of local jazz enthusiasts. Cigar, Jazz, Wine has regular live acts, as well as an upscale dining experience and beautiful venue. Different groups of people venture this place from businessmen to tourists, and the location is certainly far from grungy. In hip Xin Tian Di, there is plenty of class to go around, twice.

COTTON CLUB

Address: 1416 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Fuxing Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: 9:45pm to 12:30am

The Cotton Club looks exactly how you would expect a sultry, smokey jazz club to look. It’s got all the ambiance and character you could ask for, and more often than not it has the music to match. Expect a casual and relaxed environment, whether or not you want to wear heels or a suit, is up to you because it's all about enjoying the music.

SHAKE

Address: 3/F, 46 Maoming Nan Lu,near Jinxian Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Tuesday, 7:30 to 10pm; Thursday 9:30pm to 11:30pm, Friday & Saturday 10:30 to 1am

Shake is a sweeping 60’s NYC throwback that brings some serious retro swag to Jing’an. Aside from incredible food and drinks, they’ve also got love music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Usually in the form of a six-piece band, the tunes start around 10pm and usually go well into the night, bring dancing shoes. 

HEYDAY JAZZBAR

Address: 50 Tai’an Road, near Xingguo Road

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: 9:30pm to 12:30pm

A world class bar crew serve signature cocktails and good quality wine as the perfect complement to the show. At Heyday JazzBar, you and your friends will definitely experience the classic experience and glamour of 1930s Shanghai. 

WOODEN BOX CAFE

Photo source: pure_巧克力

Address: 9 Qinghai Lu, near Nanjing Xi Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily 9pm to midnight

Nestled in Qinghai Lu, it is a café with a full-fledged menu that headlines as a second venue for musicians at JZ with modern jazz and sometimes, alternative performances for swing groups. 

 ON STAGE

Address: Lane 570, Huaihai Xi Lu, near Hongqiao Lu

Tel: [phone]

From the people behind JZ, this awesome live music space in Huaihai Xi Lu's Red Town is a favourite among music lovers of all tastes. The venue was a former Japanese nightclub which has been empty for the past few years. Until now! There’s a huge stage at the front with a decent sized outdoor area too, capable of holding around 400 people. There lots of interesting stuff going on On Stage, including Hooteneanny Night on Wednesdays, a vinyl market every 3 months, and live indie bands almost every week.

PEACE HOTEL OLD JAZZ BAND

Address: 1st Floor, Peace Hotel, No.20 Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District (near Zhongshan East Road)

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily, 6:30pm to 12:30am

Price: RMB200 minimum per person

Peace hotel is one of the most iconic jazz performance in Shanghai. With a combined age exceeding 200, the band members are the most seasoned in town with the youngest member in the 60’s. This jazz band is world renowned and have performed for international dignitaries. 

LONG BAR

Address: Waldorf Astoria Club, 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu

Tel: [phone]

When: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:45pm to 12:30pm

In the historic landmark Long Bar at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, you can listen to nightly jazz performances. The music and sounds of their quartet and quintet is the soulfoul background to your social gathering. Classic cocktails and wine, plus snacks will be available to order.

LATINO BEATS

UNICO

Address: 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, Three on The Bund, 2/F, near Guangdong Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Tuedsay, 9:30pm to 11:30pm; Thursday, 10pm to late

Unico at three on the bund has a lively Latino band that plays every Tuesday on their  EL T*U*E*S*D*A*Y nights from 9:30 pm to 11:30pm. If the music gets you moving, join in and dance the night away. It is caliente and will light up your week. Also on their new weekly Thursday Lady Ipanema, dedicated to ladies they have percussions and bossa nova trio beginning at 10pm to late.

PISTOLERA

Address: 838-2 Hengshan Lu, near Tianping Lu

Tel: [phone]

When: Thursday 9pm to midnight, Fri & Sat 9pm to 1am, Sunday 10m to 1am

Every Thursday night, get your groove on at Pistolera with a live band, K-LIbre playing the hottest salsa hits, while dancing the night away. Music is bound to get caliente with the likes of DJ Naz.

LIVE ROCK

YUYINTANG

Address: No. 851, Kaixuan Road, near Yan An Road Changning District

Tel: [phone]

Yuyintang is one of the oldest music venues in Shanghai and is a staple in the city's independent music scene. If you're into live music, this is the place for you! Featuring regular gigs every week, Yuyintang is a good destination for those who are looking for great performance from local and international artists.  Here, you can also find cheap drinks, intimate atmosphere and friendly staff.  Besides renowned bands, young emergent bands are also welcome to show their music at Yuyintang. So if you own a band and are currently looking for a stage to perform, don’t hesitate to contact them!

HARLEY’S UNDERGROUND

Address: B1,265 Nandan Dong Lu, near Caoxi Lu

Tel: [phone]

Tucked among the mega shopping malls and food courts in Xujiahui you can find this basemented rock venue. It was once quite grimey but has been renovated into a dance/rock/pool hall/club/burger joint. It’s totally amazing, and best of all: they’ve got tons of rock acts coming through, probably none you’ve heard of but where’s the fun in that? 

V LIVE HOUSE

Address: F/4 No 99, Mid Huaihai Road near South Xizang Road 

Tel: [phone] 

When it comes to the interior, expect elegance, fashion, vintage and luxury. This classy venue is what separates V LIVE from other live music houses, and also features an enormous space, meaning guests can enjoy music in comfort, instead of being squashed into an overcrowded audience.  As for food and beverage, you can find carefully crafted cocktails, a variety of desserts and an oyster feast. 

MAO LIVEHOUSE

Address: 308 Chongqing S Rd

Tel: [phone]

MAO Livehouse is a chain of world-class live music venues located in Chinese metropolitan cities such as Shanghai, Chongqing, Kunming and Hangzhou. MAO is considered the must-visit rock & roll live house in Shanghai. 

If you’re not a rock and roller, the venue also hosts musical performances across a wide variety of genres. This places specializes in an intimate experience to live music, and are dedicated to supporting the development of emerging rock & roll bands in Shanghai. They do this by providing opportunities of performing and making music on MAO’s stage, so if you have your own band, get involved! 

INFERNO

Address: 1/F, 658 Dapu Lu, near Longhua Dong Lu

Tel: [phone]

We’d like to cater to all types of music lovers on this rundown, which is why metal livehouse Inferno is a worthy listing. This is the second edition of the popular metal bar which closed back in in 2014. This time round, it’s bigger and better than ever. The venue hosts a great stage, Peavy sound system which will blow you away, and a full kitchen so you can grab some food if you’re too hungry from head banging! When there’s no live music, expect to hear bands like Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath on the system. 

MIXING ROOM

Photo source: Dayoo

Address: 1200 Shibo Da Dao,near Shangnan Lu

The Mixing Room, which hosts medium sized (compared to the arena!) shows of 500-1500 people. The venue isn’t open to the pubic unless there’s a show on, so keep an eye out for our events listings.

RESTAURANT & BAR BANDS

PAULANER BRAUHAUS XTD

Address: Xintiandi, North Block, Lane 181 Taicang Lu, near Madang Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily, 8:30pm to 1am

Everyone knows Paulaner has the goods when it comes to strong German beer and bar food, but did you know they also boast a pretty kick-ass live music venue? Their Xintiandi location has a solid space and some great live acts rolling through on the regular. Mainly filipino bands, their performance brings out the beat in Xintiandi.

BLUE MARLIN

Photo source:bluemarlin.cn

Address:

Yuyuan Lu:  18 Yuyuan Dong Lu, 1/F, near Tongren Lu (Tel: [phone])

Pudong: Lane 199, Fangdian Lu, Thumb Plaza, near Dingxiang Lu (Tel: [phone])

Performance Times

Pudong: Daily, 8:30pm to 2am 

Puxi: Friday & Saturday, 10pm to 2am 

Live Music is a big part of what makes Blue Marlin unique. Each store has its own resident house band that play a mix of Rock N Roll, Pop,Party, R&B and of course some Chinese classics to keep everyone dancing or singing along. Can you sing ? If your feeling brave after a couple of Blue Marlin cocktails why not ask the band if you can sing a song with them on stage. Our bands are very accommodating and will love to have you join them plus it also makes for a great nightly atmosphere.

JUDY’S

Address: 331 Tongren Road, near Beijing Road

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily, 10pm to midnight

Judy's is the longest running party venue in Shanghai! Whether it is getting a quick beer, or a bit. Judys is the place that can cheer you up. With a lively band and vibrant clientele, this spot has the magic touch. 

THE SPOT

Address: 225 Tongren Road, near Beijing Road

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily, 9:30pm to 1am

The Spot is one of the liviest places in downtown Shanghai. With a large menu offering home comfort foods, it has a superb band playing the biggest billboard hits. Its warm and welcoming crowd and mixed drinks makes this bar one a good location to meet with friends. 

DEHLI DARBAR

Photo source: 455104Bu

Address: Hongmei Entertainment Street,5, Lane 3338 HongmeiLu, near Yan'an Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily, 9pm to midnght

Photo source: 455104Bu

Bringing some live performances to Gubei, Delhi Darbar has a cover band trio that plays popular hits of the 80’s, 90’s and today, performing every day (except Monday) from 8:30 pm to 10pm.

LOCAL BANDS

288 LIVE HOUSE

Address: 288 Taikang Road, Huangpu District, 2nd Floor, (South Road, Ruijin Road)

Tel: [phone]

Wang Hao Wang, a well-known Shanghai musician, opened the live house music scene on Taikang Road, which is known as the best music bar in Shanghai. Rock, jazz, vocal chorus... they've got it all, as well as some stellar lighting which gives the place a dreamy vibe.

CHAIR CLUB

Address: 1778 Dongming Road, Pudong New Area (near Banquan Road)

Tel: [phone]

Chair Club attracts tons of blues fans around the city. The environment is simple and spacious, offering jazz and blues performances that are as good as any in Shanghai.

TZ HOUSE

Address

1F, Zhenning Road, Changning District 

2F, Jinhongqiao Mall, Maotai Road, Changning District 

After gathering a bunch of fans on Maotai Lu and Zhenning Lu, TZ House has their own music band and invite young singers who are considered the best voices in townTZ House also have a great range of drinks available to complete the performance.

V-GEAR LIVE

Address：Shun Chung Lu No. 2

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily, 8:30pm to 1am

Inside Xintiandi, this newly opened spot is a great magnet for local talents. Not only does it offer a scrumptious menu, they also make their own brew. 

LISTEN LIVE HOUSE

Address: Wanrong Road, 700 C6 

Tel: [phone] 

Performance Times: Daily, 8:30pm to 12:15am

Every night, Listen will indulge you in a live performance. Whether it is rock or jazz,there's always something special going on, and of course a killer bar menu.

THE BREWER

Address: 200 Taicang Lu, near Madang Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily, 9pm to 1am

Nightly live music in Shanghai is a rare thing, but the Brewer has the goods. It’s right in the heart of Xintiandi, so expect to pay a little bit more for your drink, but it’s definitely worth a try if you’re in the mood for live tunes in a cosy atmosphere.

LOUNGES

PENTHOUSE BAR ON 39 

Address: 39/F, Hilton Hotel, 250 Huashan Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Monday to Saturday, 9pm to 11:45

On most nights you can find their Filipino jazz band rocking at Penthouse on 39, which is found on the 39th floor of the Hilton hotel. Enjoy incredible views as well as mixed drinks to set your mood in place, right in the FFC.

CC BAR (CHAMPAGNE AND CIGAR)

Address: 1/F, Renaissance Yangtze Shanghai Hotel, 2099 Yan'an Xi Road

Tel: [phone] ext. 2168

Performance Times: Daily, 9pm to 12:45pm 

Another contender for the best live music in a hotel has to be at the Renaissance Yangtze Shanghai Hotel. Located on the first floor is the CC Bar (Champagne & Cigar) where you can enjoy a cocktail, some of the finest cigars, and of course, deep, smokey jazz. Soul music is provided daily, as well as a special food menu to select from. This is a great choice for date night or simply looking for a peaceful evening with some great quality music.

PIANO BAR AT GRAND HYATT

Address: 53/F, 88 Century Avenue,near Dongtai Lu

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Sunday to Thursday, 8:30pm to midnight; Friday and Saturday begins at 9pm to 12:30pm

It’s not just jazz bars and livehouses where you can find great live music. Hotels are synonymous with attracting musical talent, and arguably no wheredoe sit better than the Grand Hyatt. With panoramic views over The Bund, enjoy a spectacular night on the 53rd floor featuring a live jazz band and vocal instrumentals. Sundy is only piano instrumental. Known for it's strong food and beverage team, the menu at Piano Bar not only offers nacks but also selected menu that is truly satisfying.

PENINSULA HOTEL

LOBBY LOUNGE

Address: Lobby, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Rd

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Weekday, 7pm to 10:15pm; Weekends, 7pm to 11pm

Listen to the delicate tunes from the jazz band at the lobby lounge of the Peninsula hotel in the evening. You can order from the all day a la carte menu while enjoying the ambience and the excellent service.

SALON DE NING

Address: B/F, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Rd

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily, 9:30-12:15am, (Sunday and Monday)

Peninsula hotels' underground swanky bar, Salon De Ning rocks the house with daily rock bands and musicical entertainment. the lively performers sing a range from rock to jazzy blues. Order exquisitely made cocktails or order from their bar menu for bites and nibbles. Certainly one of the lavish ways to go out and have a good time at the Bund.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

CHENG LONG XING XIE WANG FU 

Address: 216 Jiu Jiang Lu, near Henan Zhong

Tel: [phone]

Performance Times: Daily, 6:30pm to 9pm

When most people think of the Chinese classical instrument Guzhen, they probably imagine sipping tea alongside a lake. At Cheng Long Xing Xie Wang Fu, not only can you do just that, you can also sink your teeth into amazing crab specialties at this historic Shanghai spot. 

XIAO QING FANG 

Address: 1468 Hong Qiao Lu (near Gubei Lu)

Tel: [phone]

Performance Time: Thursday and Friday only, 6:15pm to 8:15pm

You can watch a performance of the classical chinese instrument while enjoying a Shanghainese home-cooking styled meal. 

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