DiDi's Big Data Shows Shanghai's Hottest Nightlife Spots
According to DiDi's taxi records, Shanghai has seen the second highest increase in bar popularity throughout the duration of the World Cup games. Selected from rides recorded between midnight to 4am, these are the destinations that are soaring in popularity right now.
Photo credit: DiDi
The results are:
1. Found 158
2. Intersection of Jiangning Lu and Wuding Lu
3. TAXX
4. Dr Beer
5. Intersection of Julu Lu and Zi Xun Yong Di
6. Botanist
7. Yin Du Lu: Lv Yin Lv Karaoke
8. Jiu Ting: Bo Jue Karaoke
9. Intersection of Xing'an Lu and Songshan Lu
10. Fuxing Zhong Lu, ANZ Bank
The world has gone soccer crazy with the World Cup this year, and Shanghai is no different. According to DiDi's taxi records, the city has seen the second highest increase in bar popularity - not only because of the World Cup games, but in general as well. With records selected from rides recorded between midnight and 4am, records show that there was an increase of 44% in taxi rides to Found 158 where multiple F&B establishments have been showcasing the games to enthusiastic patrons. The Jiangning Lu / Wuding Lu area saw a whopping 70% increase in taxi rides and came second in terms of popularity compared to the Julu complex and Taxx and Dr Beer claimed third and fourth spot respectively.
So with this new found data on Shanghai's hot spots, we've got a list here for you of the top nightlife spots to hit up this weekend.
Found 158
We all know about Found 158 and its dramatic emergence as an F&B super location. This sizzling hot spot, located at 158 Julu Lu, started off as an underground nightlife spot where headlining bars like 10 Ultra Lounge caught the eye of a CNN travel article.
According to DiDi, since the start of the World Cup there has been a huge increase (44%) of taxi rides to the popular watering hole - making it the "World Cup Holy Land' as it tops the chart of Shanghai's most popular location to watch the games.
Budweiser is the official beer sponsor for 2018 FIFA World Cup. From June 14th until June 24th, Budweiser will ‘Light Up the World Cup’ with four huge viewing screens - one in each direction - broadcasting every single game live. Even more excitingly, they shoot smoke everywhere whenever a goal is scored! There are 12 Budweiser signature draught mobile bars set up throughout Found.
However, for those of you looking to spend the weekend at Found 158 to watch the games, be prepared to cough up some dough just to step inside the complex. According to property management, this new tax has been implemented in response to requests from the police for the are to combat and prevent overcrowding in the area.
From now on, on game nights, there will be a RMB 50 charge for entry into Found 158 and can be paid by cash or by WeChat. Door charges will commence a few hours before the matches begin:
July 6th: Quarter final 1 & 2, 8:30pm
July 7th: Quarter final 3 & 4, 8:30pm
July 10th: Semi final 1, 1am
July 11th: Semi final 2, 1am
July 14th: 3rd place, 8:30pm
July 15th: The final, 9pm
But never fear, many of the establishments within the complex will be offering great deals.
Boteco - Shanghai's authentic Brazilian watering hole" - will be offering a buy-one-get-one deal on Budweiser with the new entrance ticket (a newly implemented entry fee to curb overcrowding). While they're fully booked at the moment, there is still plenty of space outside should you wish to grab a pint and catch some of the next game.
What's more, El Santo, Cyclo, Bombay Bistro, Le Cafe des Stagiaires, Little Creatures Julu Lu, Mito, Zapfler, Chez Jefke, Hooked Fish & Chips, Homeslice Pizza and 21N1 Bar & Food will also be offering buy-one-get-one-free deals on all house beers in exchange for your entry ticket.
Jiangning Lu and Wuding Lu
SOS
Address: 239 Jiangning Lu
Tel: 021 6059 6888
SOS is the new Chinese mega club on the block, think TAXX, think DIVA (but nicer) - it has a similar vibe; open until the wee hours, it's a great place to go and drown your sorrows or celebrate with bottles of bubbly depending on match outcomes. An 'honorable guest' package will set you back a whopping RMB 99,999 and the details of what's included are not so clear, but one woudl assume Champagne, Guangdong's finest cigarettes and a fruit platter. You can also purchase regular drinks at around RMB 80 a glass - up to you!
Cages
Address: 3F, 428 Jiangning Lu
Tel: 5299 5273
A massive area of more than just batting cages, Cages is your go-to place for all things sports with squash courts, dodgeball, darts and more TV screens than you could ever want or need. They boast some of the very best sports viewing and bar games in Shanghai and over 4,000sqm of space. With a sitting area equipped with over 70 HDTVs - including one 200 inch HD projection screen showing all of the latest sports from around the globe - this is the place to be for all your sporting needs. For the World Cup, RMB 100 will get you six redeemable F&B tickets for which you'll receive a wristband that's good for the entire evening.
The Shed
Address: 698 Shaanxi Bei Lu
Tel: 6237 6381
With the World Cup continuing, The Shed is your friendly neighborhood pub that's Aussie owned and specializes in cheap, cheap drinks. It's a great place to go if you're wanting to chill with a drink in hand and watch the games late into the night without worrying about keeping to a strict budget. They're offering a free Carlsberg from start to first points
TAXX
Where: B1/F, 158 Julu Lu, near Ruijin Yi Lu, Jing’an district
Tel: 02133307988
TAXX might look like another night club, but it's a lot more than that, think of it as a musical festival inside a mall. Perhaps the best comparison would be to a club called Berghain, which is the legendary holy grail of techno in Berlin, Germany. There are enormous LED screens and automatic lighting which work together to create a festival-style atmosphere. Most clubs in Shanghai seem to host either big name DJs or indie bands, but TAXX has announced that is has no rules when it comes to musical acts, as long as it’s good, it will work here.
Dr Beer
Address: 83 Fumin Lu
Tel: 5468 1077
Dr Beer is a chilled out beer bar showcasing beverages from all over the world. They have tons of high stool seating and always seem to have great specials that rotate. You can grab a snack and hang out until the small hours. If you need a break from the football then they have some outside seating for you to chill but it's pretty limited.
Botanist
Address: No 2, 17 Xianguang Bei Lu
Tel: 6433 0538
Botanist is a nice chilled out cocktail bar. They tend to lean toward 'Chinese tastes' - direct quote from their PR there, rather than western ones. The whole bar is very instagrammable and they put A LOT of effort into the presentation of their cocktails and bar bites. If you're a big fan of sugary fruity drinks then this is the spot for you. If not, we reccomend a Johnny Walker Blue on the rocks. We recommend trying out their signature cocktail, aptly named The Botanist. Made from fruit juices and rosemary infused rum, it's light, fun and playful without being overly sweet.
Xing'an Lu and Songshan Lu
Whoops Lounge Bar
Address: 9 Jinan Lu
Tel: 021 6333 8830
This new lounge bar is a great spot to venture to if you're looking for a change of scenery from your usual 'it' spots. High-end decor, spacious venue and beautifully big terrace means that the next few months (when we get nice summer days) will be spent sipping a cocktail in the sun. With two big LED screens (one inside and one outside) you can be sure that this is going to make for some relaxing World Cup viewing as you enjoy a nice meal with friends or family.
Highline
Address: 6/F, 282 Huaihai Zhong Lu
Tel: 6333 0176
Highline is your contemporary American and cocktail venue from John Liu of Coquille and Scarpetta; Cody Allen of Le Baron and Michael Sun where you can find everything from brunches to late night drinks. They have a range of signature cocktails to choose from, as well as the classics and old fashioneds to suit everyone. If you're opting for a night out, this is where you can go to impres a date or gossip with friends. We recommend the Mai Tai with white rum, dark rum, grand marnier, lime and orgeat (RMB 78) or a beautiful Lavender Old Fashioned with high west bourbon, lavender honey and bitters 128.
Bonus spot
Here's where else you can go watch the World Cup.
The Cannery
Address: 1107 Yuyuan Lu
Tel: 5276 0599
The Cannery are also going to be hosting some great deals throughout the remainder of World Cup matches, including food and drink specials. No red cards, no substitutions. Early matches will be shown at the bar at 8pm and 10pm, and late matches on the big screen at 11pm and 2am. Here you'll find pitchers of beer for RMB 148 (normal price RMB 188), Moscow Mules for RMB 58 or DIY Moscow Mules - i.e. a bottle of Vodka plus 6 bottles of Ginger Beer for RMB 500. Food specials include a late night menu of Mac n' Cheese with bacon (RMB 98), beer battered fish n' chips (RMB 98) and a big basket of fries (RMB 88) if you're looking for some late night snacks!
Choose Your Own Shanghai Adventure