The best things to do in Shanghai this week
The weather may be freezing, but there are still plenty of reasons to get out of the house and brave the cold this week. We promise!
Food and Drink
Guest bartender Chris Lowder at UNÏCO and The Chop Chop Club
UNÏCO and The Chop Chop Club kick off 2018 with the visit of world-renowned mixologist Chris Lowder for a guest bartender shift. The multi-awarded Spirits Evangelist and 2017 nominee as International Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail will be crafting five of his own signature cocktails behind the bar for you to enjoy throughout the evening, during dinner time or when you're ready to party.
UNÏCO Second Floor, Three on the Bund, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu. Wed 10. 6pm. Free.
Music and Nightlife
Colin Phils
South Korea-formed American math-rockers Colin Phils undertake their second China tour, stopping off in Shanghai along the way where they'll be joined by excellent Shanghai-based duo Foster Parents.
Yuyintang 851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yanan Xi Lu. Sat 13. 8pm. 80RMB; 60RMB (presale).
The Rap of China Live
Massively successful iQiyi TV show The Rap of China goes on an inevitable nationwide tour, bringing a collection of hip pop rappers to Hongqiao. Kris Wu leads the pack and is joined by PG One, Tizzy T, Vava and other stars of the series.
National Exhibition and Convention Center 333 Songze Avenue, near Laigang Lu. Sat 13. 7.30pm. 380-2,018RMB.
Nur Jaber
Asian Vibes' first booking of 2018 is Berlin-based techno starlet Nur Jaber, who 'with powerful musical roots from Lebanon [...] always delivers deeper messages and holds no genre limitations.'
Elevator Fourth Floor, 218 Xinle Lu, near Fumin Lu. Fri 12. 10pm. 80RMB; 50RMB (presale).
Markus Suckut
A night of pure minimalist techno at The Mansion as German DJ and producer Markus Suckut flies into town. Support comes from the head honchos of Shanghai's 4x4x4x4 crew and Beijing's Konekt Asia collective: Max Shen and Hu Yang.
The Mansion 851 Hongjing Lu, near Hongqiao Lu. Sat 13. 11.30pm. 150RMB on door with five drinks.
Things to Do
KFK Presents: Dwayne Perkins
New York comic Dwayne Perkins – as seen on Comedy Central Presents, Conan, and headlining the Hong Kong Comedy Festival – is coming to Kung Fu Komedy for two nights.
Kung Fu Komedy Fourth Floor, 1 Xiangyang Bei Lu, near Julu Lu. Fri 12 and Sat 13. 9pm (Fri); 8pm and 10pm (Sat). 200RMB; 170RMB (presale).
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Missy Skins Winter Warehouse Sale
Get up to 80 percent off the Autumn Winter 2017 collection from hip Shanghai leather brand Missy Skins at their weekend warehouse sale.
Central Studios Building 1, Central Studios 751 Huangpi Nan Lu, near Jianguo Dong Lu. Sat 13-Sun 14. 10am. Free.
Free open classes at GoEast Language Centre
GoEast is offering free open classes for beginner, elementary and intermediate-level Chinese speakers this month.
GoEast Language Center 194-196 Zhengmin Lu, near Guoding Lu. Sun 7. 9am. Free.
LGBT
2018 LGBTIQ+ Community Kickoff Event
As well as learning about the fundamentals of the queer community, find out about the queer organisations of Shanghai as they give an overview for what's in store for 2018, and how you can get involved. Hear from the likes of Shanghai Pride, PFLAG (Parents for Lesbians and Gays), Shanghai NuAi, Shanghai Queer Film Festival, Cinema, OpenDoors, TaTa Radio, DKNSTRKT, Queer Talks and We and Equality.
WeWork (Weihai Lu) 696 Weihai Lu, near Maoming Bei Lu. Fri 12. 6.30pm. Sign up via yoopay.cn.
Film
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
A triumph of comic irreverence and dramatic purpose, Star Wars: The Last Jedi dazzles like the sci-fi saga hasn’t in decades. Directed by Rian Johnson (Brick and Looper), it's a work of supreme confidence: witty, wild and free to roam unexplored territory.
On general release.
Art
Wing Shya: Acting Out
It's your last chance to catch renowned Hong Kong-based artist Wing Shya's solo exhibition 'Wing Shya: Acting Out, 25 years behind camera'. A fashion photographer, film maker and video producer, Shya creates a diverse body of works and images throughout his career.
Shanghai Center of Photography 2555 Longteng Avenue, near Longlan Lu. Until Wed 10. 40RMB.