By Joanne | December 2025

 

Shanghai is a city defined by its horizon. When the sun dips below the Huangpu River and the Lujiazui skyscrapers ignite, the city transforms into a futuristic dreamscape. At Bridge to Locals, we believe one of the best ways to see Shanghai is from above—but knowing where to stand makes all the difference. (And of course, one of the other best ways to see Shanghai at night is by joining the experience with us! Haha.)

As a local who has spent the last year exploring every corner of this city, and also, as someone who knows their way around a cocktail menu, I’ve vetted more bars and viewpoints than I can count. Based on a year of "field research," here are my five handpicked spots to capture the perfect Shanghai skyline, ranging from high-end luxury to hidden local gems.

1. The Stage: The Magnolia Observation Deck

Located at Sinar Mas Plaza (White Magnolia Plaza), this dedicated viewing deck offers a literal "front row seat" to the Lujiazui skyline.

Source: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/691db0d0000000001e0342b4

Tickets:

• • Adult: RMB 230
  • Sunset ticket: RMB 320

Bridge To Locals’ Tips:

They are strict about gear. Camera bags, tripods, and large backpacks aren't allowed up top—it’s just you and the view.

The Magnolia is Shanghai’s city flower, and at The Stage, you can not only see the view of Shanghai skyline but also feel that blend of elegance and modern power.

Source: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/67fd9036000000001d01b709

But are you curious about what’s happening beneath the neon? What does real life look like in the shadows of these giants?

Once you’ve snapped your photos, leave the heavy lifting to us.

We’ll show you the side of Shanghai that doesn’t require a ticket—just an adventurous spirit and a love for local culture.

2. The Bulgari Bar: Luxury Above the Clouds

Located on the 47th and 48th floors of the Bulgari Hotel, this spot offers a panoramic sweep where the river curve and the skyline unfold right in front of you.

From here, the entire river curve and Lujiazui skyline unfold in front of you.

• Local Tip: Arrive around 5:00 PM, when the bar’s balcony lights slowly turn on and the lights flicker on across the city.
• Vibe: Calm, polished, international
• Drinks: Classic cocktails—luxury, stamped with the Bulgari logo

Source: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/6804f7ea000000001d01d520

Is the logo make any sense? For me, probably not, haha.
But once the novelty fades, if you find yourself start getting bored of logos and hotel lobbies, why not dive into the real Shanghai? Join us for a Shanghai Nightlife Journey where Chinese tradition meets modern energy.

You won't just see the city; you’ll gain a local friend to chat with all night long.

3. Flair Rooftop: Rooftop Energy at the Ritz-Carlton

Flair is famous for being one of the highest outdoor terraces in China.

While "prime" window seating often comes with a minimum spend (around 1,680 RMB), here’s a secret: you can simply walk out to the terrace, order a single drink, and soak in the same million-dollar view.

Source: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/686d1b56000000001203f71d

• Best night: Saturday. it usually turns into a full-on party.
• View: Straight down the river toward the Bund

After a drink at Flair, the night is just beginning.

 

Curious to see more of the city? Looking for something that adds depth to your solo journey, a way to step beyond the skyline and glittering lights and into local daily life?

To balance out the high-rise glitz, let us take you on a Traditional Chinese & TCM-themed nightlife tour. It’s a sensory bridge between Shanghai’s ancient wellness roots and its neon future.

 

4. 1989 Bar — Small Space, Big Impact

This is one of my favorites "hidden gems." The name is a conversation starter—I asked the bartender what it meant, and she said it’s just the owner’s birth year. Is there a deeper meaning? I am curious. If you go, please ask them yourself and let me know in the comments what they say.

It’s a tiny, intimate bar that sits directly across from the Lujiazui financial district. Because it’s so small, the view feels personal and immersive.

Source: Traveler of Bridge to Locals - Jayme

Note: Space is limited! I would suggest you to call ahead to check for an available table before heading over.

This is the kind of place locals whisper about rather than advertise. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, the intimacy makes the skyline feel almost confrontational—in a good way.

I would suggest you book a nightlife experience in Shanghai, in that case, you could get a chance, to have a local chat with all of the tattoo topics face to face. Ask them from this secret spot.

5. Shanghai Postal Museum — The “Shanghai Gate” Shot

This isn’t a bar, but it’s a legend among local photographers. If you stand at the main entrance of the Postal Museum, the massive stone doorway perfectly frames the Lujiazui towers. Locals call this angle “The Shanghai Gate.”

• Cost: Free
• Best time: Blue hour to early night
• Bridge To Locals’ Tips: Go to find the window towards the river. Architecture becomes the frame, not the subject

Source: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/68788408000000000d0194c0

It’s quiet, cinematic, and deeply Shanghai—old stone holding a hyper-modern city in place. It is a masterpiece of urban photography that combines the old-world stone of the Bund with the neon steel of the new city.

Seeing the Skyline Is One Thing—Experience the City Is More Than It

The skyline is beautiful, but it’s just the backdrop. The real magic of Shanghai happens in the tucked-away alleys, the scent of herbal infusions in a modern glass, and the stories shared between new friends that you won’t find in any guidebook.

Whether you’re craving a deep dive into the fascinating world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cocktails or you want to navigate the city’s electric nightlife with a local who knows every "hush-hush" spot, we’re here to be your bridge.

Source: Traveler of Bridge to Locals - Jayme

Ready to see the Shanghai that exists behind the neon? Don't spend your night just looking at a view. Join us for a Shanghai Nightlife Experience and turn a solo trip into a legendary story. Grab your spot now, and let’s explore the East Pearl together—as locals do.

[Click The Picture to Book Your Shanghai Nightlife Experience]