Authentic Shanghai Nightlife Experience: Secret Bars & Traditional Chinese Divination

About Shanghai's Nightlife

Shanghai is a city of colors and contrasts — far from China’s political center, yet full of surprises waiting to be discovered. Behind its skyline of glittering towers hides another world — one of mystery, art, and intoxicating freedom.

You might start your night in a Chinese medical bar, where a real traditional doctor crafts a cocktail infused with medicinal herbs just for you. Or step into a mystic divination bar, where a Chinese witch reveals your fortune and blesses your drink according to your destiny.

Shanghai’s nightlife is also a window into its modern soul — from LGBTQ+ bars to women-only spaces, you’ll see how local youth and queer communities redefine identity, freedom, and pleasure in this ever-changing city.

You’ll be matched with a local friend — not a tour guide — someone who shares your vibe, speaks your language, and moves with the city’s rhythm. We’ll suggest a starting point, but you’re free to follow your curiosity, explore places that catch your eye, and shape your experience

— Now, it’s your adventure.

The Routes

Your story begins at a Chinese medical bar, where a traditional doctor examines your body’s energy and balance through ancient diagnostic methods. After a conversation, they’ll craft a personalized herbal cocktail designed to restore your flow — a fusion of medicine and mixology that awakens your body. You could stay there for a while, with your local friends, share your storeis and enjoy your chat.

Then, take a short walk through Shanghai’s night streets, where neon lights reflect on the wet pavement. You’ll arrive at a mystic cocktail bar, where a modern-day witch awaits. She reads your fortune through bamboo divination sticks, then prepares a destiny cocktail — a drink mixed in alignment with your fate.

Two drinks are included. If you’d like more or want to treat your local host, feel free to order on your own. Most importantly, this isn’t a rigid bar crawl — if you see something intriguing you — just say the word!