Xin Tian Di, Shanghai

Like other metropolises in the world, Shanghai is full of bars and cafes with different styles and ambience. First, the highest bar in the world - Jiu Chong Tian (Cloud 9; Tel: 021-50491234) occupies the entire 87th floor of the Jin Mao Tower (Address: No. 88, Century Avenue; Pudong Area), just under the observation deck on the 88th floor. French windows encircled the bar, offering limitless sunset and night views of the Bund. To get to Jiu Chong Tian, you need to take 3 different elevators, connecting via the 54th and 85th floors. For guests who are not staying at the Grand Hyatt (the hotel is from 53rd floor to 87th floor), the bar sets a CNY120.00 (+15% service) minimum charge on Saturdays and CNY88.00 on other days.

Furthermore, there are many other taprooms with a variety of ambiences in Jin Mao Tower, like the Piano Bar 18 and the Zhong Ting Bar on the 53rd and 56th floors, respectively. Subway No. 2 can take you straight to the tower.

Han Yuan Reading Room (Tel: 021-64732526; Address: No. 27 Shaoxing Road, Luwan District) is a serene corner that suits perfectly for those who love reading or would like to spend some quiet moments with friends. The medium sized store is filled with the owner's collections from all over the world, including books (both Chinese and English versions), a piano, gramophone, dresser, old trunks, etc. A pot of red tea or coffee, a good book and a seat by the window, are all you need for a leisurely afternoon.

The Vienna Cafe (021-64452131) nearby is also very popular due to its delicate afternoon tea and delicious hand-made Austrian cake. Public buses No. 128/146/301 all have stops here.

Fuxing Park is located on No. 2A Gaolan Road, Luwan District, the center of the French Concession. You can take subway No. 1, tourist bus No. 1 or public bus No. 42/ 146/ 167/ 320/ 920/ 945/ 986 to Huaihai Road and then walk to the south of the Sinan Road or Yandang Road. As the first open park of its kind, it was also the only French style park in Shanghai. For over a century, Fuxing Park continues to be one of the most attractive green fields in Shanghai.

A night bar

There are several well-known restaurants and bars in the park. California Club (Tel: 021-53832328), also known as the Park 97, is one of the most popular places amongst the youth. After midnight, the activities in the area liven up with two storeys of open seats, foreign bands, two different dance floors, and fashionable decorations, making it a good place to have fun with friends.

An Italian restaurant named Baci is located next to Park 97. Having a dinner surrounded by an authentic Italian atmosphere and then going to the pub for a joyful night is an ideal evening for many. 

Another bar worth visiting in the park is Guandi (021-33080726), the first bar to perfectly combine the open club concept with exquisite private rooms. Pop music stars and movies stars like to come because one of the owners, Wu Dawei, is also a celebrity. With the most comprehensive offerings of champagne, wine, Cuban cigars and whiskies in Shanghai, the expense can certainly add up quickly. However, the exclusivity of membership also means you will have your own key card to enter the premises instead of having to ring the doorbell. Please do notice that Thursday is  Ladies' night.

There are two famous bar streets in Shanghai: Maoming and Hengshan Roads. Maoming Road is found in the French Concession and if you prefer an exciting and rip-roarious time, you may want to visit the southern part of Maoming Road where the bars are found. The north part of the street contains the Garden Hotel, Jingjiang Disheng Mall and Jinjiang Hotel while the middle part mainly houses restaurants and custom-built fashion stores.  Judy's Too, Blues & Jazz, M-Factory, Windows, Blue Frog, Chez Simone, Amber, 1931 Pub, are other bars to enjoy in Shanghai.  No matter what style you prefer, what music you enjoy or how much you want to spend, you will find a perfect place for you on this street. Subway No. 1 and public buses No. 2/ 17/ 24/ 146/ 320/ 831/ 920/ 926 are available.

An open coffee shop in Shanghai

In contrast, if you prefer quieter entertainment or enjoy coffee and cocktails, Hengshan Road in Xuhui District should be on the top of your list. With the tall chinars along the street and the western style buildings, Hengshan Road exemplifies a more leisurely and refined approach. Mural Bar & Restaurant, West Side, Benny's Bar and Keven Cafe Restaurant attract young friends and lovers. To get there, you can take subway No. 1 or public buses No. 2/ 49/ 96/ 126/ 320/ 548/ 824/ 830/ 911.

There are a lot more fun bars and cafes in Shanghai to enjoy and share with friends, whatever your style. Please see Shanghai Bars & Clubs, Shanghai Hotel Bars