NYE Shanghai 2026

Celebrate NYE in Shanghai, before the rest of the world!

Shanghai, the dazzling Pearl of the Orient, is a city that truly embodies the spirit of East meets West. As the clock winds down on the old year, this city transforms into a beacon of festivity and celebration. From the futuristic skyline of Pudong to the historic architecture of The Bund, Shanghai offers a myriad of ways to ring in the New Year.

• Stay at The Langham, Xintiandi, located near all the action and is known for its LGBTQ+-friendly service.

The Bund

• Next Edition: Thursday 31st December, 2026.
• The iconic waterfront area known as The Bund is the centerpiece of Shanghai's New Year's Eve celebrations.
• With its spectacular backdrop of modern skyscrapers, it offers a perfect spot for fireworks.
• Be sure to arrive early to get a good view as thousands gather here to watch the light show.
• For one of the most glamorous New Year parties, head to Bar Rouge. With its stunning terrace views of The Bund and Pudong, it’s an ideal spot to countdown to midnight.
• Check out the top hotels close to the NYE celebrations.

Huangpu River Cruise

• Take a cruise along the Huangpu River to witness the skyline lit up by fireworks from a unique vantage point.
• Enjoy dinner and drinks as you float by Shanghai's most famous sights.
• Book your dinner tour in advance now.

Xintiandi

• Xintiandi, known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment, is a lively place to spend New Year's Eve.
• The area brims with both locals and tourists hopping between clubs, bars, and restaurants.
• It is also close to the city's gay bars located in the Huangpu District.

Popular Venues during NYE

• Ash Store Bar 🍸: A dynamic hub for Shanghai's most fashionable gay crowd, where silver-studded shoes glimmer and the young mingle with the old. The scene's so hip it can be hard to snag table service, but for the fashionista within, it's a must-visit spot. 18 Maoming South Road, Huangpu.
• Moon Bar 🧸🥃: Dive into this underground lair where Chinese bears and their admirers reign. Expect no-frills service and a language barrier, but a bucket of beer makes up for it. Yuhua Building, B1 Floor, 366 Zhaojiabang Road, Xuhui.
• ManGo Bar 🧸🍻: A jovial gay beer hall nestled in Hongkou, connecting generations in a local, friendly setting that comes to life on weekends. Junfeng International Fortune Plaza, Room 32, Basement Floor, 1599 Dalian Road, Hongkou.
• Riink  🛼: A roller cocktail disco that blends good vibes with quality food and drinks. Run by Ting of Roxie fame, it's an affordable place where LGBT crowds skate and mingle. Bldg 18, Shankang Li, 358 Kangding Lu, near Shaanxi Bei Lu.
• Reborn Club 🍾: A massive dance floor with vibrant energy defines this new gay club within Yaxin Life Plaza. It's cautious in marketing but offers an enthusiastic party scene. 3rd Floor, Yaxin Life Plaza, 401 Changshou Lu (at Changde Lu), PuTuo.
• HUNT Bar 🎯🧸🚭: Known for its cover charge and all-you-can-drink happy hours. This eclectic spot offers everything from drag performances to art shows, attracting a diverse expat and local crowd. 42 Xingfu Road, by Fahuazhen Road.
• The Palace 🕺🏼: A gay bar that blurs the lines between club and lounge with its neon-lit bathrooms and music-video vibe. Located in the post-COVID new gayborhood, it's as unpredictable as it is enticing. 2nd floor, 688 Shaanxi North Road, Jing’an.
• Rice Bar 🚭🥃: A decade-plus running local gay bar that favors quiet conversation over loud music. Owned by multilingual Takuya, it's a place where everyone finds someone to talk to. 532 Fahuazhen Lu, near Dingxi Lu, Changning.
• Cotton’s (Gay-friendly) 🍽: A tranquil garden setting in a heritage building makes for an ideal dinner spot. Cotton’s welcomes with open arms and serves up a side of inclusivity with its meals and drinks. 294 Xinhua Lu,near Dingxi Lu.

Tips for Enjoying New Year's Eve in Shanghai

• Book Ahead: Restaurants and bars can be incredibly busy. Make reservations well in advance.
• Dress Warmly: December nights can be chilly in Shanghai; layers are essential.
• Public Transport: The metro is usually extended for New Year’s Eve but can be crowded. Taxis will be in high demand.
• Stay Safe: With large crowds, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings.
• Countdown Events: Check social media or local listings for specific events as they can change from year to year.

Recommended Hotels in Shanghai

Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action,

The Langham,    Shanghai Fenyang,    SSAW,    Somerset Xu Hui