Shanghai has always been, and still is, THE city in China for entertainment. The city not only has great restaurants and bars but also (outside of Hong Kong), the biggest selection of theatre, film and art available anywhere in China. And this selection is of a class and quality which is sophisticated enough to compete with most western cities.

On the theatre and the stage, there are regular acrobatics displays, a MUST for travelers to the city. Even the most doubtful spectator, will not fail to be enthralled and amused by the incredible flexibility and strength of these performers. The Acrobats performance in the Shanghai Center (Nanjingxi Road) and the old Lyceum Theatre (Maoming Road).

It is always worth checking out the magnificent Grand Theatre to see what is on too. The Theatre regularly hosts Chinese and Western operas, classical music performances and various plays. There are also regular Western films on at some of the city’s entertainment centers.

Shanghai attracts most of the big name Chinese musicians and also pulls in western and Japanese performers and DJs on a regular basis. Currently, the best bars are around Maoming Road and nearby. Park 97 is a stylish bar in the heart of the French Concession and O’Malleys is a friendly Irish joint right in the heart of things. Browse our Bar and Club Index for the latest places to hang out! Check out the Shanghai Stadium to see who’s in town, or the listing’s in the city magazine That’s Shanghai.

The City’s contemporary art scene is impressive too. Shanghai, long the center of more radical ideas is now one of the most important city’s in China for young and new artists from throughout the country to display their work. Shanghai has a long list of art galleries including ShangArt in Fuxing Park and EastLink on Fuxing Road. Aside from these, there are also some good exhibitions in the Shanghai Museum in People’s Square.

Naturally there are all the usual Chinese favorites too. Bowling alleys, Karaoke halls and Computer Games rooms are scattered throughout the city. Another favorite Shanghai past time is Tai Chi, which is also great to watch especially after a night on the town taking in the city life! Why not take a wander along the Bund at dawn, for a taste of a different kind of entertainment!

There are three types of nightlifes in Shanghai:
* western
* modern
* traditional
- Western night style starts with bars and parties and full of expats.
- Traditional style is for traditional older Shanghai people, who almost barely have any nightlife. Most them don’t go out. A short distance walk on the street will be good enough for the old and the poor.
- Modern Night Life is the style most local young people choose. Here are a list of activities
+ Over Time Working
Well. If you ask anyone who are 25-30 in age, good income, good education about what do they do at night, most of them will say “Working” or Jia Ban (overtime working). It is true.
+ Restaurant
Restaurant is the No. 1 choice if night life starts at around 6:00 PM. Eating is everyone’s favorite. There are many good restaurants in Shanghai with varied food style.
+ Cinema
There are some very nice cinemas in Shanghai
* Kodak Super Cinema, Metro City, Xujiahui
* Shanghai Film and Art Center, Xinhua Rd
* UME Cinema, in Xin Tian Di
+ Karaoke
It is not easy to find a country where its people like Karaoke better than China. Whenever gathering  and asking where to go, the most possible choice that everyone agrees is Karaoke. Maybe singing is just part of the attraction – it offers a big comfortable room where friends can gather and enjoy snacks, drinks and ice creams.
+ Tea House
Tea house was traditional Chinese social place before it almost distinct in the last decade. However, it becomes more and more popular again. Inviting some friends and spend the whole night at tea house is very relaxing. Once we talked at a tea house till 2:00 AM in the morning. These tea houses open all night.
+ Drama
Drama is also a good place to go. The only place which serves good drama frequently is the Drama Center at Anfu Rd.
+ Shopping
For girls, shopping are the top choice. Major shopping centers are:
* Xujiahui
* Huai Hai Rd.
* Nanjing Rd. (well, no. Nanjing Rd. attracts visitors better than Shanghai residents. Local people won’t go to Nanjing Rd. as night life)
+ Gyms
Many people will go gym after work. Gyms are built near office buildings. For example, Physical opens in Metro City and Alexander opens in Xintiandi.