Hide and Seek

ALL YOU NEED IS

CURIOSITY

If you think bars are all the same, sorry, not in Shanghai.

Here, we list some of the hidden bars for you.  Try to open the door yourself !

The Tailor Bar

This special bar is located in a hidden spot where most people will miss if they don’t look carefully. It is hidden upstairs from a Chinese medicine shop. To get to the bar, you take the elevator in the corner. It’s a great spot for those who can’t make their mind up about what drinks they want. This bar has no menu so whatever you like you just let the bartender know and he’ll try his best to meet your requests. It has great views of the nearby Jingan Temple. The bartender is Eddy Yang, a top barman in China who has worked in bars since forever and he has worked in venues like Covent Gardens’ subterranean and now he’s in Shanghai for good. 

Barules     

Barules is a great speakeasy style bar in Shanghai with a great atmosphere and cocktail menu. They present their drinks is a very fashionable manor and the best part is that it is behind a phone booth. It is hidden on the corner of Fenyang and Fuxing and most people miss it or get lost looking for this cool bar with a tin roof. The bar also features a mezzanine area with a piano which is perfect for music lovers. The mezzanine area also offers a great view overlooking the bar as it is upstairs. It is a perfect little place to avoid crowds as most fail to find this little gem and to hang out and relax with friends.

Barber Shop

The name of the bar is pretty self-explanatory. It is hidden behind a barber shop which isn’t its only unique point. The bar is like a house with three big rooms and a large backyard. It is really a big speakeasy style bar. The service in the bar is great and the music is 1930’s style swing and jazz. Many couples will come here for a date as it provides a great romantic atmosphere. The style of the bar is also really unique and looks like an actual barber shop. It is definitely a recommended place to go if you want a unique experience. 

Speak Low

This hidden bar is a Japanese influenced speakeasy bar. It is hidden behind a secret door in a bartending equipment shop on Fuxing Lu. Most locals and foreigners would not consider taking the time to locate the bar. However, it is definitely worth the visit. It is a four-floor bar that have different styles on each floor and get pricier as you go higher up. The second floor has a house party feel and serve many classic. The third floor is great if you’re looking for an intimate feel as it serves super premium drinks that are quite pricey. The fourth floor is for those who like the high-end luxury life. It is the pricier as it is highest up and the service and drinks offered on this floor is in its own league. Make sure you reserve before going if you want to go to the fourth floor.

The Exchange Bar and Grill

Located in the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel in the basement. It is a unique 19th century mansion with six rooms all with different themes. It is great for sports fans because of the huge tv screens and many beer choices. There is also its only private brew that is made just for this bar. The hotel is located in the financial center of Shanghai, so many of its customers are people working in the area looking for a great spot to relax after work. The menus are also quite large and the selection of imported and craft beer is great for those beer lovers. This bar also serves some great food that is very western influenced with aspects of local favorites incorporated as well. 

Look, the river is waving

One would say it’s illegal to go to Shanghai without seeing it’s breathtaking skyline. Imagine the prospect of being surrounded by buildings of all shapes like Shanghai’s popular Bund, and the heart of China’s financial center, Lijiazui Shanghai. 

Believe it or not it is possible to experience the intoxicating beauty of eastern and western Shanghai by simply hopping into Huangpu River. Please do not actually jump into the River as it is actually illegal. Simply get on the very affordable 2RMB Ferry.  For those who prefer luxury, a River Cruise is your calling.

The ferry is an important mode of transportation for both office workers and local travelers. Those who are night owls, the ferries run late into the night. This way you avoid crowds and can truly appreciate the sleepless city of the east. The ferry may be the most economical option costing only 2RMB per trip.

Here is the daily schedule of the Ferry in case you miss it!

First ferry: 11:00 

12:00   13:00   14:00   14:30   15:00   15:30   16:00   16:30   17:00   18:00   18:30   18:45  19:00   19:15   19:30   19:45   20:00   20:15     20:30   20:45   21:00   21:15  

Last ferry: 21:30

A recommended route is the Dongfu Route, it starts from Dongchang Road and goes to East Fuxing Road. The travel time is approximately 5 minutes by food from Old Wharf to the starting point in Puxi.  This route you don’t just get exercise but also a treat for the eyes from the beautiful attractions from the Bund.

For all my luxurious friends, take a deluxe river cruise which cost vary starting from 100RMB. These cruises give you the scenery of the ferry but a more optimal experience as some offer a meal on board and a show. The length of the cruises may be 50-80 minutes. To book a river crusie and the details of the cruise check out http://www.pujiangyouchuanshoupiaozhongxin.com/pl.jsp.

If you appreciated our insight and tips feel free to book through us or contact us for other trip suggestions.