Shanghai lights up the night with new destinations and events

Shanghai is turning up the heat this summer with its Shanghai by Night campaign, unveiling a fresh lineup of nighttime economy landmarks and after-dark attractions. The first wave of featured destinations combines culture, food, music, and immersive entertainment, offering an exciting experience for locals and visitors looking to see the city in a whole new light.

01 Nighttime economy landmarks (1st batch)

Fortune Plaza riverside (Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal → West Lujiazui Road) – Shanghai Super Brand Mall area

More than 10 international restaurants and bars remain open until midnight, offering global flavors and cocktails well into the night.

Every Friday through Sunday in August, Fucheng Road will become a themed pedestrian market with five distinct zones, from Thai-style street food to artisanal bakeries, serving regional delicacies, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Right next door, Shanghai Super Brand Mall 's "terrace fiesta" will turn its riverside rooftop into a vibrant party destination with DJ sets, light art installations, and a special celebration of the 100th anniversary of the US film studio Columbia Pictures.

In collaboration with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Ctrip, the Museum of Art Pudong offers a special joint ticket for the night exhibitions and Star of Shanghai·MAP Orsay Cruise from now until July 31. Start with an evening gallery tour and end with a scenic night cruise on the Huangpu River under the stars.

Xintiandi – Taiping Lake area

From now until Aug 29, the historic Shikumen lanes , rooftop terraces, and select restaurants come alive with nightly jazz ensembles, string quartets, and samba troupes — turning Xintiandi into a live-music hotspot.

From Aug 22 to 24, over 80 German Rieslings will be featured at the Wines of Germany: Summer of Riesling 2025 festival in the Xintiandi Style I atrium — no plane ticket to Europe required.

A themed market will bring more than 60 stalls to the neighborhood, offering authentic snacks and showcasing intangible cultural heritage crafts from Yunnan province. One bite will transport you to the misty mountains of Southwest China.

Join domestic and international orchestras at the Art to Gather festival, an immersive fusion of light, sound, dance, and live performance enhanced by cutting-edge projection mapping.

When the 6,500-square-meter panoramic dome opens later this September at the CPIC Xintiandi Commercial Center, the area's nightlife will reach new heights, with global eateries, boutique lounges, and an avant-garde theater keeping Xintiandi at the forefront of Shanghai's after-dark scene.

Yuyuan Garden

From July 15 to Aug 29, Yuyuan Garden Malls teams up with Bilibili to bring its top 10 Chinese anime titles, including Heaven Official's Blessing , into centuries-old architecture. The opening night drew 150,000 visitors eager to snap photos with their favorite characters.

On Aug 8, Yuyuan Garden will host a one-night-only illuminated tour, with lantern-lit paths, immersive light-and-shadow displays, and traditional pavilions creating a magical moonlit stroll.

At nearby Hefeng Lou, an intangible cultural heritage food month will highlight time-honored Chinese delicacies, offering visitors a chance to savor the deep traditions and refined flavors of classic cuisine.

Wujiang Road – Feng Sheng Li area

Specialty shops in Feng Sheng Li now stay open until midnight, welcoming window-shoppers and food lovers alike for a late-night wander.

HKRI Taikoo Hui hosts a curated weekend bazaar featuring rooftop theater, pop-up restaurants, and VR immersion pods. Expanded parking availability makes visiting more convenient than ever.

From now to Aug 31, pick up a complimentary Jing'an Nightverse boarding pass at HKRI Taikoo Hui to unlock discounts at nearly 1,000 participating venues, including top restaurants, flagship stores, and luxury hotels — all in one convenient ticket.

Jing'an district has also mapped out themed night-walk routes connecting nearby theaters, galleries, and museums, plus pop-up yoga and aerobics sessions — perfect for both culture seekers and active night owls.

Gate M West Bund Dream Center

Over 30 riverside merchants, such as BLOOMARKET and On the Road Store, stay open until midnight from Friday to Sunday, pairing tasty late-night snacks with live music for a laid-back, dockside vibe.

From Aug 15 to 24, the Waterfront Music Festival will take over an 800-meter stretch of riverbank, with three pop-up stages hosting 10 consecutive nights of live acts — from JZ Club jazz legends to rising indie bands.

As the main venue for the Shanghai International Light Festival, Gate M West Bund Dream Center will come alive with drone shows, projection mapping, and interactive installations, offering a bold fusion of art, technology, and public space.

Also debuting is a Tour de France–themed pop-up space in collaboration with cycling brand Specialized, featuring a viewing lounge and a workshop for bike parts. Look out for the Adidas street basketball showdown, the Yangtze River Delta Sports Festival with nighttime darts, and more.

02 Recommended after-dark attractions (1st batch)

Joy City

Address: No 166 North Xizang Road, Jing'an district

Highlights:

Open until 2 am, hosting 11 high quality night eats vendors.

Combines dining, live entertainment, and Ferris wheel rides.

Dedicated night access via Wen'an Road; free parking from 9 pm to 3 am.

Nearby cinema, KTV, and escape room venues enhance the experience.

Global Harbor

Address: No 3300 North Zhongshan Road, Putuo district

Highlights:

Over 20 restaurants open until 2 am; free parking from 10 pm to 2 am.

Features live sports screenings, nighttime AR gaming zones, outdoor music festivals, and themed night markets.

Hosts summer events tied to the Shanghai International Cruise Festival in August, plus IP driven promotions, such as Pokemon, and miiiiichan illustration collaborations.

Daxue Road

Address: Daxue Road area, Yangpu district

Highlights:

The "KIC Nightlife Festival" includes discounted drinks — unlimited for 69 yuan ($9.62) at participating venues throughout the block — and extended hours until 2 am.

Collaborates with events such as the Shanghai International Youth Football Tournament, social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, and ride-hailing platform Didi.

After 11 pm, any purchase includes a 3 hour free parking voucher.

Seoul Market

Address: No 1078 Hongquan Road, Minhang district

Highlights:

Authentic Korean pocha (tent bars), container cafes, food trucks, and street performers.

Open until 2 am; free parking after 10 pm. Retro-style set meals come with collectible ticket stubs.

"The Stage" performance zone features K‑drama-inspired sets, K‑pop flash mobs, and lively street shows.

Columbia Circle

Address: No 1262 West Yan'an Road, Changning district

Highlights:

A curated lineup of international cuisine, including French, Italian, and Spanish restaurants — many open until 1 am.

From July through September, the venue hosts over 10 cultural events, including immersive acrobatics, creative night markets, and hands-on workshops.

Anchored by the new cultural IP "New City Theatre", ticket stubs can be used for discounts at food, beverage, and retail shops.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, "shanghaifabu" WeChat account, official WeChat accounts of the publicity department of the CPC Huangpu district committee, and Shanghai Jing'an Media Center, IC, VCG