Shanghai hidden bars are concentrated in the French Concession and Xintiandi. The 10 below show China's drinking depth.
Part of our 50 Best Hidden Gem Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best hidden gem bars in Shanghai
01 · Shanghai
French Concession
$$$
Three-floor speakeasy
Three different drinking rooms, each more hidden than the last.
Order: A spec made with their house-aged spirit
02 · Shanghai
Xintiandi
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Three concept rooms · Asia 50
Three drinking rooms in one building. World's Best Bar 2018.
Order: The signature spec from whichever floor you choose
03 · Shanghai
French Concession
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Speakeasy · Through a sandwich shop
Through an unmarked door at the back of a sandwich shop.
Order: A perfect Manhattan
04 · Shanghai
French Concession
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Speakeasy · Reservations
Through an unmarked entrance in the French Concession.
Order: A Negroni made with their reserve Italian amaro
05 · Shanghai
Xintiandi
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Speakeasy · Modern
Hidden Xintiandi speakeasy.
Order: A drink with huangjiu (Chinese yellow wine)
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06 · Shanghai
Xintiandi
$$
Surrealist · Modern
Surrealist-themed Xintiandi cocktail bar.
Order: Whatever's most theatrical on the menu
07 · Shanghai
French Concession
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Late-night · Casual
French Concession late-night cocktail bar.
Order: A whisky highball at 1 AM
08 · Shanghai
French Concession
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Spanish-influenced · Counter
Spanish-influenced cocktail bar.
Order: A copa of fino + a vermouth flight
09 · Shanghai
French Concession
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Cocktail bar · Modern
French Concession modern cocktail bar.
Order: Bartender's choice
10 · Shanghai
French Concession
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Modern · French Concession
Modern French Concession cocktail bar.
Order: A drink built around baijiu
More Shanghai hidden gemsThe full Shanghai hidden-gem-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Shanghai hides its best
Speak Low and Sober Company are essential. Most peak between 10 PM and midnight.
