Nightclubs in China are insane!
When I tell my friends back home about it, they find it difficult to imagine exactly what these clubs are and what they look like.
Here is the Top 10 of the best clubs in China!
Clubbing in China: What to Expect
Nightlife in China is quite different from that in Western countries.
It’s different, but clubbing in a Chinese nightclub is a wild experience.
It is all about entertainment and bringing that to the next level. Clubs compete on who has the best act and show, which forces every club to step up their game.
One of the first things you will notice is the abundance of tables. In this aspect, a club in China is very different from a club in Western countries.
There isn’t a dance floor.
Chinese club visitors rent a table for the night, where they will first hang out for a bit and have some drinks to get in the mood. Later, as the night progresses, visitors will stand on the tables and couches, where they will dance and enjoy the night.
Seen below is a club in Shanghai that is getting its staff ready before opening.
So, almost no one is walking around except when they need to go to the bathroom.
So, isn’t there a dancefloor at all? Well, most of the time, there is a tiny space right in front of the DJ near the bar.
This is where foreign travelers often enjoy the night.
The reason for this odd setup? Tables can cost between 1000 and 5000 dollars for 1 night (!), and that isn’t even including the drinks. So, as you can imagine, for many travelers, visiting a club and renting a table is too expensive.
As you can see below, there are tables with small transparent lockers, which are where the bottles will be stashed. Quite a fascinating sight for a club isn’t it!
Later in the night, most clubs look like this as seen below. The people in the back are standing on those tables and the people in the front are on the dance floor.
This dance floor is actually relatively big compared to most other clubs in China.
Chinese Night Clubs, What to do and what not to do
As Chinese nightclubs are very different from clubs in Western countries, it is always a good idea to have an idea of what is ok and what is not.
- First of all, as is everywhere in China, clubs are very safe. You will not have to be afraid of getting in trouble of any kind.
- Second, respect the tables and the area that is part of it. If you’re invited to a table, it is fine to join them, but otherwise don’t enter the area of any rented tables.
- Third, waiters who are walking around are not available to bring a drink; they work for the tables that are rented out. You’ll most likely have to get your drink at the bar.
- Fourth, enjoy and have a great time. Chinese folks who are out clubbing love a good drink!
Fuxing INS Shanghai
Before we continue with the Nightclub Top 10, if you’re in Shanghai, you’ll find many clubs in Fuxing INS. It’s a building with seven nightclubs.
You can now get tickets to enter all these clubs in one night through Get Your Guide. This is so much easier than getting them at the door. These clubs are Freshman, Hush, RADi, Culture Club, DIRTY HOUSE, FRiENDS, La Fin and Another Side. If you want to experience a good clubbing night in China without all the hassle of finding tickets (on Chinese websites etc.), this is perfect.
Top 10 Night Clubs China
Club Master – Shanghai #1
Okay, number 1 on the list! I worked at this nightclub in China for one year as a consultant and resident DJ. Being the only foreigner working there was a unique experience!
This club has the most astonishing interior you can imagine. The ceiling and walls have been fully covered by so-called ‘moving heads’, lights that can change any color and go in any direction. The lights are programmed to move in a specific way to create the illusion of light being bent! It’s a one-of-a-kind system that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. No wonder they called it Club Master.
The light system was designed by the Japanese company TeamLab. They have expositions where you can get lost in a world of lights and illusions.They even have shows with full orchestras combined with DJs and electronic music.
You can imagine that this is the most expensive club of China. And perhaps the best, or at least most impressive, club in China.
Overall, going out clubbing in big clubs in China is super safe, but there are some safety precautions to keep in mind.
The main room is enormous, it’s in the shape of a diamond, where mostly EDM and club music is being played. Behind the main room, there is a hip-hop area and a small techno area.
If you’re looking for the real Chinese nightlife, you’ll find it here.
Where to stay in Shanghai close to Club Master
During my time in Shanghai, I spent several nights in the Langham hotel because it’s within walking distance from Club Master, close to Xintiandi, and the French Concession. It’s one of the few hotels with such a good location, in my opinion.
Check out the map below to find more hotels for your stay near Club Master (🍸 icon on the map).
My recommended Hotels in Shanghai 🛏️
Campanile Hotel
Shanghai, China
$ – Budget Friendly
Can’t remember how many times I’ve stayed here!- Best value for your money
- Close to the Bund, Nanjing Road and many clubs
Can’t remember how many times I’ve stayed here!Read my complete travel guide on the best hotels and areas to stay in Shanghai, based on years of experience living in China and Shanghai.
Guangzhou #2
It’s one of the biggest clubs in China, with a capacity of 4000 people and a LED screen bigger than three cinemas combined.
Not only is the club big, but the service is also next-level. While going to the toilet, you will get a neck massage, chewing gum, and some perfume while standing there having a tinkle! I’ve experienced it myself—crazy!
There are literally hundreds of servants, cleaners, and waiters who will help you with anything. After you go to the bathroom, they will guide you back to your area. Oh, did you drink too much? No problem. We’ll help you get to the bar or get back on your feet. Do you need ice? A towel? or hold your phone for a minute? No problem.
Space Plus is a brand of clubs you can find in many other cities like Shanghai, Changsha, Chongqing, Wuhan and Nanjing. More info can be found here.
Where To Stay in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is such an underrated, but fascinating city, or more like a metropolis. Find the best places to stay in Guangzhou in the map below:
Playhouse – Chengdu #3
Playhouse is one of the most famous club brands in China.
They have been on top of the game for many years, and it shows because they genuinely know how to set up an event with a next-level party vibe.
The show elements are insane, they have dancers, flames, inflatables, MCs, teddy bears, fireworks, confetti, lasers, rows of 10 champagne bottles brought by dancers, and so on…
Playhouse has clubs in cities like Chengdu, Changsha, Chongqing and Xian.
Where To Stay in Chengdu
Chengdu, home of the panda’s! A beautiful city, if you have time explore the nature outside of the city!
Exit – Changsha #4
One of the clubs with the best underground-vibe in China is Club Exit. Most clubs in China have a similar setup, except Club Exit in Changsha.
It’s best described as a vast underground German techno club, but in China, it comes with the biggest LED screen you can imagine. It looks like a long, rectangle-shaped Batman cave in the future where you can wander in the dark.
I’ve had some crazy nights in this club. I sometimes wonder why there aren’t any clubs like this in Europe!
This club shows that Chinese clubs are always looking to improve and stand out from the others.
The China night life in Changsha is definitely alive!
Every time I visited Changsha I stayed at Niccolo Changsha Hotel. It’s the hotel the club booked for me, and it’s one of the craziest hotels I’ve ever stayed at. My room was on the 96th floor…!
Illusion Pro – Wuhan #5
The first time I played here, I thought I was tripping when I saw the whole ceiling coming down.
At first, it looked like a regular club, but 15 minutes into my show, boom! The en-ti-re light system came down and changed into small cubes with visuals.
I was blown away.
When I finished, I went to the green room (the room where the guest DJ can relax), and I was blown away again. The room was filled with LED stripes like one big LED cube. It was like I was transported from the club lights into the light cubes!
The nightlife in China and Wuhan specifically is incredible.
One Third – Kunming #6
In the southwest of China, near the borders of Vietnam and Myanmar, lies the city of Kunming.
When I arrived at the airport, a club employee picked me up. As humble and polite Chinese people are, he welcomes me and apologizes for arriving in such a small city. He says only 7 million people are living in Kunming… 7 million! That’s almost half of the Netherlands (my home country)!
When we walked into the green room, I was amazed at what they had arranged for me. The club owner made a 3 x 3-meter big poster with photos from my previous shows. I couldn’t believe what I saw. I felt truly honored.
One Third is one of those Chinese club brands that have been there from the very beginning. It’s a well-established brand that knows how to organize insane events; the hospitality couldn’t be better.
Warehouse Galame – Foshan #7
As the name says, it’s an underground warehouse! It isn’t famous for its lights or gigantic LED screen. But this is a location where only true ravers and music lovers come to.
There’s an atmosphere that you will not find in most other clubs. The visitors will know the music and lyrics by heart.
Rooftop Bar – Shanghai The Bund #8
Ok, ok, it’s a rooftop bar… but it must be mentioned in the Top 10.
It’s surrounded by skyscrapers decorated with LED screens and has a view over the famous Bund area. I was in awe when I walked up to the dance floor.
Absolutely stunning and mesmerizing to see the entire city center filled with lights… while enjoying the cheapest beer from the menu, of course… because, well, you know 💸.
D5 – Liuzhou #9
Another “small” city, with only 2,2 million residents!
Like most clubs, this club has an impressive LED screen, but this was the highest I have ever seen!
I would say it’s about 10 meters high, which is just mind-blowing. Not to mention the sound system
First Club – Changzhou #10
Changzhou is kind of a small, unknown city close to Shanghai. But even the smallest towns in China have the most insane clubs.
This is one of my personal favorites. It’s not as extreme and over-the-top as most other clubs, but it has the right mix of everything.
Final Thoughts on Nightclubs in China
Some of the most unique and expensive nightclubs in the world are in China.
The way these nightclubs are designed and decorated is really impressive. They pay close attention to every detail, which creates an atmosphere that makes people feel like they’re in another world.
All the clubs I’ve worked for have worked hard to ensure their guests’ safety and enjoyment. Security measures and rules are strict so that people can go to the party without worrying about anything.
