Gay clubs in china
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Mixed reviews from past guests – and at the very least, it needs a decent refurbishment, but it’s a private option.
Whatever your sexuality or gender identity, if you want to try drag, or want to learn more, then don’t miss our launch event. Western propaganda may have you thinking otherwise, but don't fall for it.
Can same-sex couples show public affection in Chengdu?
Public displays of affection (PDA) between same-sex couples in Chengdu are generally met with indifference or curiosity rather than open hostility, especially in central areas and LGBTQ+-friendly venues.
The signature Lollipop cocktail is a must-try, and Thursday offers topless bartenders to draw in the crowd. Very local and no frills (read filthy and sketchy), there is a sauna, steam room and private relaxation spaces – and normally a few rent boys hanging around. Welcoming to foreign guys, and some English is spoken.
Huli Men’s Club / Mutual Benefit
(Temporarily or permanently closed.
Don’t bother with their call-out service, as it’s overpriced and rather poor quietly.
Ron Massage
If you are looking for a high-quality gay massage call out in Shanghai, then you should go with Ron. A cute young guy with five years of experience, he offers a variety of massage treatments, all at a high standard because is his reputation on the line.
You will not be able to access many Western websites in mainland China, so we strongly recommend you set up a high-quality VPN on your phone before you go to protect your privacy, remain anonymous and keep access to your favorite websites and apps.
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Shanghai
Obviously, being gay does not define which attractions most of us will want to see in each city, and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in China during the day!
There is so much to do here – but we found our favorite memories were wandering along the Bund, making use of the city’s extensive bicycle lanes (and promptly getting lost) and brunching in modern cafés before wandering through design studios.
We went in April and the afternoons were already quite hot.
Do I need a visa for China?
Since the end of 2024, China has made it much easier for many nations to enter for 30 days without a visa.
Get restaurants recommendation and reservations on the fly, public transport instructions up to the minute, bar opening hours and, if it is your thing – access to gay hook-up apps to find out more about the local scene.
Mobile data is fast, cheap and available almost everywhere in Asia, so it is no wonder most travelers choose to stay connected and get off the beaten track (without ever worrying about getting lost).
Jack Kenworthy( Queer Travel Expert )
Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Shanghai – one of the most vibrant, forward-looking and modern cities in China – is also home to the country’s biggest gay scene.
While still much smaller than you might expect for a city of its size, the Shanghai gay scene is finally flourishing after years of police harassment and state repression, and if you know where to look, you will find a burgeoning Gay Shanghai community.
It might look flashy, but the prices are not too bad; there is an intriguing range of Asian-fusion cocktails, and you get an electric mix of people, foreign and ex-pats.
Club ALL
A popular queer-friendly nightlife spot with industrial vibes and plenty of techno, house, drum N bass and more. Welcome cocktails are offered on arrival, and its rooftop bar is simply breathtaking.
JW Marriott Hotel @ Tomorrow Square ☆☆☆☆
The flagship hotel of the famous gay-friendly Marriot Chain, this hotel may not ‘pop’ like the W, but you can still expect beautiful rooms with views all around, indoor and outdoor pools, fantastic service and a location second to none.
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) serve domestic and international flights. This hotel is one of the best bangs for your buck in Shanghai and is pretty centrally located, with a French-inspired breakfast to boot!
Dorsett Shanghai ☆☆☆
Beautifully funky interior design, next to the stunning Century Park and a relatively low price, this hotel is our top option for those on a Shanghai transit as the closest hotel option to the Airport Maglev train which is 6 minutes from Pudong.
Captain Hostel ☆☆
The best hostel in Shanghai by far, the Captain Hostel is practically on the Bund, has a weird yet stylish ship theme and is full of progressive, international travelers.
Wander the peaceful gardens, admire centuries-old architecture, and enjoy a cup of traditional tea at the on-site teahouse.
Stroll Through Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys)
The historic alleys of Kuazhai are a blend of old Chengdu charm and modern boutiques. For a more in-depth look at why we switched to Genki, check out our review.
Getting Around Chengdu
Chengdu has an extensive and modern metro system, making it easy to get around the city.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are widely available and affordable (you can use it directly through the Alipay app without having to download the native app).
Buses cover most areas, but signage is usually in Chinese.
Biking is popular, with shared bikes available via apps like Meituan and Alipay.
For day trips, high-speed trains and buses connect Chengdu to nearby attractions.
How Do I Pay in China and Chengdu?
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are the norm in Chengdu and across China, even for small purchases.
Foreign credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels and some international chains.
Cash (Chinese yuan, RMB) is still accepted, but less common.
Aside from having panda decor all over the place, this hotel is known to be a comfy one.
Gay Chengdu Nightlife
At the time of writing this, Chengdu likely has the richest gay nightlife of all the Chinese cities.
The Sanlitun district awaits with its chic bars, international restaurants, and lively clubs, including some fabulous LGBTQ+ friendly spots and the best gay bars in Beijing. Expect the latest tech, and the best amusement park rides in any Disney, like the TRON Lightcycle Power Run and world-class shows.
The nightlife and bar scene here is exploring, and it seems gay venues, in particular, are opening faster than we can keep track, with many drawing a diverse crowd of ex-pats and young things from all over China who migrated to modern Shanghai to just be themselves.
Still, the epicenter of the Gay Shanghai Triangle is in the French Concession neighborhood centered around Lucca 390, and filled with plenty of creatively designed and eccentrically themed bars and lounges calling to Shanghai’s ever-growing, and increasingly cosmopolitan gay crowd.
Then why not get a sensual male massage in Shanghai – there are plenty of options! Therefore don’t be surprised when you see men with arms draped over each other’s shoulders or girls walking hand in hand.
Shanghai Pride has been held and growing annually in June here since 2009, and while it contains a great many events throughout the week, no parade has yet been allowed due to the ban on protest and political expression in China.
Sample spicy hotpot, local snacks, and quirky treats like rabbit-shaped candy or spicy rabbit heads.
Shop in the "World's Largest Building"
So the New Century Global Center is allegedly one of World's largest buildings by floor area, and it is downright enormous.