In this guide · 4 sections
⚠️ Safety Notice — China (LGBTQ+ Score: 66/100)
Same-sex activity in China isn't illegal (decriminalised 1997), but there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ people. Authorities have increased pressure on the community since 2021. Shanghai Pride was disbanded that year. Be discreet in public. Use a VPN — download and configure one before arriving in China. Read our full China safety guide.
Shanghai: China's Changed LGBTQ+ Capital
Shanghai used to be mainland China's most internationally recognized LGBTQ+ city. Julu Lu and Yongfu Lu in the Former French Concession had gay bars. Shanghai Pride ran continuously since 2009. The city drew LGBTQ+ visitors from across Asia. The 2021 crackdowns changed this: Pride was disbanded, major LGBTQ+ organizations went quiet, and several venues closed. What's left is a smaller, more discreet scene. It's still China's largest, but it operates with more caution.
Eddy's Bar on Julu Lu, open since the 1990s, is the scene's historical anchor. It's China's most important gay venue by longevity. Roxie on Yongfu Lu is the most polished option right now. Lucca in the western French Concession offers a quieter alternative.
How to Navigate the Scene
Shanghai's gay venues don't have visible LGBTQ+ signage. Entry is generally unrestricted, but discretion in public is strongly advisable — no visible affection, no overt LGBTQ+ displays. The scene is functioning, not underground, but it's more cautious than it was before 2021.
Apps: Blued (中国最大的同性交友应用) works without a VPN and has the most local users. It's the most practical tool for the current scene. Grindr, Scruff, and Hornet all need a VPN.
VPN: Download and configure a VPN before you land in China. Getting one from within the country is increasingly difficult. A working VPN is essential for Grindr, WhatsApp, Google Maps, and most Western websites.
Digital security: WeChat is monitored. Use Signal or WhatsApp (both need a VPN) for sensitive communication. Don't share LGBTQ+ content on Chinese social media platforms.
Getting There
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is a major hub. It has direct connections to most European and Asian cities. The Former French Concession is accessible by Metro Line 1 (Changshu Road or Hengshan Road) or Line 10 (Jiaotong University).
