LGBTQ+ Travel Guide & City Directory · Shanghai
Based on national laws as of 2025
Homosexuality decriminalised in 1997 under revised Criminal Law. Removed from the official Classification of Mental Disorders in 2001 — a landmark step at the time. No legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, civil unions or marriages. No adoption rights for same-sex couples. No federal anti-discrimination protections covering sexual orientation or gender identity. Legal gender change is possible in limited circumstances (requires medical diagnosis and, in most provinces, surgical interventio
Gay Bars & Clubs
Gay cocktail bar on Yongfu Lu in the Former French Concession. The most polished current option on the scene — craft …
Gay Bars & Clubs
One of China's oldest continuously operating gay bars, open on Julu Lu since the 1990s. Small, unpretentious, communi…
Gay Bars & Clubs
Gay-welcoming cocktail bar in the residential western French Concession. Not exclusively gay but consistently LGBTQ+-…
Travel Guide
Everything worth knowing before you go.
Shanghai has the most internationally visible LGBTQ+ scene in mainland China — or did until 2021, when authorities effectively disbanded Shanghai Pride (which had run since 2009) and intensified pressure on LGBTQ+ organisations across the country. What remains is a cluster of gay bars concentrated in the Former French Concession (around Julu Lu and Yongfu Lu) and a community that has adapted to operating without formal organisations or public events. Venues operate quietly; discretion is standard. The scene is reduced but functioning.
Skip-the-line tickets, walking tours, day trips and unique LGBTQ+ friendly experiences — booked instantly with free cancellation.
Yes — Shanghai has an active LGBTQ+ scene with bars, clubs and Pride events. Browse the venues on this page for the most-reviewed spots, and check the calendar for upcoming events.
We list the top-reviewed gay bars and clubs in Shanghai on this page. Filter by category and rating to find dance clubs, cocktail bars, cruise bars and more — every venue is verified by the GayOut community.
Pride season (typically June–July in the northern hemisphere) is the most lively time, with parades and parties. Spring and early autumn are also great for sightseeing without summer crowds. Check the events calendar above for specific dates.
Yes — see the "Where to stay in Shanghai" map above for hotels with current prices, including LGBTQ+ welcoming properties recommended by our community.
Shanghai is generally safe for LGBTQ+ visitors in tourist and central areas. Standard travel-safety advice applies. Check the country page for an LGBTQ+ rights overview specific to China.
Help the community by adding it to our directory — it's free and reviewed within 48 hours.
Get the latest LGBTQ+ events and venue openings in your inbox.
Add GayOut to your home screen for faster access, offline favourites, and Pride alerts.