⚠️ Safety Notice — China (LGBTQ+ Score: 22/100)
Same-sex activity in China is not illegal (decriminalised 1997) but there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, and authorities have significantly increased pressure on the community since 2021. Shanghai Pride was disbanded in 2021. Exercise discretion 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 was once the most internationally recognised LGBTQ+ city in mainland China. The Former French Concession's Julu Lu and Yongfu Lu were lined with gay bars; Shanghai Pride had run continuously since 2009; the city attracted LGBTQ+ visitors from across Asia. The 2021 crackdowns changed this substantially: Pride was disbanded, major LGBTQ+ organisations went quiet, and several venues closed. What remains is a smaller, more discreet scene — still the largest in China, but operating with significantly more caution.
Eddy's Bar on Julu Lu, open since the 1990s, is the scene's historical anchor and the most important gay venue in China by longevity. Roxie on Yongfu Lu is the most polished current option. Lucca in the western French Concession provides a quieter alternative.
Navigating the Scene
Shanghai's gay venues operate without visible LGBTQ+ signage. Entry is generally unrestricted but discretion in public — no visible affection, no overt LGBTQ+ displays — is strongly advisable. The scene is functioning, not underground, but 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 — the most practical tool for navigating the current scene. Grindr, Scruff and Hornet all require a VPN.
VPN: Download and configure a VPN before you land in China. Obtaining 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 VPN) for sensitive communication. Do not share LGBTQ+ content on Chinese social media platforms.
Getting There
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is a major hub with 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).
