New Year’s Eve in Shanghai

While Christmas is often a quieter affair shared with family and friends,  New Year’s Eve has traditionally had more of a party vibe as we say goodbye to the old and usher the new in. If you still haven’t made your New Year’s Eve plans, here are some ideas from us on how to celebrate the last night of the year.

Fireworks at the Bund

Bright city lights, fireworks and a light work display. If glitz and glamour is what you are searching for, there are a myriad of parties down at the Bund that will satisfy even the most jaded party goer. With front row seats to the action, head over to the Sir Elly’s at the Peninsula, Vue Bar at the Hyatt or Mr & Mrs Bund for an unforgettable night. Tickets range from 200-1000RMB.

And if your New Year resolution includes sobriety, catch the show for free along the Bund. Security and crowd control has improved after the tragic incident in 2014, but do plan ahead – Line 2, East Nanjing Road Station will be closed in the evening and also getting a ride out of the area is next to impossible – so pack sensible footwear if you’re going to jostle with the crowd!

Ringing (literally) the New Year in at Longhua Temple

A uniquely Shanghai experience, the bell is rung 108 times on New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year. Visitors are invited to join in this auspiscious ceremony and the first 108 guest will be allowed to ring the bell. There is an admission charge and do call ahead to make reservations.

Longhua Temple, 2853 Longhua Lu, near Longhua Xi Lu 龙华路2853号, 近龙华西路, reservation hotline: +86 21 6132 2037

Party all night

New Year Eve is big business for the nightlife industry and all your favourite clubs will pull out all the stops this night. Arkham is hosting a spectacular party combining music and visual arts with Chengdu/New York rapper Bohan Phoenix headlining. There’s always bar rouge, MYST and M1NT for champagne popping, bottle service and glamour all night long and Dada is always a safe bet for a good night out.

Author: Deb Wong