The Mega New Year's Eve Party Guide (updated)

By Andrew Chin, December 31, 2015

1 0

2015 – What a year to be alive. Ring in good 2016 vibes with our roundup of parties and don't get stuck on the night with nought to do. And certainly don't go a wandering 'round the Bund on foot when countdown time nears. They say you can't plan fun, but heck, here goes nothin':

   

Puxi

Cheap & Cheerful (RMB300 or less)

Cages New Year's Eve Bubbly&Swings

Pre-game for New Year’s Eve with a fun evening at the batting cages. They’ll be giving out free tokens with every bottle of bubbly purchase.
> Dec 31. Cages, see event listing.

Animal Mask Party

MAO Livehouse will be literally literred with party animals on New Year’s Eve. Rock an animal mask and groove to the sounds of some of Shanghai’s top bands and a Korean DJ spinning the hottest party tunes to ring in 2016.

> Dec 31, 8pm-late, RMB148-180. MAO Livehousetickets.

Boxing Cat (Sinan Mansions)

The ever-reliable Boxing Cat at Sinan is throwing their annual free-flow party. RMB250 admission gets you free flow drinks and guests can expect to hear all of this year’s hits for a rambunctious vibe.

> Dec 31, 8pm-late, RMB250. Boxing Cat (Sinan Mansions)

Sliders NYE celebration

Yongkang Lu is sure to be popping all New Year’s Eve and Sliders is getting in on the action with drink deals all day, including RMB100 free flow on select drinks from 8-10pm.
> Dec 31, 8pm-late, free entry (RMB100 free flow from 8-10pm). Sliders, see event listing.

The Spot

Ring in 2016 in debonair style as the Jing’an favorite celebrates New Year’s with a James Bond theme. DJ and live band will perform with first-come, first-serve seating. Dress code: 007.
> Dec 31, 6pm-late, free entry. The Spot.

Zapfler Craft Beer

The Yongkang Lu pub is serving up RMB30 specials on Seasonal Black Beer with complimentary homemade sausage given with each RMB50 pint of their German craft beers from 8-10pm.
> Dec 31, 8pm, free entry. Zapfler Craft Beer, see event listing.

New Years Eve Pub Crawl

Pub Crawl Shanghai does the big night in style with three huge buses counting down 2015 across the city. Enjoy two hours of open bar and a wild night stopping off at the biggest clubs.
> Dec 31, 8.30pm-late, RMB200-250. Meet at 
Bar Gatsby, see event listing.

Angel’s NYE

One of Asia’s biggest LGBTQ celebrations take over The Hub and the newly opened ICON for three days of ragers. On New Year’s Eve, Brazil’s Anna Paula is joined by Shanghai’s DJ Javy for what promises to be an extravagant way to ring in 2016. There’s no rest on New Year’s Day with UK’s Tom Stephan teaming up with Taipei’s DJ Odin and Shanghai’s Kuma Ray to keep the party going. Things finally cap off on January with UK’s Massimo Paramour, with support from Shanghai’s DJ Javy and DJ Deen.
> Dec 31-Jan 1, 9pm-late, RMB120-300 (Dec 31), RMB80-200 (Jan 1) . The Hub, see event listing.
> Jan 2, 9pm-late, RMB50-100. New iCON, see event listing.

Sasha’s and Zapata’s

The Dongping Lu villa opens up for one massive party spilling into Sasha’s and Zapata’s. RMB100 entry comes with two standard drinks.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late, RMB100 (with two drinks). Zapata’s and Sasha’s. See event listing.

Chad Romero & The Cadillacs

The internationally renowned lounge lizard and “connoisseur of cheez” brings his outrageous performance to On Stage. Expect to hear his renditions of classic rock hits from the 50s and 60s, including a special tribute to Elvis Presley. Check out the event listing for a full breakdown of the various food and drinks deals.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late, RMB60. On Stage, see event listing.

Jing An Shangri-La

Ring in 2016 at the Jing An Kerry Centre & Jing An Shangri-La’s West Shanghai NYE Sparkle Party. The much loved electro-band Nova Heart will perform, after a stellar year that included their Glastonbury Festival debut. The fabulous duo Ju & Yu will also perform, as will a host of some of the city’s top DJs. They’ll also be plenty of other things to keep yourself entertained from the 180-degree video selfie station plus of course the midnight pyrotechnics. Dress code: metallic and glimmer. RMB150 VIP entry gets you upfront access and two complimentary drinks.
> Dec 31, 9pm-late, free entry (RMB150 for VIP area). Jing An Kerry Center Piazza, see event listing.


LIGHT

Have a sloppy New Year’s Eve at the Hengshan Lu club formerly known as Phebes. Free entry if you dress in white with two complimentary drinks for all who do the all-white thing.
> Dec 31, 9pm-late, RMB100 with two drinks (free entry if dressed in white). LIGHT, see event listing.

New Years Rocking Eve at Yuyintang

Five of the city’s top homegrown bands team up to greet 2016 in rocking style. Lineup is Naohai, Daydreamer, Air Walker, Sonnet and Da Fresh.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late, RMB100. Yuyintang.

Straight Outta 2015 w/DJ Yella

2015 was a big year for the legendary Compton rap group N.W.A. thanks to the smash autobiographical film, Straight Outta Compton. SHFT will be bringing a bit of that classic West Coast gangster rap to Shanghai when the group's iconic DJ takes over Le Baron.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late, free entry. Le Baron, see event listing.

Bow Tied

Guangdong singer Jonas Seetoh’s soulful jazz group has become one of JZ Club’s most popular acts. He's joined by the always enchanting Jade Lee for what promises to be a sublime way to ring in 2016.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late, RMB100. JZ Club.


Heyday

The That’s Shanghai Food & Drink Award winning 1930s style jazz lounge rings in the New Year with soulful sets by Denise Minnifield and Chico. Enjoy a funky set with champagne specials and Heyday’s signature cocktails.

> Dec 31, 9.30pm-late, RMB100. Heyday, see event listing.

C’s

The beloved dive bar is hosting six residents of some of Shanghai’s most beloved underground nights for one hour sets.
> Dec 31, 10pm-late, RMB50 (with one drink). C’s, see event listing.

DADA NYE

Two DADA institutions team up to ring in 2016 at maximum funk levels. Popasuda’s Skinny Brown spins the best in global base while Santo Chino and Tobias Patrick dip into their impressive vinyl  collection to spin disco, rock and funk nuggets.

> Dec 31, 10pm-late, free entry. DADA, see event listing.

New World Party NYE

The Mansion hosts some of their favorite DJs like T-Plus, Tommy Hendriks and much more for a wild New Year’s party. Get there early for a free tattoo artist performance and enjoy the big countdown with a big outdoor firework show, followed by hours of dancing.
> Dec 31, 10pm-late, RMB100 (with five drinks). The Mansion, see event listing.

Onra @ Arkham

S.T.D. rings in the new year with the French electro/hip hop producer revered for lacing influences from around the globe. Onra’s two-part Choinoiseries remains an otherworldly mix of hip-hop with Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese pop from the 1960s and 1970s. He’s received praise from Pitchfork and Jay-Z’s Life and Times, while releasing records on tastemaking labels like Fools Gold.

> Dec 31, 10pm-late, RMB100. Arkham, see event listing.


Salmos Sky Lounge

Ring in 2016 at the elegant Jingan lounge featuring live bands, DJs and free flow drinks.
> Dec 31, 10pm-late, RMB180. Salmos Lounge, see event listing.

The Shelter

Sad news. The original booking of Traxman has been scuttled due to the iconic DJ and producer suffering from recent health complications. Despite giving his best effort, he was unable to come to Shanghai for this party but The Shelter has rebounded, booking some of the club's favorites like Siesta and Alta.
> Dec 31, 10pm-late, RMB80. The Shelter 

Midnight Masquerade

Cocospice Productions provides a bit of Caribbean flavor to Lune for this New Year’s Eve party. DJ Envoy and DJ Limitz spin the hottest beats from the islands with VIP sparkling wine packages available for RMB1,100. Complimentary glass of sparkling wine provided.

> Dec 31, 10pm-late, RMB150-200. Lune

Logan’s Punch

The Jing'an favorite craft cocktail den is serving up free-flow sparkling and RMB100 off their punch bowls all night.

> Dec 31, 10pm-late, RMB250. Logan’s Punch.

The Apartment

The Yongfu Lu mainstay is organizing two floors of New Years fun, even opening up their VIP study room. Things kick off with a seven-course set dinner. Once the party starts, there will be a live performance by Smokey followed by club residents OJ and Rhenz spinning dancefloor bangers. Countdown on the rooftop patio and watch the fireworks.

> Dec 31, 6pm, RMB100 (for ladies), RMB150 (for guys). The Apartment, see event listing.

HD Substance @ Lola

Lola rings in the New Year with the Spanish techno favorite who counds icons like Carl Cox and Richie Hawtin as his fans.

> Dec 31, 10.30pm-late, RMBTBA. Lola


   

Midrange

Le Cafe des Stagiaires (Dagu Lu)

The Dagu Lu branch of the French favorite is hosting a vintage New Year party featuring DJs and a free flow drinks and fancy food package going for RMB350. Dress code: Charlestone - 30.
> Dec 31, 6pm-late, RMB350 (with free flow drinks). Le Cafe des Stagiaires (Dagu Lu), see event listing.

Now or Never

After yet another record-setting Budweiser STORM Festival, A2Live throws their inaugural New Year's Eve bash. EDM star Zedd headlines a strong bill that also includes Otto Knows and Styline, while taking over the West Bund Art Center. For more, check out our Now or Never preview.

> Dec 31, 8pm-late, RMB480. West Bund Art Center, see event listing.

Kartel

All night, guests can enjoy a four-course menu for RMB798 (RMB698 in advance). For those looking solely to party, there is a solely free-flow option for RMB648 (RMB548 in advance). DJ Mike Ward spins electro swing and the rooftop will be the place to be to catch the New Year’s fireworks.

> Dec 31, 7pm-late, RMB648-798. Kartel.

NYE Countdown Party

This star-studded party at Xintiandi’s Taiping Lake is the biggest countdown party in Shanghai this year. Pop stars Hacken Lee and A Lin will perform, while there will be a 70 meter LED screen and a 10 meter golden ball adding to the ambience. Invitations to the party are only open to people who spend RMB1,688 at Xintiandi’s malls in a day - do that and you get a voucher that can be traded for two tickets.
> Dec 31, 9pm-late, invitations available for anybody that spends RMB1,688 in Xintiandi. Taiping Lake.

Liquid Laundry

Celebrate New Year's Eve in true Vegas Style. Liquid Laundry is offering tons of dancing, performances and free flow drinks all night long. If you wanted to go extra hard, head there early for a massive five-course NYE dinner.
> Dec 31, 9.30pm-late, RMB350-450. Liquid Laundry, see event listing.


Hu Bar & Lounge

Ring in 2016 in glamorous style at the Le Royal Meridien lounge. Entry includes three hours of free flow standard drinks with tables available for RMB1,780.
> Dec 31, 10pm-late, RMB580-780. Hu Bar & Lounge, Le Royal Meridien.


The Bund/Lujiazui

Cheap & Cheerful (RMB300 or less)

Shen

Enjoy spectacular views of the Bund waterfront while popping champagne at SHEN, which opened in 2015 to much acclaim. Two bottles of Moët are available for RMB1,680 with finger food to match.

> Dec 31, 5pm, free entry, RMB1,680 for two bottles of Moët Champagne. Shen

Library Distillery

Enjoy a glamorous New Year’s Eve at Light & Salt’s hidden bar. Performers formerly of Cirque le Soir will perform while attendees will enjoy craft cocktails and a chic atmosphere on the Bund. Full dinner package also available for RMB798.
> Dec 31, 10pm-late, RMB289 (with a glass of champagne). Light & Salt.

The Long Bar

Join the countdown to midnight at The Long Bar at the Waldorf Astoria, and dance your way into the New Year to the dulcet notes of soul singer Sandra Kaye and her accompanying jazz band. Tickets include a glass of Perrier Jouet Champagne to get the party started.
> Dec. 31, 8pm-2am, RMB288 (plus 15 percent). The Long Bar, see event listing.

Studio 585

The Yeti crew takes over the top two floors of the Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund for a party that channels the heady days of Studio 54. Expect to hear plenty of disco, soul and 70s pop classics while soaking in a glamorous atmosphere. RMB888 open bar packages available.

> Dec 31, 8pm, RMB250 with one drink (RMB88 with open bar). Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund, see event listing.

Bund No Shakin' NYE Celebration

The father of Ancestral Soul and Africa House, Boddhi Satva rings in the new year at Unico. Known as a protege of Grammy winner Lil Louis Vega, Boddhi Satva has released records on Osunlade’s Yoruba Records and received props from global tastemasker Gilles Peterson.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late, RMB100 (free entry for Three on the Bund dinner diners). Unico by Mauro Colagreco, see event listing.

Bar Rouge Gold NYE

The iconic Bund hotspot rings in 2016 in glitzy style. This opulent extravaganza will feature plenty of Moët & Chandon, the hottest hits spun by Keint and a glamorous crowd. Dress code: elegant with a touch of gold.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late, RMB300 with a glass of champagne. Bar Rouge, see event listing.

   

Lost Heaven

Count down the last hours of 2015 and ring in 2016 within the chic confines of Lost Heaven Lounge, complete with spectacular views of the Bund.
> Dec 31, 9pm-late, free entry. Lost Heaven Lounge.

M1NT

The Bund institution waves goodbye to 2015 in typically extravagant fashion. Former resident and M1NT legend Spencer Tarring returns to spin what promises to be a crowd-pleasing set. Raise a glass and toast to a sparkling 2016 with the city’s fanciest.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late, free entry (bottles recommended). M1NT, see event listing.

POP

Enjoy stunning views of the Bund and count down to 2016 at POP's Black & White Countdown Party. Party access is RMB300 or RMB700 with four-hours free flow special. Anyone eating at their New Year's Eve dinner will get free admission to the party.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late (party), RMB300  (party). POP, see event listing.

Glam

Michelle Garnault’s new lounge lives up to its name and they’re celebrating their first New Year’s Eve in style. They’re serving a sharing menu earlier in the evening, but if you’re just interested in getting your boogie on the bund, head there after 10pm and enjoy a disco and soul-funk infused set by French chanteuse Anne Evenou. RMB288 entry fee comes with shots at the door, two signature cocktails and one glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne.

> Dec 31, 10pm, RMB288. Glam, see event listing.

La Boum NYE

Mr & Mrs Bund rings in the new year with their iconic house party. DJ Zohan and DJ Marius spin infectious disco and other dancefloor hits. Dress code: disco chic.

> Dec 31, 11pm-late, RMB200 with one glass of champagne (except for table booking and dining guests). Mr & Mrs Bund, see event listing.

Cloud 9

The party doesn’t stop at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai. Ring in 2016 from the 87th floor of the Jin Mao Tower to infectious house and dazzling light shows in the newly relaunched Cloud 9 bar.

> Dec 31, midnight-late, RMB288. Cloud 9, 87/F, Grand Hyatt Shanghai, Jin Mao Tower (5047 8838)

TOPS

Ring in 2015 with a night to remember at TOPS. Celebrate with friends and loved ones to music, drinks and dancing with a spectacular view of the Bund. TOPS bartenders will be pouring drink specials all night long. This is an exclusive offer for guests who purchase New Years Eve packages from Oceans, Ming Yuan and Banyan Lounge.
> Dec. 31, 10pm-1am, RMB300. TOPS, see event listing.

1926 Shanghai

Jade on 36 Bar taps into Shanghai’s swinging past for this 1920s themed New Years Eve party. Groove to a live band (followed by a DJ) while taking in spectacular Bundside views.

> Dec 31, 5pm, RMBTBA. Jade on 36, see event listing.

Mid-range (RMB300-800)

Banyan Tree Lounge

It wouldn’t be a party with out a little pre-party, would it? Banyan Tree Lounge’s New Year’s Eve pre party cocktail event is sure to set you out on the right foot. Party your way into the New Year with a cocktail buffer and exclusive selection of hot, savory holiday drinks. Ticket price includes entry ticket to TOPS for their New Year’s Countdown party from 10pm-1 am.
> Dec. 31, 10-1am, RMB488. Banyan Tree Lounge, see event listing.

VUE Bar

Enjoy free-flow Perrier Jouët Champagne and breathtaking views of the city at VUE Bar. Special prizes from iPhone 6s to a business class round trip ticket to America will ensure a few lucky people will get 2016 started on the right foot. RMB488 presale packages available for anybody that dines at any Hyatt on the Bund restaurants.

> Dec 31, 8.30pm, RMB688-888. VUE Bar, see event listing.

Splurge (RMB800 and over)

Whisper

Sophisticated Japanese whiskey bar Whisper is offering the ultimate New Years celebration package right in the heart of the French Concession. Indulge in free flow champagne from 9pm-1am and a delicious selection of canapés from 9pm-10pm.
> Dec. 31, 6:30pm-late, RMB1,500 (early bird RMB1,300). Whisper, see event listing.

Disco Heaven II

MVP takes over the 91st floor of the Park Hyatt for a party above the clouds. Enjoy stunning views of the city with free flow drinks (until 4am), tapas, finger food, canapé, Veuve Clicquot champange and every spirit you can think about. Free entrance to M1NT after 1.30am. Table prices range from RMB12,000 to 55,000.

> Dec 31, 8pm-late, RMB888-1,288 (plus 15 percent). 100 Century Avenue, see event listing.

Patio

Shanghai’s favorite 11-member party rockers Studio 188 take over the Grand Hyatt Shanghai to soundtack its extravagant New Years countdown. 8,000 ballones will drop from the 33-story atrium.

> Dec 31, 9pm-late, RMB1,488 plus 15 percent. Patio, see event listing.

Sir Elly’s

The Peninsula on the Bund favorite is hosting a ‘Paris of the Orient’ themed party, complete with free-flow premium drinks. Soak in gorgeous views of the Huangpu while grooving to the tunes of the lounge’s resident DJs.

> Dec 31, 9.30pm-late, RMB988 (with free-flow premium drinks). Sir Elly’s.


> We will be updating our New Year's Eve guides next week. If you have an event that we've missed, add it to our Events section through our User Center. It's free, it's easy and it's the best way to get your events on one of our guides.

more news

10 Years of Gorgeous Chinese Zodiac Animal Prints from IdleBeats

The print is on sale now for RMB400 at the duo’s WeChat store, while you can also pick up their other prints depicting animals of the Zodiac.

Kode9 Talks 15 Years of Hyperdub and Wu Tang Clan Influences

We talked with Kode9 about his first sets in China, his interest in the country’s culture and his latest obsessions.

This American Reporter Drove a Taxi in China for Years, Here's His Story

There are many ways to see China. Frank Langfitt chose the lesser trodden route: he drove a taxi.

Michael Learns to Rock on Their China Fanbase and 25 Years as a Band

The Danish pop-rockers land in Shanghai this weekend.

Thomas Bray of Yeti Out on Two Years of China Parties

On the eve of their second China-versary parties, Yeti founder Thomas Bray chats the party planner's future and what he does on his downtime.

Peanut Butter Wolf on 20 Years of Stones Throw

The DJ and producer looks at the past, present and future of iconic California label, Stones Throw.

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at Thats_Shanghai for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shanghai With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Shanghai!

Visit the archives