Shanghai's Local Music Scene: Music Venues
China’s hippest city hits a musical high note with plenty of local scenes to procure your fix for live music. With local and international bands playing at numerous venues across Shanghai, the only decision you need to make is where you want to spend your hard earned kuai and how strong you want your cocktail.
Yuyintang
This standing room only venue has been long been the heart of the Shanghai music scene. Started by musicians who just wanted a place to listen to music, Yuyintang delivers a consistent line up of acts from blues and jazz to metal and indie. With bands hailing from around the globe, Yuyintang can be considered something of a musical embassy for those just looking for good quality tunes. Their latest location in Changning district offers up cheap beers, three to six acts a week and a relaxing outdoor patio that backs up on to a park where expats and locals mingle. Starting in October, Yuyintang is opening their doors to local singers and songwriters who are ready for an audience at their Monday open mic night.
851 Kaixuan Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu. Tel: 5237 8662, 139 1685 4531. Web: www.yuyintang.org
MAO Livehouse
Arguably one of the best places in Shanghai to listen to live music, many big names from international, national and local acts rock out in this perennial favourite every weekend and on the occasional weeknight. With music blasting through a top of the line sound system, the cool kids of Shanghai can groove to every genre of music from pop, rock and electronic to full on raves. After the Red Town location closed this past January, MAO came back bigger and better, dividing the venue up into three spaces: the main stage, Xiao Mao and an upstairs balcony. The new renovations have not only made this one of Shanghai’s liveliest concert venues, but the biggest, with the capacity to hold over 1,000 music fans. Times and cover charges vary, so it’s best to refer to MAO’s website.
308 Chongqing Nan Lu, near Jianguo Zhong Lu. Tel: 6445 0086. Web: www.maolive.com
