ICON
What: The biggest LGBT dance venue in
Shanghai (if not Asia)
Where: ICON. Gate 7, inside Shanghai Stadium,
Lingling Lu, near Xietu Lu
Why: To see some of the best (topless) dancers
in the city
Since the closing of Angel’s club space on Wulumuqi Lu back in 2011, the LGBT event organising company took their parties on the road, however, they have finally found a home at the Shanghai Stadium.
The massive venue that they have selected is spread across two floors with the upper floor wrapping around the club’s outside walls and peering down onto the expansive dance floor, illuminated by flashing laser lights. On this raised level, you will find the VIP section and tables reminiscent of a Chinese-style nightclub. In contrast, on the lower level, it is definitely not a “tables” kind of club. On the dance floor, you dance; and boy does it get busy later on in the night. This club is completely inclusive for people of all races, ages, sexes and sexual orientations. No one is made to feel out of place. The vibe is one of love, happiness and disco, with everyone enjoying the night for what it is – a good old knees up.
Drink prices are on the extremely cheap side for a Shanghai nightspot with standard singles starting from RMB 36. There are also more expensive spirits and bottle service on offer. In total, there are four bars at the venue including two large bars on either side of the dance floor, meaning that it doesn’t take long to get service. It also helps that there is entertainment in the form of gogo dancing men while you wait.
Although ICON is an LGBT club, the crowd is predominantly male. At 12am and 1am each evening, there is an absolutely astounding performance by seminude, professional male dancers. As soon as the stage lights go up, there is a massive surge forwards from the dance floor as everybody clambers over for a look.
The routine is made all the more exciting by the music and lights show provided by the colourful lasers and pounding music extending out into the audience. We are told that there is also occasionally a drag queen act, although, unfortunately we missed it on our visit.
Angel has been flying in world-class DJs since the opening of the club and we hope to see international talent continue to preform in the coming months. The club is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm until late. The club is currently only open on Fridays and Saturdays with no cover charge on a Friday and a RMB 50 cover charge on a Saturday (which includes one drink). We will raise a glass to more LGBT spaces like ICON opening up in Shanghai in the future. Cheers.
