Shanghai Modern Culture Rooftop Bars with Style
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- Source:The Silk Road Echo
If you're chasing skyline views, craft cocktails, and that unmistakable Shanghai vibe, then baby, you’re in the right city. Shanghai doesn’t just touch the sky — it owns it. From sleek Pudong towers to retro-chic Bund hideouts, rooftop bars here blend modern culture, jaw-dropping design, and liquid artistry into one unforgettable nightlife scene.

Forget your average pub crawl. In Shanghai, the party starts at 300 meters above ground. Whether you're a jet-lagged traveler, a digital nomad, or a local in search of sparkle, these rooftop gems deliver style with substance.
Top 5 Rooftop Bars That Define Shanghai’s Skyline Scene
Let’s cut through the noise. These aren’t just bars — they’re cultural landmarks wrapped in glass, steel, and killer playlists.
| Bar Name | Location | Floor | Average Drink Price (RMB) | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar | Ritz-Carlton, Pudong | 58 | 120 | Luxury meets edge — think DJs, fire pits, and skyline fireworks |
| PUX Bar | Andaz Xintiandi | 35 | 95 | Artistic, laid-back chic with indoor-outdoor flow |
| Bar Rouge | Bund 18 | 7 | 100 | Legendary club-bar hybrid with red neon drama |
| UV | Found 158 | B1 (basement, but iconic) | 110 | Underground cool — not a view, but a vibe |
| Sky Bridge 270 | Le Royal Méridien | 56 | 130 | Panoramic 270° views — perfect for golden hour |
Why These Spots Are More Than Just Pretty Views
Shanghai’s rooftop culture isn’t just about sipping mojitos with a view (though yes, that’s part of it). These spaces reflect the city’s soul — a fusion of East-meets-West, tradition clashing with futurism, and an unapologetic love for luxury.
Take Flair, perched in the glittering Rosewood tower. It’s not just high — it’s *iconic*. Open-air terraces, bold lighting, and mixologists who treat cocktails like chemistry experiments. Their ‘Smoked Old Fashioned’? A performance piece served under glass domes.
Then there’s PUX, where design whispers rather than shouts. Nestled above Xintiandi’s cobblestone lanes, it blends industrial textures with botanical greenery. Order the ‘Shanghai Mule’ — house ginger beer, baijiu infusion, lime — and feel the city’s pulse sync with yours.
Tips to Master the Shanghai Rooftop Game
- Dress to impress: Most upscale spots enforce smart casual. Leave the flip-flops at the hotel.
- Reserve early: Prime sunset slots book up fast, especially on weekends.
- Timing is everything: Arrive by 6:30 PM to catch twilight — when the sky turns gold and the city lights flicker on.
- Check cover charges: Some places, like Bar Rouge, may have entry fees during events (RMB 200+).
And pro tip: skip taxis at peak hours. Use Didi or the metro — Shanghai’s underground is faster than any cab dodging Nanjing Road traffic.
The Final Pour
Shanghai’s rooftop bars aren’t just drinking spots — they’re elevated experiences, both literally and culturally. They capture the city’s ambition, creativity, and relentless energy. So whether you're toasting on the 58th floor or vibing in a hidden basement lounge, you’re not just seeing Shanghai — you’re feeling it.
Raise your glass. The city’s shining back.