Night life in Shanghai? Nick commented:

I have been using your site for awhile and you have some of the best info on the city there is. All you lack is a nightlife guide.

I see two forms of night life expat night life and Chinese night life. The difference being the places cater to expats so staff speaks English etc. The Chinese night life you definitely need a Chinese friend with you. On my last trip in April my Chinese friends showed me their side and I showed them mine so Shanghai has much to offer especially if you have a Chinese friend. This was probably the most fun I had had ever!

It is a very interesting comment. From what I see, there are three types of night lifes in Shanghai:

• western
  
• modern
  
• traditional

Western night style starts with bars and parties and full of expats. (Am I right here?)

Traditional style is for traditional older Shanghai people, who almost barely have any nightlife. Most them don't go out. A short distance walk on the street will be good enough for the old and the poor.

Modern Night Life

This is the style most local young people choose. Here are a list of activities I can think of.

Over Time Working

Well. If you ask anyone in my circle (25-30 in age, good income, good education) about what do they do at night, most of them will say "Working" or Jia Ban (overtime working). It is true.

Restaurant

Restaurant is the No. 1 choice if night life starts at around 6:00 PM. Eating is everyone's favorite. There are many good restaurants in Shanghai with varied food style.

Cinema

There are some very nice cinemas in Shanghai. I would recommend:

• Kodak Super Cinema, Metro City, Xujiahui
  
• Shanghai Film and Art Center, Xinhua Rd
  
• UME Cinema, in Xin Tian Di

Karaoke

It is not easy to find a country where its people like Karaoke better than China. Whenever we gather and ask where to go, the most possible choice that everyone agrees is Karaoke. Maybe singing is just part of the attraction - it offers a big comfortable room where friends can gather and enjoy snacks, drinks and ice creams.

Tea House

Tea house was traditional Chinese social place before it almost distinct in the last decade. However, it becomes more and more popular again. Inviting some friends and spend the whole night at tea house is very relaxing. Once we talked at a tea house till 2:00 AM in the morning. These tea houses open all night.

Drama

Drama is also a good place to go. The only place I know to serve good drama frequently is the Drama Center at Anfu Rd.

Shopping

For girls, shopping are the top choice. Major shopping centers are:

Xujiahui
Huai Hai Rd.
Nanjing Rd. (well, no. Nanjing Rd. attracts visitors better than Shanghai residents. Local people won't go to Nanjing Rd. as night life)

Gyms

Many people will go gym after work. Gyms are built near office buildings. For example, Physical opens in Metro City and Alexander opens in Xintiandi.