If you're looking to spice up your time in Shanghai, you're in for an exciting experience. As China’s most cosmopolitan city, Shanghai has a discreet yet thriving gay scene. While cruising is less overt due to cultural and legal sensitivities, there are still well-known venues, parks, and saunas where gay men meet up. Here's your detailed guide to the city’s gay cruising hotspots—complete with names, addresses, and tips.
Public ParksPeople’s Park (人民公园) – Located at 231 Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai. After dark, particularly around the restroom areas and garden paths behind the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, this park becomes a quiet meeting point. The area behind the tall hedges offers some privacy, but always be cautious and discreet.
Fuxing Park (复兴公园) – Fuxing Middle Road, Huangpu District. Known for its French-style layout, this park is busy during the day but sees cruising activity in the wooded southern corner near the dance areas after 9 PM.
Public RestroomsSome restrooms around Lu Xun Park (2288 Sichuan North Road, Hongkou District) are known for discreet encounters, especially near the eastern lake path. While public restrooms can be risky, these have been noted online as occasional meeting spots late in the evening.
Gay Bars & ClubsHappiness 42 – 5/F, 42 Taixing Road, near Nanjing West Road. A stylish gay bar that draws a younger crowd, with dim lighting and cozy areas that make it a good start to meet locals or travelers. While not a cruising bar per se, it's a known meet-up spot before moving elsewhere.
Lollipop Bar – 849 Huaihai Middle Road, Luwan District. This popular club caters to the LGBTQ+ community and hosts themed events. Some nights feature dark areas or VIP rooms that encourage more intimate socializing.
Private Lounges and SaunasHunter Sauna – 1408 West Beijing Road, Jing’an District, near Wuning Road. Arguably Shanghai’s most well-known gay sauna, this place has private rooms, dark zones, showers, and a maze-like layout. Most active during weekends. Entry is around ¥80 (~$11 USD).
While Shanghai doesn’t have as openly visible a cruising scene as some Western cities, it still offers plenty of opportunity for those who know where to look. From elegant saunas and secretive parks to bustling bars and malls, there’s something here for every taste. Just remember: discretion and respect are key. Be safe, and enjoy what Shanghai has to offer!
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