Curated, Opinionated Shanghai Living

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- Explosions In The Sky Celebrating Their 20th Anniversary In Shanghai In Early May
  
  Post-rock instrumental band out of Texas, Explosions in the Sky are no strangers to Shanghai: they played Strawberry Festival in 2014, but this will be their first headlining act in China. They're an intense live act: three electric guitars and a drum kit, churning out walls of sound, narrative noise symphonies. They've been on soundtracks! Oh, what soundtracks. Everything from "The Kite Runner" and "Deepwater Horizon" to "The Power Rangers" and Ted Cruz's campaign, though they weren't stoked about that. Over the last two decades, they've put out six studio albums — sorry, "cathartic mini-symphonies" — and as part of their 20th anniversary, they're playing Shanghai's Bandai Namco Dream Hall on May 9 and Beijing on May 10. Tickets for the Shanghai show right here.
- Shanghai Recruiting "Nightlife CEO" To Promote Nightlife Growth Because We Didn't Do It Right
  
  We had our chance, guys! We had like ten years, and we blew it! We were supposed to build a wholesome, vibrant nightlife economy that would promote economic growth, without which Shanghai cannot achieve its aim of becoming an international shopping destination, but instead we just got drunk on the street and pissed off the neighbors. So now, according to Shine, the government's recruiting a hall monitor to do it properly, with the enviable job title of "Nightlife CEO." Read on
- The Libertine's Carl Barat Is Playing At Modern Sky, Probably Needs A Break From Pete
  
  Carl Barat is back in Shanghai for a night at Modern Sky Lab on April 30. Carl Ashley Raphael Barat, born 1978, has been in at least three bands, but he's best-known for co-fronting The Libertines with Peter Doherty. They got along super well and everything was totally fine, so it came as a complete surprise when they broke up in 2004. About 6 years later, Carl debuted his self-titled solo album, which he described as "the first album I've done that is kind of introspective rather than escapist." Translation: less rock guitars, more strings. Even though The Libertines got back together in 2015 and now live in a recording studio slash hotel, he's still performing solo, presumably as a break from Pete's new boat. He came to China for the first time in 2018, and now he's back for another multi-city tour. We'll see what he's got in store. Tickets are 320rmb presale over on SmartTicket.
- Holy Weekend: 47 Places For Easter Brunch (and More)
  
  Looking for an appropriate way to celebrate the oldest and most important festival of the Christian Church this weekend? Need all that religion to come with free-flow booze? And hidden, colored eggs? Then here are 47 places doing Easter Brunch or some type of Easter dining activity to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb. All that resurrection makes you hungry. If you're of the more devout stripe, then maybe try on our Easter Services page to see where the real party is this weekend. Happy Easter!
- FIELDS Delivery Out of Business, Ends Service Today
  
  Sudden news from the virtual grocery aisle: FIELDS Delivery has gone out of business, according to an announcement on their website. The short, five paragraph note says they are ceasing business operations due to "consideration for the overall development strategy and business layout of the Sun Art Retail Group." They cease operations today (April 19), according to the note.
- Ay, Yo! Maybelline Brings New Yawk City to Shanghai at Art Museum Pop Up
  
  Are you a makeup fanatic? A selfie master? A homesick New Yorker? No? That’s fine. Read on if you're just into punching stuff. Maybelline, the huge makeup brand, is now curating an immersive and interactive New York City exhibition in Shanghai Ming Contemporary Art Museum. It's an ad for Maybelline. But it’s also super fun, instagram-worthy and FREE. Read on
- Avengers: Endgame Breaks Presale Record; Hello Beijing, Capharnaüm, Pokémon Detective Pikachu and More in the Cinema
  
  The China movie world has been in the doldrums. DC's superhero comedy Shazam!, Tim Burton's Dumbo reboot and artsy thriller The Shadow Play from Lou Ye were all okay but not so well-received by wider audiences. Indian comedy thriller Andhadhun had a decent run but no English subtitles. Meanwhile, Bohemian Rhapsody is holding strong in theaters. Fortunately, things are about to change: Tuesday (April 23), the premiere screenings of the 3-hour long Avengers: Endgame will hit China at midnight. Though some cinemas in downtown were charging up to 400rmb, the movie sold over 1 million tickets in the first six hours after going on sale last Friday. Part of the Avengers team as well as the Russo Brothers and Kevin Feige are also coming to Shanghai for a free fan ceremony on April 18. Unfortunately, registration isn't open for foreign passport holders but they will livestream the ceremony on over 30 video platforms (Tencent, bilibili, Youku). If you haven't bought tickets yet, you are smart. Tickets for April 24 and onwards are available now and prices are back to normal. Read on
- Drink The Place Dry Sooner: Zhangyuan's Closing Bash Moved To This Friday
  
  The short end of the stick got shorter. We mentioned last week that Tomatito, Logan's Punch and el Ocho were putting together a farewell boozer next week before the whole place is for the chop. Turns out that's been rescheduled to this Friday instead. It will no doubt be handled with all the dignity and restraint that the occasion deserves.
- Famous Fashion Designer Spends Four Days in Shanghai, Can't Find Chinese Food
  
  Breaking story from Newsweek, bastion of investigative fact-driven journalism, this week: Nicole Miller Goes on a Sisyphean Search for Dim Sum in Shanghai. The legendary fashion designer made it her mission to find dim sum in China's largest city. She was unsuccessful. This delightful little gem of reportage captures Miller's four days in our beautiful city wherein she was unable to find dim sum for lunch, and instead subsisted on a diet of chicken nuggets, quesadillas, chicken wings and mozzarella sticks. Oh, and she had a divine ham-and-cheese sandwich at Baker & Spice. Research? What's that. Cash? Never heard of it. Consulting Shanghai's best English language website for a cursory search? Why would we. So, Nicole — honey — let us make a few suggestions for next time. Lei Garden in IAPM is excellent; even Fuchsia Dunlop thinks so. Imperial Treasure at Rockbund also very good. Royal China is steadfast. Shen Yue Xuan has been going for ages. The Waldorf has a nice one. But, you know, Nicole, those are all hard to find and difficult local places. So I called around, did a little research, and found a lovely little place called Jade, which offers "authentic Cantonese dim sum" at both lunch and dinner. Guess where it is? In your hotel. Welcome! Me me da!
  
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- Three-Day Beer Bender "Beernanza" Is On This May, Get Yer Tickets Now
  
  Attention, portly bearded guys: Organizers Bevex are hosting "Shanghai's largest beer festival" Beernanza for the sixth year running this May and tickets are on sale now. As ever, it's taking place in the gardens of the Okura Garden Hotel. If you haven't been before, humans of all shapes and sizes show up to drink their weight in delicious amber liquid and celebrate the fermenting of hops and the selling of the juice to the public. Details after the jump. Read on
- A$AP Rocky Concert Goes Pear-Shaped, Ticket Refunds Start on Monday
  
  Were you at the A$AP Rocky Warehouse Party on Friday night? Then you already know. It didn't happen. Things got a little hectic. Apparently an audience member got injured (broken bone?) in the crush and the police called the whole thing off. Or that's the story from promoters S.T.D., who posted on Weibo at 2.43am. But don't worry: You will be getting a FULL REFUND from SmartTicket for the cost of your ticket, starting on Monday, April 15. We'll be in touch with each and every one of you; SmartTicket has your back. The refund process will begin as soon as we get back into the office on Monday morning. In the meantime, here's a whole bunch of others things to do this weekend.
  
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- [Game Over]: Places Screening Game Of Thrones Season 8
  
  Gather round, weary travelers. Seven seasons have come and gone! Seven years of intrigue, mutilation, murder, incest, dark magic, dragons, incest and flaccid penii. A veritable windchime of meat slinkies! It's finally time. Season 8 is here. So many threads remain unresolved. Will Daenerys take the Iron Throne? Will Jamie? Will the Night King steamroll Westeros? Will Jon Snow (re)Build. That. Wall? Will Cleganbowl happen? Will the showrunners fix what they did to Tyrion? Resolution awaits at these reputable taverns around Shanghai. Read on
- Ain't No Party Like an Intern Party: Cafe de Stags in 158 Turns Two
  
  While it seems obvious now, in 2017 no one knew if the pit on Julu Lu could be rehabilitated and become an F&B destination. What about all the bad juju down there from previous incarnations? The location, between the highway and a one-way street? Among others, Le Cafe des Stagiaires took the gamble and they're celebrating their success with a two-year anniversary party this Saturday, April 13. That makes eight years in China for the Cafe of the Interns. The party starts with brunch at noon followed by a vinyl session at 3pm followed by a lot of messiness and Chouffe drinking. 9,998 more years, interns, 9,998 more beers...
- Becoming the Iceman in Suzhou: Trying the Wim Hof Method
  
  Last Sunday, while Shanghai was experiencing the hottest early April in 1873 years, I took an ice bath for the first time. Buckets of ice cubes floated in the tub. Seconds after I stepped in, I thought my feet would fall off. I stormed out — as quickly as one could while in the water — and decided it was too much for me. Read on
- Drink the Place Dry: Tomatito, Logan's Punch and el Ocho Plan Farewell Boozer
  
  Urban development is bad for your liver. Case in point: Zhangyuan 99 is being "redeveloped" into something else (who knows), and so they are kicking out the current tenants. Those current tenants have responded by throwing a three-venue boozer that will be a big, smiley, middle finger to the landlord, in the guise of "reducing inventory to help them move." What does that mean? Drink to excess for 350rmb at Tomatito, Logan's Punch and el Ocho (where cocktails are usually over the 100rmb mark each) for one night only. It's all happening on Saturday April 27. Put it in your books — and erase Sunday from your life.
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Come Correct

The Come Correct Crew hosts the OG weekly hip hop and urban music night every Wednesday. Come Correct has been running since 2011 and has been a platform for many of the ...

Nightlife | Dada

Lucca Open Mic

Qmmunity and Open Doors host an open mic where all forms of inclusive art are welcome. First time performers and story tellers are strongly encouraged. Sponsored by HUNT ...

Nightlife | Lucca

Role Models Not Runway Models: Disr...

Carrie Hammer is a fashion designer, entrepreneur, creative consultant and global speaker. Carrie has been credited with kickstarting the "Body Positive" movement in the ...

Community | WeWork (China Overseas)
Claptone DJ Set

Bar Rouge Shanghai welcomes masked DJ/Producer Claptone (#57 in DJ Mag Top 100 DJs) bringing signature House beats shrouded in his trademark halo of intrigue and mystery....

Nightlife | Bar Rouge

RnV presents Spectrum

This multi genre party checks in at Dada to tickle your senses with the kick, snare, bass. They invite all lifeforms from all corners of the galaxy to shake it on the dan...

Nightlife | Dada

Screening: A Plastic Ocean

Heart-wrenching, touching and inspiring documentary A Plastic Ocean screens at un Caffe Bar. Movie starts at 7pm. Free entrance.

Community | un Caffe Bar
Fxxk Taboos | SVAKOM Party

SVAKOM is a high-end sex toy brand from the U.S. They've held parties all over the world, inspiring people to get creative in their sexual lives. This, their 7th SVAKOM p...

Community, Nightlife | UP Shanghai

The China International Adult Toys ...

Better known as the Sex Expo, this is where the country's makers of dildos, vibrators, blow-up dolls, lubes and off-the-wall pleasure inventions show off their wares, to ...

Community, Wellbeing | Convention & Exhibition Center of Intl. Sourcing

Strawberry Festival

China's biggest indie label Modern Sky throws one of Shanghai's biggest music festivals. Headliners include Hebe Tien, Tizzy T & Young Jack, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, ...

Arts | Rugby Football Club
The Descendents

Punk icons The Descendents land in Shanghai get all punk and pop-punk up in your face. Big big show. With Round Eye and The Flood.

Nightlife | Yuyintang Park

Strawberry Festival

China's biggest indie label Modern Sky throws one of Shanghai's biggest music festivals. Headliners include Hebe Tien, Tizzy T & Young Jack, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, ...

Arts | Rugby Football Club

JZ Spring

JZ Spring 2019 is an annual event brought to you by JZ Music, organizers of the largest jazz festival in China. This year the whole festival will last five days. Over a h...

Arts, Community | Jing'an Park
The Challenging Souls: Yves Klein, ...

A unique exhibition showcasing avant-garde artists Yves Klein, Lee Ufan and Ding Yi. Coming from different cultural backgrounds of the west and east, these three artists ...

Arts | Power Station of Art

Strawberry Festival

China's biggest indie label Modern Sky throws one of Shanghai's biggest music festivals. Headliners include Hebe Tien, Tizzy T & Young Jack, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, ...

Arts | Rugby Football Club

JZ Spring

JZ Spring 2019 is an annual event brought to you by JZ Music, organizers of the largest jazz festival in China. This year the whole festival will last five days. Over a h...

Arts, Community | Jing'an Park

ALL EVENTS

GALLERIES

- April 19, 2019
  
  Terrace Opening Weekend
  
  @ Bar Rouge
- April 14, 2019
  
  Jing'an Craft & Farmers Market
  
  @ Zeitgeist
- April 12, 2019
  
  Dj J.Espinosa
  
  @ Bar Rouge
- April 18, 2019
  
  MVP Highest Cabaret
  
  @ Park Hyatt Shanghai
- April 13, 2019
  
  2nd Year Anniversary
  
  @ Le Cafe des Stagiaires (Found 158)
- March 22, 2019
  
  WISS DP Art Exhibition
  
  @ Western International School of Shanghai
- November 23, 2018
  
  Wellington Winter Christmas Bazaar
  
  @ Wellington College International Shanghai
- October 22, 2018
  
  Summer Camp
  
  @ Freesoul Montessori Kindergarten
- October 22, 2018
  
  Montessori Time
  
  @ Freesoul Montessori Kindergarten
- October 22, 2018
  
  Charity
  
  @ Freesoul Montessori Kindergarten

SMARTREVIEWS

23 Apr 2019

Lost in a Dream

anitaeatsshanghai on Dream Brewers

Known as one of Shanghai’s top breweries this popular spot also offers an ambitious fusion dinner menu. Located in the Julu complex, Dream Brewers occupies 2 floors, formal dining (Level 3) and a rooftop bar (Level 4).

... Read more
23 Apr 2019

Authentic osteria vibes but weedy pasta

suzyd_ on Casa Mia

“It’s a classic osteria”, my Italian friend said. The waiter had just talked us through our options for the evening. There’s no menu at Casa Mia; a limited selection is verbally offered. This would be logical if the dishes changed regularly, but my friend has o... Read more
23 Apr 2019

Crowded, raucous Sichuan skewers

MichaelRussam on Miss Fu In Chengdu (Zhongshan Park)

Miss Fu in Chengdu is a Sichuan joint specializing in chuan chuan - small, usually spicy skewers delivered your table in a bowl of potent chili oil. Great drinking food, especially if you’re into heat.

The place always seems to have a big queue. Like, at least an hour or... Read more