Curated, Opinionated Shanghai Living

News, updates, everything we've got...
- Standard Nerds Club: The Hipster, By-Appointment Ping Pong Club in Downtown
  
  There are many ping pong halls in Shanghai but none like Standard Nerds Club. Hidden in a residential compound on Yanqing Lu, marked by only a small sign and a painted ping pong paddle as the doorbell, it’s a two-table club for fun, not training. The quote on the table in the middle of the yard sums it up: “Taking a break is the best revolution.” Read on
- Metro Lines Now Running Later on Friday and Saturday Nights
  
  Here’s some good news for the late-night commuters: Shanghai metro has extended some of its services on weekends: Lines 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13 are running about an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays, starting last weekend. It’s not just for the holiday; this is a permanent change. Take Line 10 for example. On Friday and Saturday, the last service from Nanjing Dong Lu Station towards Xin Jiangwan Cheng runs at 00:24, instead of its regular time at 23:04. Enough time for a third round of shots! See the full timetables here (in Chinese only).
- Shanghai Issuing Temporary China Driving License for Foreigners
  
  You can’t get behind the wheel in China without a Chinese driver’s license. Period. An International Driving Permit or other foreign driver’s licenses are not recognized here. But earlier this month, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security announced a set of pilot policies that aimed at simplifying the procedure of getting temporary driver’s permits for foreign nationals. Starting from September 20, you can apply for a temporary driver’s permit (for cars only) without physical examinations/medical reports. All you need is your passport and your foreign driving license with a notarized Chinese translation. Read on
  
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- Michelin Survives Another Year With 2020 Awards, Still Irrelevant
  
  By now, you’ve probably already heard the news, bashed out by rows of media with laptops at the press conference: Michelin has manufactured more stars. The news was that Stefan Stiller’s Tai’an Table upgraded its celestial real estate to two stars. Even bigger was that Yilong Court lost a star, and so did T’ang Court, which has gone from three to two to one in four years. Bigger still was that the list leaked minutes before the press conference started, sucking the drama out of the whole self-interested exercise. But the biggest news, except to a handful of chefs and restaurant owners? Michelin is still irrelevant. Read on
  
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- Shanghai Gets A Second Perch Courtesy Of The Rooster
  
  Seems like September is avian themed. First we had Perch, and now we have a brand spanking new bar on Wuding Lu, called, ehm. Perch. Permanent Perch (not Pop-Up Perch) is from, among others, some people behind beloved Shaanxi Bei Lu sidewalk piss-up slash R-rated scooter wash Rooster. Unlike Rooster, it's more wine and cocktails, wicker chairs, terrace space, you get the idea. They're in soft opening now, with an oyster deal for the rest of the weekend. Cheep cheep, Shanghai!
- We Are Hiring: Open Call For Full-Time Editors and Freelance Photographers
  
  Like the universe, SmartShanghai is ever expanding. (Also, black, mysterious and gaseous.) So! We have positions coming open for two native English speakers to join our Editorial team — and will consider an international move for one of the positions! — and a couple slots open for freelance photographers who are masters of event photography. Hit the jump to join our team! Read on
- Looking For A Job? These People Can Help You Find One
  
  You're out there in Jobland, tired with your current job or taking a break between jobs, and wondering how to break into a new field or climb the ladder in your current industry. Blindly sending CVs doesn't work. You've got to meet people in person. You're in luck, because there's a bunch of Job Fairs coming up in Shanghai that might be the first step you're looking for. Hit the jump to get hired! Read on
- 5 More Places To Get Ice Cream Before Summer Ends
  
  It'll hit you before you know it. One second you're an abstract painting rendered in t-shirt fabric and sweat, the next you're buying extra large shoes to accommodate that third pair of socks. But! Before that happens, here are a handful of places to get ice cream, to supplement our previous coverage. Good ice cream, even. Mostly. Kedi doesn't feature. Let's pack on some winter weight! Read on
- Fast Track Security Service Tested out at Three of Shanghai’s Metro Stations
  
  One step closer to convenience. Fed up with the crowded security lines at rush hour? The ordeal might soon be over for Shanghai metro riders. Fast-track security lanes are being piloted at Line 7 Shanghai University station, Line 2 Nanjing Xi Lu station and Line 2 Jing’an Temple station, according to local media. To apply for an access to the service, scan the barcode provided at the checkpoints via apps like Alipay or Union Pay and fill in the form with your personal info (name, phone number, Chinese ID number — no passports yet) to get authenticated. An invite will be sent to your phone within 48 hours and with that you’re all set to beat the queue at these stations. Keep in mind that those time-saving lanes are not completely security-check-free — there are still spot checks. And those with large suitcases will still have to go through the standard security control. But in the world of the Metro, it's progress.
- Nanjing Dong Lu Pedestrian Street Extending All The Way To The Bund
  
  Shine reports that in January 2020, Shanghai's most beloved tourist meatgrinder, the Nanjing Dong Lu Pedestrian Street, will be extended eastwards. Stage one, commencing on January 2020, sees the pedestrian zone extend to Sichuan Zhong Lu, then to the Bund. Reportedly "top global designers" will be brought in to add "new landscape attractions," plus more of the usual: flagships operating at breath-taking losses, refurbished historical buildings and so, so much shopping. Shanghai New World will reopen at the end of 2019 after a nine-month renovation, where they've erected "China's first oceanarium in a shopping mall, the world's tallest indoor rock-climbing facility, [and] an upgraded skating rink." Most importantly, that hellish stretch of road between Henan Lu and the Bund will no longer be a death trap where people are forced off the pavement into traffic by the crush of humanity. Bundwards, we go!
- Birthday Bars: 6 Places, People and/or Promotions Celebrating Their Survival This Weekend
  
  Bunch of birthdays suddenly crashed into our events inbox. So they go in a round-up! Maybe if they'd emailed us more stories involving goats, they would've gotten a stand-alone wire. All right, you numerous and belligerent children, gather around, let's see who made it this far. Revolucion is turning three and hosting what sounds like a cross between a Heath Ledger fever dream and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Shake is turning three years old for six nights in a row, with a full gospel choir. The Rooster is turning four with an all-night happy hour. Read on
- Dada Turns 10, Owner Spills Beans On 10 Crazy Nights
  
  The people's club, Dada, turns 10 this weekend with a big old party. Of course they do. It's what they've been doing for a decade. But, surprisingly, owner Michael Ohlsson still has a shred of his memory left which he delicately extracted, taped onto a piece of paper and mailed to the SmartShanghai office. Presenting, Ohlsson's 10 Crazy Dada Memories From 10 Crazy Years of Dada! Read on
  
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- Pudong Int'l Airport Upping Its Game, Adding New, Huge Satellite Terminal
  
  Holy Moly! As if it wasn't big enough, Pudong International Airport is unveiling a sparkling new satellite terminal next week. At 620,000sqm, it's reportedly the world’s largest satellite terminal building, with 90 boarding gates and 83 jet bridges. The H-shaped facility is set to become fully operational on Monday September 16, after nearly four years in development. But will it do anything for flight delays? Read on
- Get Paid to Eat and Write: Open Call for Second Class of SmSh SmartReviewers
  
  Want to eat out, write about it and get paid for your opinion? Want to be one of a just a handful of reviewers in this city to post reviews of venues on SmartShanghai? Then listen up. SmartShanghai is looking for TEN new SmartReviewers to join our team of dining/writing ninjas. That's right: our first class of SmartReviewers has graduated after a year of intensive eating, and we are looking for a new freshman class, to start in November 2019! How does it all work? Read on
- Four Places To Be Appreciated As A Teacher Today
  
  Teachers! You're out there, prepping the kids to take over the world. Assuming there's anything left for them. Teacher's appreciation day (that's today!) might involve glitter cards and lumpy amateur pottery during school hours, but after work, it takes the form of food and booze. Here're four places to go. Neon-powered roller rink RIINK is waiving the fee on skates for teachers who buy a drink at the bar. All teachers get their first beer free at Abbey Road after 4pm. Across the street, Tacolicious gives free chips and salsa with a frozen margarita for 60rmb. They're the only place to specify that you'll need to bring some teacher ID. Finally, teachers get a free 10oz Stone beer at Stone. Stay strong, friends.
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Monday Night Laughs

Comedians of all levels come together every Monday to try out new material and polish tried and tested bits. Join the audience for a free look into how the Stand Up Comed...

Nightlife | Real Shanghai Bar

Burger Mondays

Al’s Diner burger does Buy 1 Get 1 Free. Choice of The Big Al with two 120g Australian beef patties, American cheese, bacon for 98rmb, or One for Gracie with single Aus...

Dining | Al's Diner (Xinle Lu)

Date Night Plans?

Six Tacos and a jug of Margarita. All up 288rmb. Mondays from 6pm.

Dining | El Luchador (Yongkang Lu)
Mi Casa Es Su Casa

A big Latin party with salsa dance classes, live percussionist Thomas Dyani, and Latin music all night long. Mojitos are BOGO until 11pm too.

Nightlife | Revolucion Cocktail

How To Protect Your Brand In China

Event organized by Mexcham for all who are interested to know more about intelectual property in China and want to know how to protect your brand in China. 100rmb early b...

Community | WeWork (Yanping Lu)

Taco Tuesday

Satisfy your taco cravings with 28rmb for selected tacos, 25rmb Coronas and a special drink deal on Margaritas.

Dining | The Cannery
Unicorn Party

Are you a unicorn? Every Wednesday free selected cocktails for all ladies till midnight. This night deserves a special treatment transforming Revolucion into a magical my...

Nightlife | Revolucion Cocktail

Vegetarian Buffet

All you can eat Indian style vegetarian buffet for 99rmb.

Dining | Grill Republik

Speed Connector

BOSS LADY takes the awkwardness out of networking by hosting a facilitated networking event. Speed Connector Night involves having 6 minute one on one conversations with ...

Community | TRIBE
Unravel Storytelling: MAN UP

A monthly, curated live show where six storytellers share true personal narratives inspired by a given theme. This month's theme is MAN UP! Doors open 6.30pm, stories sta...

Community | SmSh Territory

Break The Wall presents Mihai Pol

Romanian producer Mihai Pol's music is full of groovy and uplifting elements, a "fresh" sound designed with a distinctive playfulness. 60rmb.

Nightlife | 44KW

LGBTQ+ Mixer

POP! throws an LGBTQ+ mixer at BrewBear. Free entry.

Community | Brew Bear (Donghu Lu)
Gregor Salto

Dutch DJ and producer Gregor Salto returns to Bar Rouge with his bag full of music from Latin House to cheerful explorations of Pop, Soul, African and World Beat, all wit...

Nightlife | Bar Rouge

China Social Club - Bounce House

China Social Club's Frau & PCJ are unlocking the door to Bounce House for a night of straight killer, no filler house, industrial, techno, club and acid. Free entry.

Nightlife | Dada

CHEERS! by Jerry Launch Party

To celebrate the launch of cocktail deals and review platform Cheers! by Jerry, seven bars will be offering exclusive Buy One, Get One free deals on cocktails to all user...

Nightlife | Atelier By Taste Buds

ALL EVENTS

GALLERIES

- September 7, 2019
  
  Dj Kryoman
  
  @ Bar Rouge
- September 7, 2019
  
  MVP Pervert & Sodoma
  
  @ M1NT
- September 7, 2019
  
  6th Air Guitar Champ.
  
  @ Inferno (United Valley)
- September 1, 2019
  
  Wolfbaby/Guz/Na$ty
  
  @ 83BANDS Club
- August 30, 2019
  
  Dj Pinko
  
  @ Bar Rouge
- May 30, 2019
  
  SCIS Events
  
  @ Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) Hongqiao Campus
- May 30, 2019
  
  SCIS Campus
  
  @ Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) Hongqiao Campus
- May 28, 2019
  
  BISS
  
  @ British International School Shanghai (Puxi)
- March 22, 2019
  
  WISS DP Art Exhibition
  
  @ Western International School of Shanghai
- November 23, 2018
  
  Wellington Winter Christmas Bazaar
  
  @ Wellington College International Shanghai

SMARTREVIEWS

23 Sep 2019

Early Bird Gets the Worm

tz209 on Early Bird (Jianguo Xi Lu)

I stumbled upon this cozy garden restaurant when strolling across Jianguo West Road and decided to give it a try. The space is not large, but there were enough seats around on an early weekday afternoon. There is also outside seating for when the weather is nice. We took a seat on the counter... Read more
21 Sep 2019

Cantonese Soul Food

tz209 on Four Seasons (Crystal Galleria)

Located on the 6th floor of the Crystal Galleria, this place doesn’t lack traffic during lunch time. Recommended by a Cantonese friend, our group of 3 came to this restaurant looking for a hearty meal, something along the lines of soul food. We were seated around a small round table, but t... Read more
20 Sep 2019

High Stakes RPS, a kissing contest, and Japanese style bbq, what’s not to like?

jeffo on Kanpai

When was the last time you played Rock, Paper, Scissors for something that mattered? When’s the last time you played for any stakes at all? If you can make it to Kanpai before 7 and order a draft beer, it’s your choice to challenge one of the waitstaff to RPS. Lose and you have to ch... Read more