Shanghai Nightlife: Traditional Chinese Medicine Cocktails

Discovering Shanghai’s nightlife can feel like wandering through a lively canvas of old-world charm and modern sophistication. This tour offers a rare peek into the city’s mystical side, combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with creative cocktails in atmospheric settings. It’s not your typical night out, but one that promises memorable encounters and cultural insights.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you get to enjoy two expertly crafted, TCM-inspired cocktails tailored to your body’s unique pulse reading. Second, the journey takes you into two atmospheric bars that artfully blend ancient Chinese traditions with contemporary mixology. Third, it’s a flexible, personalized experience, allowing you to linger in favorite spots or explore more hidden streets—perfect for those who love spontaneous adventures.

One consideration is that this tour is quite intimate and relaxed, so if you’re after high-energy clubbing or a quick drink, it might not meet those expectations. It’s best suited for curious travelers interested in authentic culture, wellness, and the artistry of drinks. Whether you’re a solo explorer, part of a couple, or a small group of friends, this tour offers a thoughtful way to experience Shanghai after dark.

Key Points

• Unique concept combining traditional Chinese medicine with cocktails
• Personalized experience with pulse readings and custom drinks
• Two atmospheric bars blending ancient culture with modern design
• Flexible itinerary allowing for extended stays or exploration
• Knowledgeable guides who explain cultural symbols and stories
• Included drinks add value and a relaxed vibe

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Experience

This tour offers a peek into Shanghai’s lesser-known nightlife—one that’s rooted in centuries-old wellness practices but served with a contemporary twist. We loved the way it combines health and culture in a social setting, giving you a taste of traditional Chinese medicine that’s both educational and fun.

The experience begins in the charming Former French Concession neighborhood, known for its tree-lined streets and historic charm. The guide is welcoming and well-informed, quick to share cultural tidbits and make the atmosphere relaxed. The highlight? Visiting two bars that each have their own character—one herbal and mystical, the other playful and fate-driven. The tour’s charm lies in its personalized approach, making you feel like you’re hanging out with friends rather than on a rigid scheduled outing.

However, it’s worth noting that the focus is on quality and authenticity, so if you’re expecting wild nightlife or loud music, this might not be your scene. Instead, it’s ideal for those curious about Chinese culture, wellness, and inventive drinks combined with a relaxed evening walk through Shanghai’s atmospheric streets.

What You’ll Love About This Tour

Authentic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Elements
The pulse reading by a real TCM doctor is a standout feature. It’s surprisingly accurate and provides a genuine connection to ancient Chinese wellness practices. The custom cocktails infused with medicinal herbs, floral infusions, or warming spices are thoughtfully crafted based on your body’s constitution, making each drink personal and meaningful.

Two Distinctive Bars
Each bar has its own vibe—one is herbal and mystical, immersing you in traditional Chinese medicinal culture, while the other is more playful, drawing on Chinese symbols of luck and destiny. The guides help interpret the menus and cultural symbols, enriching your understanding of local spiritual subcultures.

Interactive and Flexible
Unlike a standard bar crawl, this experience feels like a night out with friends. You can choose to stay longer at a particular spot or walk through atmospheric streets, soaking in Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife at your own pace. The tour adapts to your vibe, making it a tailored cultural experience.

Expert Guides
Guides are knowledgeable, translating menus and cultural symbols, and sharing engaging stories about Shanghai’s spiritual traditions. Their insights help demystify the symbols on the fortune slips or tarot cards, making the experience both fun and educational.

Inclusive Drinks and Bonus Material
All drinks are included, which adds value and ensures a relaxed pace. After the tour, you receive a digital guidebook packed with recommendations for other hidden bars and cultural notes, encouraging you to continue exploring independently.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Meet in the Former French Concession (around 7 PM)

You’ll gather at Shaanxinanlu, Exit 2, where your guide will be recognizable by a pink bag. This neighborhood is perfect for setting a relaxed, intimate tone. The guide kicks off with a brief chat to understand your vibe—whether curious, playful, or spiritual—so the experience can be tailored accordingly.

More Great Tours Nearby

Traditional Chinese Medicine Bar

The first stop is a herbal, TCM-themed bar. It’s dimly lit, herbal-scented, and designed to evoke a sense of wellness. Here, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor takes your pulse—an authentic touch that roots the experience in real Chinese practice. Based on your reading, they craft a cocktail infused with medicinal herbs, floral notes, or warming spices. This drink isn’t just a beverage; it’s a wellness tool, meant to balance your energies and give you a taste of ancient Chinese health philosophies.

Chinese Divination Bar

Next, you walk into a hidden lane and arrive at a bar dedicated to Chinese divination traditions. You draw a fortune slip or tarot card, which guides the cocktail you receive. These drinks are themed around luck, destiny, or the Five Elements, adding a playful, mystical dimension to your night. The guides are there to help translate cultural symbols and explain their significance, enriching your understanding of local spiritual beliefs.

Flexibility and Exploration

Afterward, the night is yours to extend the experience. You can linger at the divination bar, hop into additional hidden spots, or stroll through atmospheric streets. The guide shares suggestions for other bars or cultural sites, making this a truly personalized adventure.

Practical Details and Value

Duration and Timing
The tour lasts around four hours, starting at approximately 7 PM, making it a perfect evening activity. The flexible schedule means you can enjoy the experience at your own pace, whether you want to stay longer in one spot or explore more.

Group Size and Guide
It’s a private tour, ensuring personalized attention. Guides are fluent in English, making explanations clear and engaging. Guests consistently note the guides’ knowledge and friendly tone as a highlight.

Cost and Included Drinks
While the exact price isn’t specified here, the package includes two cocktails—one personalized from your pulse reading and one based on your divination. This offers good value considering the quality, authenticity, and cultural insight provided.

Accessibility and Location
Meeting in the bustling and picturesque Former French Concession makes for a scenic start. The streets are easily walkable, and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it suitable for various mobility levels.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

This experience isn’t just about cocktails; it’s an immersive cultural journey. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions, wrapped in a fun, social package. The guided explanations about symbols and practices make this accessible even for those unfamiliar with Chinese culture, yet intriguing enough for seasoned travelers.

The personalized nature of the experience, coupled with knowledgeable guides, ensures you gain authentic insights into Shanghai’s spiritual and cultural tapestry. The inclusion of custom drinks based on your pulse and fortune readings makes each participant’s experience unique and memorable.

For travelers keen on exploring Shanghai beyond the typical sights—delving into local mysticism and wellness—this tour offers a warm, engaging, and educational evening. It’s ideal for those who appreciate craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and a relaxed pace.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare blend of tradition and creativity in Shanghai’s nightlife scene. By combining authentic Chinese medicine practices with inventive cocktails and engaging cultural explanations, it provides a genuinely enriching experience. The flexibility and personalized touches make it ideal for curious travelers who want to connect with local traditions in an intimate setting.

While it might not satisfy those seeking high-energy clubbing or a quick drink, it’s perfect for explorers interested in wellness, culture, and storytelling. The guides’ expertise helps you understand the deeper significance behind each element, turning a simple night out into a meaningful journey.

Overall, it’s a well-balanced, authentic, and enjoyable way to experience Shanghai’s spiritual side after dark—one that’s worth considering if you’re looking for a memorable, culturally immersive outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The tour includes two cocktails—one tailored to your pulse reading and one based on your divination. Drinks are part of the experience, ensuring a relaxed, no-surprise outing.

Is the tour suitable for non-Chinese speakers?
Yes, guides speak English and are skilled at translating cultural symbols and menu explanations, making the experience accessible and engaging.

What should I wear for this tour?
Casual, comfortable clothes are fine, as you’ll be walking through streets and visiting cozy bars. No special attire is required.

Can I extend the tour or visit additional bars?
Absolutely. The experience is designed to be flexible, so you can stay longer at places you enjoy or walk around the atmospheric streets afterward.

Are the cocktails strong?
While the drinks are crafted with medicinal and herbal infusions, they’re generally mixed for flavor and experience rather than strength. Guides can advise if you prefer lighter or stronger options.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Definitely. It’s designed as a personal and intimate experience, making it ideal for solo explorers wanting a meaningful cultural night out.

What makes this experience different from other nightlife tours in Shanghai?
This tour uniquely combines traditional Chinese medicine, spiritual symbols, and modern mixology in a relaxed, authentic setting—offering a deeper cultural connection than typical bar crawls.

This experience offers an enriching, authentic slice of Shanghai’s spiritual and social life, perfect for those curious about Chinese traditions or simply seeking a memorable night with a twist. Whether you’re interested in wellness, culture, or just innovative cocktails, it’s a thoughtfully curated journey worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: