In Xintiandi, a night out can unfold with effortless ease. Within a compact stretch, these six distinctive bars present a refined spectrum of experiences, from elegant wines and crafted cocktails to deep, complex whiskies and crisp craft beers. The setting invites you to drift from one stop to the next at your own pace, where each turn carries a touch of magic and the promise of new discoveries.

Penfolds Cellar No 8

As you walk in from busy Jinan Road, you leave the city noise behind and enter a quiet space dedicated to wine: Penfolds Cellar No 8. The red-and-black interior blends with traditional shikumen elements to create a refined setting. The selection covers major wine regions around the world, from approachable bottles to collector-level labels. The space feels like a curated gallery, where each bottle invites discovery and can be savored at leisure, with moments of bliss unfolding in every glass.

The experience goes beyond drinking. The venue also offers a scent experience with notes of grapefruit, pear, rose, and violet. Guests can mix and match these aromas to create a personal scent memory, extending the experience from taste to smell.

Address: No 8 Jinan Road

Business hours: 9:30 am to 10 pm

MIM Shanghai

MIM Shanghai combines Chinese philosophy with Western cocktail-making. Its drinks draw inspiration from the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (two interrelated systems used in the traditional Chinese calendar to record years, months, days, and hours) and the Chinese Five Elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.

Music plays an important role here. The owner is a dedicated electronic music fan, and the playlist comes from his personal collection. With selected tracks and well-made drinks, the space brings together sound, taste, and visual atmosphere in seamless harmony.

Address: Room 101-2, 1F, No 9 Jinan Road

Business hours: 10 am to 2 am

Moon Shiner

Tucked away in a lane off Danshui Road, Moon Shiner offers a quiet and focused setting. Warm lighting and wooden interiors create a calm environment, especially suited for whisky and gin.

Opened in 2016, the bar is known for its selection of independently bottled whiskies. These are often produced in limited quantities and differ from standard bottlings. The owner compares them to custom-made clothing, with each bottle showing its own character.

Rare finds appear regularly, including limited-edition Japanese gin such as anniversary releases from Ki No Bi.

Address: No 234 Danshui Road

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 5 pm to midnight; Saturday to Sunday, 3 pm to midnight

Much Beer

Since opening in 2016, Much Beer has remained a reliable stop for craft beer. The menu changes weekly, so each visit brings something new.

Two options stand out. The strawberry sour ale is a good starting point, with fresh fruit flavors and a smooth, gentle acidity. It carries no pronounced bitterness and is easy to drink. A hop-forward lager introduces greater complexity, with layered citrus and herbal notes balanced by a clean malt base and a light, refreshing finish.

Address: No 200 Danshui Road

Business hours: 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm

The Refinery

The Refinery features an industrial-style interior with a spacious layout, making it suitable for small groups. Outdoor seating is a highlight, offering open views of Xintiandi at night.

The bar serves a selection of draft beers that pair perfectly with the warmer weather. A summer pilsner provides a crisp and clean taste, while Guinness features a thick, creamy head and roasted malt flavors. A Paulaner wheat beer is full-bodied with fruity notes, and a lighter English-style wheat beer offers a lower alcohol option with a soft, balanced profile.

Address: No 11 Alley 181, Taicang Road

Business hours: 11 am to 2 am

Tomatito

Opened in 2014, Tomatito brings a relaxed Spanish atmosphere to Xintiandi. The music is casual, the space is lively, and the mood is easygoing.

Its beers are brewed with pure malt and have a clean, straightforward taste. A recommended option is Estrella Damm, a Spanish lager with a light body and a clean malt profile that makes it easy to enjoy over several rounds.

For those who prefer not to imbibe, the non-alcoholic sangria makes an excellent choice. Fruit-forward and lightly sweet, it is well-suited to warm evenings.

Address: Room 08-10, 3F, No 168 Hubin Road

Business hours: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm

Sources: WeChat account of Huangpu district and the bars mentioned above