If you’re busy working on your New Year’s resolutions (a.k.a. a list of overambitious goals that you’re just going to discard by March) put it away! New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate the year that’s passing instead of worrying about the one to come, so head out and join your fellow Shanghailanders for a snazzy end to 2009.
There are a lot of parties in the city catering to every taste and budget, from the glitzy and glamorous to more low-key, chilled celebrations - Shanghai isn’t letting oh-nine slip quietly away.
To help you decide where to ring in the New Year whatever your budget is, we’ve highlighted parties that won’t break the bank, and others that require a couple more red Maos for good times.
No matter where you end up - HAPPY NEW YEAR!
New Year’s Eve, under 200 RMB
Why not start 2010 in SIN? Entertaining the crowd is DJ Katsuya from Space Lab Yellow Tokyo and some sensual dance performances. Expect amazing indoor fireworks and confetti at midnight.
9 PM. SIN Club, 23/F, Want Want Bldg, 211 Shimen Yi Lu, near Weihai Lu (石门一路211号, 旺旺大厦23楼, 近威海路). 200 RMB, includes a glass of champagne.
If getting hot and sweaty with up to 5000 other Shanghai souls sounds like an exciting end to the year, head to 1933 for a rave party hosted by Arka-Shanghai. This huge venue makes for a large-scale event: there is a long line up of 16 DJs in 2 rooms keeping the music thumping way after the clock strikes 12.
9 PM. 1933 Shanghai, 10 Shajing Lu, near Jiulong Lu (沙泾路10号, 近九龙路). 150 RMB.
For a more relaxed, less heart-thumping New Year head to Cotton’s double party, where they’re celebrating their four-year anniversary and the advent of 2010 with a live band and some fireworks action in the garden.
9 PM. Cotton’s, 132 Anting Lu, near Jianguo Xi Lu (安亭路132号, 近建国西路).
Glamour Bar ends 2009 with a night of electro, pop, disco, rock, and 80s new wave spun by resident DJ Alessandro followed by Tokyo’s DJ Fujiko from 11 PM. What’s even sweeter - you can enjoy all this with no cover charge, and they’re serving complimentary Glam cocktails from 11 PM - 1 AM.
9 PM. Glamour Bar, 6/F, 5 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, The Bund, near Guangdong Lu (中山东一路5号6楼, 近广东路). FREE.
Another celebration on the Bund is La Boum, a New Year’s Eve final countdown at Mr & Mrs Bund with music from the 70s and 80s spun by DJ Clement Pony. It's buy-one-get-one-free on all Grey Goose cocktails, so we’re sure you’ll be downing more than a few including the free one you get with admission.
11:30 PM. Mr & Mrs Bund, 6/F, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, The Bund, near Nanjing Dong Lu (中山东一路18号6楼, 近南京东路). 100 RMB, including one Grey Goose cocktail.
New Year’s Eve, over 200 RMB
Here’s a way to combine food, drinks, New Year kisses and charity. It’s the grand opening of Mexican eatery Mi Tierra, and they’re celebrating with a New Year’s Eve party to benefit the BAOBEI Foundation, a charity that provides life-saving surgeries to Chinese orphans. There will be 4 hours of free flow margaritas, tequila shots and beer, with Mexican food served until 11 PM. Entertainment for the night is provided by a Latin live band and more. Head on over to eat, drink, swing at the pinata, and ring in the New Year in aid of a good cause.
8 PM. Mi Tierra, 17 Yongjia Lu, near Maoming Lu (永嘉路17号，近茂名路). 298 RMB, call 5237-5525 to RSVP.
If you’re looking for a record-breaking location, head to the Music Room in the Park Hyatt, which has the honor of being the highest bar in the world. Their glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration has live music from New York R&B artist Carlton J. Smith and JazzAmar, a free flow of Perriet Jouet champagne, and a dessert extravaganza. Talk about starting 2010 on a high note.
8 PM. Park Hyatt Shanghai, 92/F, Shanghai World Financial Center, 100 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, near Yincheng Lu (上海环球金融中心, 世纪大道100号92楼, 近银城路). 788 RMB pre-sale ticket (until December 30), 888 RMB at the door. Contact 3855-1325 for enquiries.
