Over the last 18 months or so, there has been a veritable bloom of ‘new’ bars, pubs and clubs in Shenzhen. These new nightlife spots suit a wide spectrum of tastes and budgets, from Chinese-owned lavish clubs to dives popular with expats. No longer is Shekou the only main destination for expats looking for a bit of debauchery; the recent bloom has assured there is now good quality bars and pubs spread across a broad swathe of the city. Here are a few of the more interesting places that have opened their doors since 2010.

1) Q ClubView In Map
There might not be much going on here in terms of top quality Western-style service, but Q Club tries to make up for it with sheer bombast. Opened towards the end of last year, this establishment features cozy outdoor seating, private booths for high rollers to entertain their clients and a resident foreign DJ. Look out for the outdoor stage that is occasionally graced by young starlets whose dancing seems more forced than spontaneous! Despite this potentially off-putting spectacle (depending upon your views about this type of ‘entertainment’), Q Club has a lively atmosphere at the weekends, and is the perfect place to unwind with a reasonably priced ice-cold Tiger after work.  

Add: Shop 138, Coco Park North (Behind Fuhua Lu), Futian District, Shenzhen
地址: 深圳市福田区民田路138号购物公园酒吧街(近福华三路)
Tel: 0755 2531 3566
Opening hours: Daily, 17:00-Late

2) Lili MarleenView In Map
Some readers might think it a little obtuse to include Lili Marleen in an article about the best new bars in Shenzhen, but no self-respecting local has the right to call themselves a hardened Shenzhener until they have spent an hour or two in this outrageous establishment. Not only is the sumptuous décor a mish-mash of fin de siècle, structuralism and seemingly some broken tractors nailed to the wall, the security staff all wear full military uniforms, including helmets and soft rubber truncheons. The drinks here aren’t particularly cheap, but it is worth going as part of a crazy night out to witness hundreds of people - many of them from Hong Kong cutting themselves loose from the pretentiousness of the likes of Lang Kwai Fong – having a lovely time in what is arguably the most famous nightclub in Shenzhen.

Add: Corner of Mingtian Lu, Fuhua Lu, Coco Park, Futian District, Shenzhen
地址: 深圳市福田区福华路（COCO PARK 对面)
Tel: 0755 8295 0548
Opening hours: Daily, 17:00-Late

3) The TavernView In Map
This is one of the newest pubs in Shekou, and yet it already promises to be incredibly popular with the local expat community. Conveniently situated above an Indian restaurant in Seaworld, it has all the usual features you would expect from a British-style pub, including a brand new pool table and a huge projector screen to watch sport. Under the management of local character Gavin ‘Bruce’ MacKenzie, The Tavern specialises in broadcasting all the big games from back home, including this year’s highly anticipated rugby world cup. In terms of drinks, they serve Carlsberg at a reasonable 30 RMB a pint, as well as plenty of imported bottled and draught beers like Murphys and Strongbow, not to mention spirits. The Tavern is a relaxing place to start your night out before heading off to the noisier bars around Shekou.

Add: 3rd Floor, Shop 116 (above Bombay Indian Restaurant), Seaworld, Taizi Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
地址: 深圳市南山区蛇口太子路海上世界
Tel: 0755 2602 4936
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, 17:00-01:00; Fri 17:00-03:00; Sat 13:00-03:00; Sun 13:00-01:00

4) Coyotes Mexican CantinaView In Map
Boasting two locations in Shenzhen, the first opened in Shekou in July 2010 followed by a smaller establishment in Futian in December 2010, Coyotes Mexican Cantina has become well known not only for its authentic food, but also as a chilled-out destination for meeting friends for a few drinks on a Sunday afternoon. Both locations have ample rustic outdoor seating and a bar area where you can enjoy imported Mexican beers. However, the main attraction at the Cantina is undoubtedly the large frozen margaritas. You can choose from a dangerous range of flavours including strawberry, mango and blackcurrant, but my firm favourite is the simply toe-curlingly sour original lime. It’s a refreshing experience. At 50 RMB a glass, these cocktails aren’t the cheapest you might find, but you definitely get your moneys’ worth as they are of a consistent high quality.

Add: Shop 150, Fuhua Lu, near Mingtian Lu, Coco Park, Futian District, Shenzhen
地址: 深圳市福田区福华路城建购物公园150号地铺
Tel: 0755 8295 3332
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00-00:00
Web: www.tequilacoyotes.com
See website for information on other branches in Shenzhen

5) Bert’s BarView In Map
And finally we come to Bert’s Bar. Depending on how you look at it, Bert’s is either a shop with a few seats or a tiny bar that looks like a shop. Whichever way you slice it; there is no denying that this is probably the cheapest place in town to get a drink. Owned and operated by a charming couple who escaped the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong 15 years ago, Bert’s Bar always seems to be busy with a range of expats who are secure in the knowledge that a large Tsingtao won’t cost them much more than 6 RMB. There is a small seating area outside that looks onto the street-life of Old Shekou, and it’s here that you will find some of the most ill-informed political and philosophical debates anywhere in Shenzhen at 1 AM on a Saturday morning. However, the place does have a certain rugged charm, and their chili dogs are absolutely fantastic. Whatever Bert’s Bar lacks in size and décor is certainly made up for by the friendliness of the owners and patrons alike. 

Add: Shop 112, Haichang Lu, Shekou, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
地址: 深圳市南山区蛇口海昌路112号
Opening hours: Daily, 17:00-Late

So get out there and enjoy the great variety of bars, pubs and clubs Shenzhen has to offer. 

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