
Dada
Small basement club in the French Concession with bookings spanning techno, house, hip-hop, and experimental music. Sweaty, dark, and authentic. Cover 30-80 CNY. Located at 115 Xingfu Road, the venue is within easy reach of other Former French Concession nightlife spots.
What to Expect
A proper club experience with a dance floor that fills from midnight onward. The sound system carries the music through the room, and the lighting shifts with the energy. The first hour is typically sparse; patience pays off as the crowd builds.
Energetic and dance-focused. The volume goes up as the night progresses, and conversations happen between songs rather than during them.
Techno, house, and electronic
Smart casual to dark clubwear
Groups looking for a proper night out dancing in Shanghai.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are the default. Some venues accept international cards. Cash (CNY) works but mobile payment is preferred. International visitors should set up WeChat Pay or carry cash.
Price Range
Cover CNY 50-200, beer CNY 30-60, cocktails CNY 60-120
Cover ~$7-28, beer ~$4-8.40, cocktails ~$8.40-17
Hours
Thu-Sat 23:00-04:00, some events on Wed
Insider Tip
Arrive before midnight to avoid the queue that builds on weekends. Check the event schedule online before going. The lineup determines the crowd and atmosphere. Buy tickets in advance for big events to save on door prices.
Full Review
The entrance at 115 Xingfu Road opens into a space that makes its intentions clear from the first step. The room is designed for movement: a dance floor anchors the center, the DJ booth commands attention from its raised position, and the bar runs along one wall with enough staff to keep drinks flowing during peak hours. The lighting rig shifts through the night, starting subtle and building to full production as the crowd arrives. The sound system fills the room without distorting, which puts it ahead of many venues its size.
The crowd on a typical weekend night reflects the Former French Concession neighborhood's character. You'll see locals who come regularly, visitors who found the place through recommendations, and the occasional group discovering it for the first time. Service at the bar moves at a pace that depends on the night; weekday evenings mean personal attention and conversation, while Saturday nights test the staff's efficiency. Drink quality is consistent, which matters more than people realize when comparing venues in this area.
Compared to other options in Former French Concession, Dada holds its ground. The booking quality varies by night, so checking the schedule before committing is worth the effort. On a strong night, the atmosphere reaches a level that competing venues struggle to match. On quieter nights, the room can feel underfilled and the energy takes time to build. The cover charge is fair for the area, and drink prices sit in the expected range for a club of this caliber.
Practical considerations: arrive before midnight on weekends to avoid the worst of the queue. The venue reaches capacity between 01:00 and 02:00, and late arrivals may face a wait or a door policy that favors groups with women. Restrooms are maintained to a standard consistent with the venue's overall quality. The neighborhood around Former French Concession offers food options for late-night hunger and transport options for getting home.
The Neighborhood
Dada is located at 115 Xingfu Road, within the Former French Concession nightlife zone. The surrounding streets offer other nightlife options within walking distance, making it easy to combine with nearby venues for a longer evening. Late-night food options are available in the neighborhood, ranging from local street food to sit-down restaurants depending on the hour.
Getting There
The venue is at 115 Xingfu Road. Metro runs until 22:30-23:00. After that, use Didi (ride-hailing app). Taxis are abundant but harder to hail late at night.
Address
115 Xingfu Road
Other Venues in Former French Concession

Speak Low
Internationally acclaimed speakeasy hidden behind a fake cocktail supply shop. Four floors, each with a different character and drink menu. Regularly appears on Asia's 50 Best Bars. Cocktails from 90 CNY.

The Apartment
A French Concession institution occupying a converted apartment above a busy intersection. Balcony seating overlooking the streets, eclectic decor, and a loyal following among long-term Shanghai residents. Beer from 40 CNY.

JZ Club
Shanghai's premier jazz venue hosting local and international acts. Intimate setting with excellent acoustics. The city's serious jazz audience gathers here regularly. Cover 50-150 CNY depending on the act.

Perry's
Dive bar and late-night staple on Yongfu Road. Cheap drinks, a pool table, and a crowd that shows up after everywhere else closes. Beer from 25 CNY. Open until 6 AM on weekends.

el Coctel
Spanish-themed cocktail bar with a cozy interior and creative drink menu. Less sceney than Speak Low but equally serious about its cocktails. Popular with cocktail enthusiasts. Drinks from 70 CNY.