Event Dates
From: Saturday, May 31, 2025
To: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Dragon Boat Festival 2025
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Jie (端午节), is a vibrant and culturally rich festival with its roots steeped in ancient China.
Shanghai Dragon Boat Festival 2025
Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Jie (端午节), is a vibrant and culturally rich festival with its roots steeped in ancient China.
- Stay at The Langham, Xintiandi, located near all the action and is known for its LGBTQ+-friendly service.
History
- Next Edition – Friday May 31st, 2025.
- Shanghai’s Dragon Boat festival commemorates the life and death of the famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River to protest against corrupt rulers.
- It’s said that locals raced out in their boats to save him or at least retrieve his body. They threw rice into the water to prevent fish from eating his remains, which is said to have originated the tradition of dragon boat racing and eating zongzi.
- Note – Many of the city’s gay bars and clubs will host special parties in the weekend leading up to the main event.
The Highlight
- The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the dragon boat races. Boats are traditionally made of teak wood and are ornately carved and painted to resemble dragons. Crews of paddlers power these swift boats in time to the beat of drums.
Where to Watch
- Suzhou Creek: A popular spot in Shanghai for dragon boat racing.
- Century Park: Hosts races and also offers a more tranquil environment for spectators.
- Dianshan Lake: Located in Qingpu District, it’s a bit farther but offers a grand scale for races.
Tips for Spectators
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat as June can be quite warm.
- Stay hydrated and carry water with you.
Shanghai’s Gay District: Huangpu
Dive into the heart of Shanghai’s vibrant gay scene in the Huangpu District. Stroll along the bustling streets and find a plethora of bars, clubs, and cafes catering to the LGBTQ+ community.
Nightlife Havens
- Lucca (390 Shanghai) Nestled on Panyu Road, this iconic spot is a must-visit for its electric atmosphere and theme nights.
- Rice Bar A cozy and intimate space on Fahuazhen Road, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed evening with great conversation.
- Happiness 42 An upbeat bar in Xuhui District, known for its fabulous cocktails and friendly crowd.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
- Zhongshan Park Area Explore the boutiques and shops in this area, where you can find anything from fashion to quirky souvenirs.
Where to stay in Shanghai?
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Twelve at Hengshan by the luxury
collection is our preferred place to stay
Official Website
For further information on the
Dragon Boat Festival visit Facebook
Gay Map of Shanghai
The gay scene in Shanghai changes quickly, and there is no particular ‘gay district’. A few well-established gay venues can be found in the Old French Concession area – Shanghai’s richest and most vibrant neighborhoods.
The French Concession is west of the historic Old City and Bund areas, and south of the dynamic Jingan neighborhood. Most are along blocks either on or near the neighborhood’s main east-west drag, Huaihai Zhong Lu.
99 Madang Rd, Huangpu Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200021
As the gateway to Xintiandi, the lifestyle and entertainment hub of Shanghai, The , Shanghai, Xintiandi is ideally located adjacent to the retail utopia of Huaihai Road, surrounded by various trendy clubs, glamorous international restaurants and designer boutiques. Boasting Chuan Spa, an indoor pool and gourmet cuisine across several stylish restaurants,
Modern rooms feature dark wood interiors and over-sized windows overlooking the city. Other comforts include a tea/coffee maker and a spacious bathroom with twin vanities and a bathtub.
480 West Jianguo Road , Xuhui, 200031 Shanghai, China
The villas are furnished with a private courtyard, a parlor and an entertainment room equipped with branded sound system and a 55-inch flat screen television. Bedrooms are adorned in soothing colors of pale green and dark wood, with a writing desk, walk-in closet and customised furniture. The spacious marble-clad bathrooms comes with separate bath and standing shower facilities offering premium amenities, a rooftop terrace and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Equatorial Hotel, West Yan'an Road, 静安寺街道, Jing'an District, Shanghai, 2000085, China
Offering classic wood furnishings, air-conditioned rooms at Equatorial Shanghai come with a kettle and satellite TV. They have a safe and a spacious bathroom equipped with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can have fun at the on-site pool or relax at the spa centre after a day of activity. The 24-hour front desk can help with luggage storage.
46 Anting Road., Xuhui, 200031 Shanghai, China
The elegant rooms at Villa Anting feature modern European decor and most have views of the beautiful landscape gardens. A cable/satellite TV, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities are also featured. Guests can work out at the fitness centre or enjoy a game of billiards. The hotel also provides karaoke rooms and free parking. A business centre and laundry services are available.
38 Cao Xi Bei Lu, Xu Jia Hui, Xuhui Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200233
This apartment includes 3 bedrooms, a living room and a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 1 bathroom with a bidet and a washing machine. Private parking is available on site.
No. 300, Pingwu Community, Xingfu Road, Changning, 200052 Shanghai,
This apartment includes 2 bedrooms, a living room and a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a washing machine. free WiFi, air conditioning, a garden and a terrace.
Heng Shan Lu, Xuhui Qu, Shanghai Shi, China
Apartments at Ascott Heng Shan Shanghai feature air conditioning, a balcony and a minibar. Complete with a microwave, the dining area also has an oven and a refrigerator. bathroom with shower & bath and a hairdryer
No.4 Building, Lane 1252, Xuhui District, Xuhui, 200031 Shanghai, China
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is provided. A bar and a garden
Xuhui Wulumuqi South Road 1, Shanghai China
This is one of the biggest gay dance clubs in Shanghai and is packed at the weekends with hot guys dancing till dawn.
42 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu, Changning District
Small gay bar with a dance floor popular at weekends
2/F, 532 Fahuazhen Lu, near Dingxi Lu, Changning District
Popular lounge bar relaxed and laid-back with friendly bar staff, the sort of place you can have a chat over a drink
390 Panyu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu Changning District
Popular gay bar on 2 floors with a dancefloor and pole dancing, regular Drag shows, and lots of shirtless muscle boys
390 Panyu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu Changning District
Asia Blue is the city’s oldest gay bar in Shanghai and still a good place to stop in for a drink
Nanyang Road 86, Shanghai, China, 200000
Popular gay bar, friendly staff, tucked away in a residential area
open 8pm to 2am
No. 6, Lane 1950 Huaihai Zhong Lu
Casual neighbourhood gay bar with lounge seating serving good cocktails
Recommended Hotels in Shanghai By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Shanghai that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The Langham
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-Star, Adjacent to Huaihai Road, Indoor Pool
- Close to the gay district
- Over-sized windows
- Ideally located near retail and dining, offers luxurious spa, pool, and gourmet cuisine
Capella Shanghai
5 Star, Great Value
- 5-Star, Private Courtyard, Entertainment Room
- A short walk to the gay bars
- 55-inch flat screen Tv
- Features villas with private courtyards, soothing decor, perfect for a serene and upscale stay
Hotel Equatorial
5 Star, Location
- 5-Star, Wood Furnishings, Spa Centre
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Satellite TV, spacious bathroom
- Offers classic rooms with modern amenities, pool, spa, ideal for relaxation and convenience
Anting Villa Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-Star, European Decor, Landscape Gardens
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Cable TV, landscape garden views
- Elegant rooms with modern decor, fitness center, billiards, perfect for a comfortable and engaging stay
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