UPDATE on coronavirus in Wuhan/Hubei Province (February 2020): Due to the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), countries and health agencies across the world have advised that people should avoid travel to Wuhan and the province of Hubei.
Being the capital of the Hubei province, the megalopolis of Wuhan offers varied and colourful entertainment. For those looking for a fun night out, Wuhan’s bar scene provides interesting alternatives for locals and visitors. Here are the best spots to enjoy a night out in Wuhan.
Soho is the place to see and be seen. This is where the Chinese business crowds gather and where visitors can experience the city’s luxurious side while enjoying a fancy cocktail. Clearly an upscale bar and nightclub, it gets packed during the weekends, so be prepared to stand. Loud music, serious socialising and a mixture of Chinese and visitors make Soho bar one of Wuhan’s favourite bars.
Located in a Russian heritage building in the historic Hankou District, this elegant French wine bar and lounge merges East with West. Chloé Bar À Vins’ focus is wines from Bordeaux and other international wines, as well as a selection of popular cocktails and a small French and Spanish tapas menu. The stylish decor with wine bottles covering the walls creates an intimate and sophisticated ambience to enjoy a glass of red in style. The staff speak English, French and Chinese.
This popular bar and nightclub comprises of a night club on the first floor and an elegant wine bar on the second floor. A ‘proper’ nightclub, Return 97 is a hot spot for weekly parties and regular guest music performances, and it attracts big groups of young people who dance the night away.
The most popular underground music and gig hot spot in town, Vox Jiu Ba is the heart of the alternative scene in Wuhan. During the last few years, Vox has transformed Wuhan’s music scene and today it hosts rock bands from all over China who perform live almost every night. If you want a great vibe, lively atmosphere and a mixed crowd of Chinese and expats, Vox Livehouse is the place to be.
This tiny dive bar around the corner from Vox was opened by local punk/metal musicians and it was intended as an ’after’ hangout for Vox musicians and bands. Wuhan Prison makes expats feel at home, with an alternative vibe, a good selection of lager and well made cocktails. Occasional live gigs, great atmosphere and friendly staff make Wuhan Prison a must-visit spot while in Wuhan.
A great find in Wuhan, Toucan Irish Bar is a cozy and friendly bar to enjoy Irish-style pub food with a pint of good old Guinness. Here you can also find familiar pub features such as a pool table, table soccer, and big screens where you can watch football games. One of the closest bars to a Western pub that you can find in Wuhan.
Offering a great selection of Belgian and German bottled and draft beers, Brussels Beer Garden is a popular spot for expats missing home, and for locals who like its European pub feel. This cozy and quaint bar-bistro-cafe is a laid back option to enjoy a few pints and get some good bar food in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for groups and for socialising.
Located by the Wuhan lake, the Atomium is the best place to have real Belgian beers while enjoying a spectacular lakefront setting. A sister bar to Brussels Beer Garden, it offers the same quality selection of pub food and beers at good prices. Almost all major sports events are shown live on its numerous screens, so it’s the perfect destination for game night.
Blue Sky Cafe is an all round bar, cafe, restaurant and nightclub that is popular with visitors as it regularly hosts themed parties that attract the expat community. During the weekends it also becomes a popular live music venue. Blue Sky cafe has two floors, one with a laid back lounge atmosphere perfect for social groups, and the other is a nightclub with a dance floor and a DJ booth.
Better known as ‘York Bar’, this well known beer joint sits in the middle of a busy street in Hankou. A quirky chill out spot, it features an outside bar with plenty of tables, perfect for laid back summer nights. York Bar hosts regularly hosts live music events. Its eccentric owner ‘Sugar Daddy’ is an interesting local character worth talking to; he loves chatting to foreigners. A gallery of African masks and other antiquities can be found within York Bar’s premises.