Best Bars in Chongqing for Foreign Travelers: A Local’s Honest Guide
- DolphinUnion
- Sep 28
- 6 min read
Why Most Bar Guides in Chongqing Are Wrong
Most travel blogs say “go to the riverside for a chill vibe” or “try a rooftop bar with skyline views.” But here’s the thing: if you want real Chongqing nightlife, skip the scenic spots.
Last year, a Canadian friend followed a popular blog and went to Haitang Bay Riverside (Haitang Yanyu Gongyuan Binjiang Langdao). He paid ¥188 for a “premium cocktail” and sat alone for two hours. No good music, No crowd, Only Night view. Just a quiet bench and overpriced drinks. “I thought it was a bar,” he said. “It felt like a park with a bar sign.”
Trust me — as a born-and-raised Chongqing local who’s helped over 500 foreign visitors — the real party is not by the river. It’s in two zones: Jiefangbei’s Deyi World (Deyi Shijie) and Jiulongpo’s Jiumojiu Street (Jiumojiu Jie) in Jiangbei.
This guide will show you exactly which bars are worth your time, based on music, vibe, price, and real local experience. No fake reviews. No tourist traps. Just honest tips — so you can enjoy Chongqing’s nightlife like a local.
Best Bar Areas in Chongqing for Foreign Visitors
1. Jiumojiu Street（九街）, Jiangbei: The Heart of Chongqing’s Nightlife （Chongqing nightlife guide for foreign travelers）
Jiumojiu Street (Jiumojiu Jie) is where locals go to dance, drink, and forget the week. It’s packed every night, especially weekends. The energy? Electric.
I’ve been here over 50 times. I know which clubs blast EDM, which bars have live hip-hop, and which ones overcharge tourists.
If you love loud music, big crowds, and dancing until 3 a.m., this is your spot. It’s easy to reach — just take Line 9 to Jiugongli Station (Jiugongli Zhan), Exit 3. Walk 5 minutes. You’ll hear the bass before you see the lights.
PLAY HOUSE (Jiumojiu Branch)
Address: 9th Floor, Niujiaotuo, Jiumojiu Street, Jiangbei District (Jiangbei Qu Jiumojiu Jie Niujiaotuo 9 Lou)
Style: Cyberpunk-themed club with a giant UFO light show
Music: EDM, Top 40, international DJs
Avg. Spend: ¥300 for a drink table (no seat reservation needed)
I went here last Saturday. The bass shook my phone in my pocket. The “UFO” ceiling lit up in red and blue, syncing with the beat. Foreigners? Lots. Friendly staff speak basic English.
One tip: don’t buy drink packages from pushy staff. I saw a Brazilian couple pay ¥1,888 for a “VIP package” — they drank only 3 bottles. The rest? “Stored” — useless for short trips.
Verdict: Great for first-timers. Loud, flashy, fun. Go before 10:30 p.m. to avoid long lines.
SPACE CLUB
Address: B1, 9th Floor, Jiumojiu Street, Jiangbei District (Jiangbei Qu Jiumojiu Jie 9 Lou B1)Style: Asia’s top-tier club with world-class sound system
Music: EDM, techno, global DJs (ranked #53 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs)
Avg. Spend: ¥200–500 for a booth (minimum spend)
This is not a casual bar. This is a serious club. I brought a UK friend here. He said the sound quality was “better than Berlin.”
But warning: booths cost big money. If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, skip the booth. Just stand near the bar and order drinks (¥80–120 per beer).
The crowd? Mostly young Chinese professionals and party crews. Foreigners are welcome but not common.
Verdict: Best for EDM lovers.
Only go on weekends — weekdays are dead.
ESMI Official CQ
Address: Luyuchi 42 Art Park, Jiangbei District (Jiangbei Qu Luyuchi 42 Hao Yishu Gongyuan)Style: Underground club for global DJ events
Music: House, techno, deep house
Avg. Spend: ¥150–300 (entry + 1 drink)
This spot is cool but hidden. It’s in an art park, not on the main street. I’ve seen DJs like Solomun play here.
My Australian friend came for a “100 Top DJ” night. He said the vibe was “intimate, like a secret party.”
No big light shows. Just good music, dark rooms, and serious dancers.
Verdict: Skip if you want glamour.
Perfect if you love underground beats.
2. Deyi World, Jiefangbei (解放碑得意世界): Music, Culture & Chill Vibes
Jiefangbei (Jiefangbei) is central. Tourists love it. But most don’t know Deyi World (Deyi Shijie) underground mall has the best live music bars.
It’s not as loud as Jiumojiu. But the music quality? Much better.
Take Line 2 or 6 to Jiefangbei Station (Jiefangbei Zhan). Go to Exit 9. Walk into the mall. Follow the sound.
Nuts LiveHouse（坚果） (Jianchangkou Branch)
Address: B1, Deyi Chaoguan, Jianchangkou, Yuzhong District (Yuzhong Qu Jianchangkou Deyi Chaoguan Di 1 Ceng)
Style: Indie music hub for young artists and fans
Music: Rock, indie, folk, live bands
Avg. Spend: ¥120–160 (entry + drinks)
I’ve seen 30+ shows here. Last month, a local band played a cover of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” — the whole room sang.
The space is small. Cozy. The crowd? Students, creatives, expats.
My French friend said: “This feels like Paris in the 90s.”
Verdict: Must-visit for live music lovers. Check their WeChat for event schedules.
Kong Ping Zi LIVE SHOW（空瓶子） (Jiumojiu Branch)
Address: No. 48 Beicheng Tianjie, Jiumojiu Street, Jiangbei District (Jiangbei Qu Beicheng Tianjie 48 Hao)
Style: Comfortable bar with stage and good acoustics
Music: Pop, rock, jazz, live singers
Avg. Spend: ¥100–150
This is my go-to for chill nights with friends. The stage is small, but the sound is clean.
I had a pint of local beer (¥45) and watched a female singer cover Adele. Amazing voice.
The staff are used to foreigners. They even have an English menu.
Verdict: Great for groups.
Not for dancing — perfect for listening.
Xingxing Dibao Bar（猩猩地堡酒吧） (Jiumojiu Branch)
Address: 2nd Floor, Jiumojiu Street, Jiangbei District (Jiangbei Qu Jiumojiu Jie 2 Lou)
Style: Hip-hop themed bar with graffiti walls
Music: Rap, trap, hip-hop
Avg. Spend: ¥124
This bar is packed with students. I brought a Brazilian friend. He said, “It’s like a block party in Rio.”
The DJ spins Wu-Tang Clan, Kendrick Lamar, and local Chongqing rappers.
Drinks are cheap. Vibe is loud. No fancy seats — just standing room and energy.
Verdict: Best for hip-hop fans. Go late (after 11 p.m.) for peak energy.
Mu Ji Ta （木吉他）(Mua Guitar) Folk Bar
Address: Inside Beicheng Tianjie, Jiumojiu Street, Jiangbei District (Jiangbei Qu Beicheng Tianjie Nei)
Style: Cozy rooftop bar with skyline views
Music: Acoustic, folk, singer-songwriters
Avg. Spend: ¥100–140
I love this place. It’s quiet, warm, and real.
Last time, a guy played “City of Stars” on guitar. Everyone clapped. I bought a mojito (¥58). Perfect.
The view? You see the city lights. Not as high as a skyscraper, but cozy.
Verdict: Ideal for dates or small groups.
Skip if you want loud music.
3. Hidden Gems: Unique Bars You Won’t Find on Tourist Maps
Flavor Lounge
Address: Liujia Pier or Jiefangbei Branch (Liu Jia Du or Jiefangbei)Style: Cocktail bar with Chongqing-inspired drinks
Music: Lounge, jazz, soft pop
Avg. Spend: ¥160–200
Try the “Chongqing Malt” or “Hotpot Punch” — yes, it’s spicy-sweet!
I had the “Mountain City Sour” — ¥68. Tasted like lemon, Sichuan pepper, and honey. Wild.
The bartenders are artists. They explain every drink in simple English.
Verdict: Best cocktails in Chongqing. Book ahead.
Gengu Gongguan（根固公馆）
Address: Inside Liziba Anti-Japanese War Site Park, Yuzhong District (Yuzhong Qu Liziba Kangzhan Yizhi Gongyuan Nei)
Style: 1930s-style bar with tea-infused cocktails
Music: Classical, jazz, ambient
Avg. Spend: ¥150–180
This place feels like old China. Wooden furniture. Lanterns. Quiet.
Try the Zhuyeqing Sour — a mix of green tea liquor, lemon, and egg white. Smooth.
My German friend said: “It’s like drinking history.”
Verdict: Romantic and unique. Great for photos.
Denghuang Bar（灯晃酒馆）
Address: Chongqing Tiandi, Stilt House Building (Chongqing Tiandi Diaojiaolou)
Style: Artsy bar on stilts, inspired by traditional architecture
Music: Indie, acoustic, chillhop
Avg. Spend: ¥80–100
Cheap. Cool. Artsy.
I had two beers (¥40 each) and listened to a poet read her work.
The crowd? Locals, artists, backpackers.
Verdict: Best value for vibe. Go on weekends for events.
Final Tips from a Local: Don’t Waste Your Time
I’ve been to every bar in this guide. I’ve seen friends lose money, miss the best shows, and end up in quiet parks thinking they’re at a club.
So here’s my honest advice:
Avoid riverside “bars” like Haitang Bay — they’re for dating couples, not partygoers.
Never buy drink packages from staff — they pressure tourists. Just order by the glass.
Go early (before 10 p.m.) — lines get long, and some clubs charge more after midnight.
Use Didi (China’s Uber) — taxis can refuse short trips. Didi is safer and tracks your route.
What Foreign Travelers Say （Chongqing nightlife guide for foreign travelers）
“I skipped the river and went to PLAY HOUSE. Best night in China!” — Tom, USA“Had tea cocktails at Gengu. Felt like a 1940s spy.” — Emma, UK“Saw a live band at Nuts. So real. So Chongqing.” — Luca, Italy
Ready to Explore Chongqing’s Nightlife?
Don’t follow the crowds. Follow the music.
Start at Jiumojiu Street or Deyi World. Pick your vibe. Feel the city.
And if you need help — just reply here. I’ll help you plan your perfect night.
Chongqing’s night is loud, proud, and waiting for you.