Hangzhou Bar Scene Guide For Foreign Visitors: Where Locals & Travelers Actually Go
- cometodolphinunion
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
You know Hangzhou as China’s tech capital.But do you know its after-dark heartbeat?
It’s not all quiet lakes and tea houses.Young people here love to dance, drink, and connect—just like anywhere else.
Last year, a traveler from France told me: “I walked into a club near West Lake. No English menu. DJ playing hip-hop I knew. Someone bought me a beer just because I smiled.”He ended up staying till 3 AM.
Most guides only show you the lake.They don’t tell you where to find real conversation, good music, or a safe ride home.
If you're visiting Hangzhou and want to experience the city like a young local—not just a tourist—this is your map.
As someone who's helped thousands of foreign guests plan their nights, I’ve been to every bar on this list—late, sober, and ready to judge.
No fake reviews. No paid promotions. Just honest picks that work for English speakers, solo travelers, and first-timers.
Let’s dive into the best bars in Hangzhou, tested and trusted.
H2: Hangzhou Bar Scene Guide For Foreign Visitors
H3: 1. BPM – The Underground Vibe With Real DJs
📍 Baochu Road 2-1, Xihu District (Near Wulin Square Station)
This place feels like Berlin. Dark walls. Red lights. Deep electronic beats.
Locals call it “the temple of sound.” Most guests are under 30—artists, designers, coders from Alibaba nearby.
Take my friend Lucas from Brazil. He didn’t speak Chinese. But he danced next to a girl who played him her favorite track on her phone. They shared earbuds. No words needed.
To solve this: Arrive by 11:30 PM. It fills up fast. Cover charge? ¥50–100. Cash only.
Pro tip: Try the house cocktail “Future Past”—smoky mezcal, lime, and something sweet. Bartenders use gestures if you can’t read the menu.
H3: 2. ET Park – Live Music & Light Shows That Wow
📍 Baochu Road 2-1, Xihu District (Same building as BPM, different floor)
Think Queen + rave party.Live singers. Electric guitars. And laser shows that light up the whole room.
It used to be an old-school karaoke spot. Now? A full-on stage with professional acts every night.
A Canadian couple once came here thinking it was just a bar. They left saying: “We saw a guy cover ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ while fireworks went off behind him. Unreal.”
Here’s how to enjoy it: Show up at 9 PM. Get a front-row seat. Drinks start at ¥60. Beer is cheaper than cocktails.
Bonus: Some staff speak basic English. You can ask: “What song is this?” and they’ll write it down.
Don’t expect silence. This is loud. Proud. And totally fun.
H3: 3. IIILLL798 – Hangout Spot For Influencers & Trendsetters
📍 Wulin Square 29, Gongshu District (3rd Floor, Near Metro Exit C)
Run by Tong Jincheng—a famous Chinese social media star.Yes, you might see big influencers here posting selfies.
But the drinks are strong. The lighting is perfect for photos. And the crowd is stylish but friendly.
Emily from Australia came here alone. She worried she’d feel out of place. Instead, three girls invited her to join their table. One even taught her how to say “Cheers!” in Hangzhou slang.
Best time: 8 PM to 10 PM. After midnight, it gets packed and hard to move.
Drink alert: Their signature “Neon Dream” costs ¥98. Looks amazing. Tastes like sweet grapefruit.
Just remember: This is not cheap. But worth it once—for the vibe.
H4: 4. Superise – High-Energy Club With Crazy Light Effects
📍 Hongtai Road 133, Shangcheng District (Sky Wing Business Center)
3,000+ lights. 200+ visual effects. Dance floors that shake.
This is the biggest club in Hangzhou built for pure energy.
Music? Mostly EDM and hip-hop remixes. Crowd? Young, wild, and ready to party till 5 AM.
Diego from Spain once called me at 1 AM: “I’m lost. My phone died. I’m outside a huge building with flashing lights.” I said: “Buy water inside. Then text me when charged.” He made new friends within minutes.
How to enter: Look for “Superise” in glowing letters. Cover: ¥100–150. Bring cash.
Warning: Very loud. Not for quiet talkers. But if you want to dance like no one’s watching—this is your spot.
（Hangzhou bar scene guide for foreign visitors）
H4: 5. Hi City – The Sky-High View That Makes You Feel Alive
📍 Yan’an Road 546, Shangcheng District (35th Floor of Hangzhou Department Store — a historic landmark on Yan’an Road, built in 1959)
Want magic with your mojito?
Skip the crowded lakeside. Go up.
Hi City isn’t just a bar—it’s a slow-turning time machine.
On the 35th floor of Hangzhou Department Store (yes, that old department store everyone remembers), this space was once a famous revolving restaurant. Now it’s reborn: polished floors, soft lighting, and a view that stops your breath.
My university friend from Hong Kong came to visit last month. She’d lived in fast-paced cities her whole life—Tokyo, London, now HK. We sat by the window with Earl Grey tea. She didn’t speak for three minutes. Then she said: “I want to feel this—alive, quiet, full—before I die.”
That’s Hi City.
Pro tip: Take the golden-door entrance beside Meihao Hotel, then ride the glass-walled scenic elevator straight to 35F. Don’t use the main mall elevators—it’s a different building.
Price range: Afternoon tea ¥136 (includes unlimited Earl Grey, two cake slices, fresh fruit, and four savory bites). Cocktails start at ¥88.Open daily: 14:00–22:00 (last seating at 21:00).No loud music. No crowds. Just West Lake (Xī Hú / 西湖) — glittering, timeless, and always beautiful.
Perfect for slow afternoons, meaningful conversations, or solo moments when you just need to remember:
Yes.
Life is good here.
H2: Why This List Works – Because We’ve Lived It
We don’t guess.We go. Every weekend. In rain. In heat. With tired legs.
Each bar was checked for:
✅ English-speaking staff (even one person helps)
✅ Safe exits and clear signs
✅ Payment options (Alipay with foreign cards works at most)
✅ Real guest energy—not empty places pretending to be busy
And yes—we drank what we recommend.
Because your night shouldn’t end with confusion, overcharging, or no way home.
That’s why we also offer safe, late-night car transfers across Hangzhou—with drivers who speak English and know these exact spots.
👉 Get Your Free Ride Quote Here
Need help booking?
Contact us anytime:
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WeChat: DolphinUnion
Email: hansong@dolphinunion.com
H2: Want More Than Just Bars? Try Our Full Hangzhou Experience
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✅ Secret tea houses in Longjing Village
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✅ Exact ferry routes that cost ¥6 instead of ¥70
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P.S. Still unsure?
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