Top 4 Bars & Entertainment Spots in Chongqing

Night view of illuminated traditional Chinese architecture in Chongqing's urban setting.
Ang Lee, Pexels

Chongqing offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife, with popular districts like Jiefangbei and 9th Street providing a range of bars, clubs, and unique venues, catering to various preferences from sophisticated cocktails to lively local experiences.

Entertainment and Music:

Chongqing's entertainment landscape is dynamic, with a bustling nightlife predominantly featuring dance clubs and a developing live music scene that caters to various tastes.

For live music, Nuts Club stands out as a key venue, known for hosting a diverse range of local and international artists and DJs . Beyond dedicated live houses, the city also offers bars that occasionally feature live performances, including folk music, providing a more relaxed atmosphere . The electronic music scene is also present, with venues like Echo Bay focusing on underground DJ sets .

1. Bar 62

Type: Cocktail Lounge / Sky Bar

Perched on the 62nd floor of the Niccolo Hotel, Bar 62 provides a sophisticated atmosphere with artisan cocktails and a delectable menu of seasonal tapas. It offers inspiring 270-degree panoramic views of the Chaotianmen Bridge and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, complemented by music from live artists and DJs.

Getting There: Bar 62 is located within the Niccolo Hotel in the central Jiefangbei area, typically within walking distance or a short taxi ride from most downtown accommodations. Taxi fares for short distances are generally inexpensive, costing around 10-20 CNY.

2. Caver Bar

Type: Craft Beer Bar

Caver Bar offers a distinctive drinking experience within a repurposed historical air raid shelter. Its rustic stone walls and vintage decor create a unique, immersive atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists. The bar is known for its craft beer selection, including locally inspired brews.

Getting There: Located in the Yuzhong District, Caver Bar is conveniently situated near Liziba Station on Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) Line 2. Taking the metro is a simple and affordable way to reach the venue, with fares typically costing a few CNY.

3. MuaGuitar

Type: Live Music Bar

Situated on the 30th floor in the lively 9th Street area, MuaGuitar combines stunning city night views with the ambiance of live folk music. It's a prime spot to enjoy performances while taking in the illuminated cityscape.

Getting There: MuaGuitar is found in the Guanyinqiao/9th Street district, a well-known nightlife hub. Access is easy via public transport, such as taking Metro Line 3 to Guanyinqiao Station. Metro fares are usually just a few CNY, or a short taxi ride would be around 15-25 CNY depending on your starting point.

4. Shots Bar

Type: Expat / Dive Bar

Shots Bar is a well-known spot among the local expat community, offering a lively and casual 'western dive bar' feel. It is recognized for its fun atmosphere and is a good place to meet a mix of international and local patrons.

Getting There: Shots Bar is located near the IKEA store in Chongqing, which is not in the immediate city center. It is best reached by taxi, which would cost approximately 20-40 CNY depending on traffic and your starting location, or by combining metro and a short taxi/bus ride.