Shanghai - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Chinese are more and more tolerant of LGBT, but it's still a bit underground. That said, my LGBT friends were okay there. - Nov 2020
Probably. The Chinese aren't that tolerant of, well, anything that isn't "Han". That said, it is a giant city. There is lots of pretty much everything here. - Dec 2014
People are generally quite accepting, though it seems like the LGBT scene is pretty quiet, though it's definitely there. There's been a Shanghai Pride week since 2009, though it's not a parade, and same-sex marriage isn't recognized here. Though there are plenty of gay bars and clubs, from what I've heard. - Aug 2014
Yes, probably the best in China. There are even a couple of gay/lesbian bars and clubs. - Aug 2011
The best in China!There is a very large and growing GLBT population in Shanghai, and it is well-known as the "center" for a social life, great jobs, and a good life for GLBT individuals and couples. There are at least 10 bars that openly cater to a gay clientele, and many others exist if you want to explore deeper. Several bars are very much oriented towards international crowds, and like-minded locals. GLBT Expats from all over the planet call Shanghai home base. The scene for gay men is much more developed than lesbians, or so I have heard, but there is a scene for all in Shanghai. - Dec 2010
It should be fine. Shanghai is very cosmopolitan. - Jul 2010
There is, surprisingly, a gay scene here. It is quiet, but Shanghai is a doable place for gay or lesbian expats. - Feb 2009
Well, it's not the best, but at the same time it's not the worst. There are some gay bars and clubs that are always lively. Eventually, however, one will see that the crowd is the same, and because of the transient expat community and the cultural differences with the locals--one might find it hard to have a prolonged relationship. - Jun 2008
