13 Best Nightlife in Eastern China, China

For a refined night out, head to the southeastern edge of West Lake and visit this well-established jazz club with a cultured clientele. The large three-story spot is known for its steady stream of talented jazz and blues performers, plus it has one of the city's best wine and whiskey lists.

The sleek lobby bar at Wuhan's chicest hotel wouldn't look out of place in New York. The bar takes its name from long wooden counters that run the length of the lobby and doubles as reception desk and watering hole. It's a beautiful space, with a blond-wood floor, a wall of books, and light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Nearly anything you could want to drink is available here. In summer, cool off with the bar's signature cocktail PuYu Sparkles, made with sparkling wine, rye whiskey, lemon and pineapple juices, ginger, and a little bit of sugar. The Long Bar has a small menu of savory and sweet snacks (think chicken and lamb satay or churros with lemon curd and chocolate) and also serves afternoon tea (Y188 per set, includes two hot drinks). For our money, we recommend The Long Pour happy hour (6–8), when most beers and cocktails (which run about Y65 each) are two-for-one.

One of the better bars on Laowaitan has earned a following thanks to its romantic ambience and professional pourers. The whisky list is more like a tome, with more than 150 brands, including familiar faces like Maker's Mark alongside more exotic options such as Nikka from Japan. You can even enjoy a Cuban cigar while you're at it.

For a pleasant evening stroll, head north along the waterfront promenade and then take one of the tree-lined walkways into the center of this park. The nightly carnival here is great for kids, and there's a small street-food market next to a beautiful footbridge that connects with the Marco Polo Hotel.

Overlooking West Lake is this small expat haunt, owned by Belgian David Wilmots. This is where you'll find Wuhan's best selection of Belgian beer, with Vedett and De Koninck on tap alongside Krombacher Pils from Germany. Two dozen Belgian beers are available by the bottle, including La Choufe and Delirium Tremens. There's plenty for non-beer drinkers, including standard cocktails and well drinks. The small food menu is mostly burgers, fries, and their ilk, but there is one vegetarian-friendly dish—a Greek salad.

An integral part of Nanshan Road's ever-expanding foreign bar and restaurant scene, Eudora Station fills up on the weekend thanks to live music and cheap drink specials. The pizzas and salads are decent and make up for the sometimes blunt service.

For a low-key evening, head to the warm and welcoming O'Reilly's Pub, which has Guinness and Strongbow Cider on tap, a hodgepodge of Irish paraphernalia on the walls, and tasty Western bar grub. There's often live Celtic, folk, and pop music.

Make like the expats and head to Pub Street, on Guanren Lu behind the Marco Polo Hotel, where there are lively pubs and clubs to keep your thirst quenched. The favorite in town is the Londoner (5--8 Guanren Lu), voted the best bar for several years running, but there's something for all tastes. Most of the bars along this leafy strip have nice outdoor tables—particularly lovely in the spring and autumn when the humidity has died down.

For locally brewed beers and German flavors, head here. The beer hall makes its own dark and wheat brews, serves tasty sausages, and has a bustle-fun atmosphere during big sports events.

The friendly staff, live sports on its many screens, and Belgian beers make this lakeside bar a favorite for visitors, expats, and locals. Its owned by David Wilmots who also owns Brussels Beer Garden two doors down. Expect a similarly extensive selection of Belgian beers like Chimay Red, White, and Blue, as well as a few other imported beers like Guinness, and cider. Food will take you right back to the States, with burgers, pizza, and Tex-Mex. There are tables indoors, on a terrace overlooking the lake, and next to the lake itself.

This intimate cocktail bar has great views from the second-story balcony, as well as an impressive range of whiskeys. The bartender can also whip up inventive cocktails inspired by Hangzhou, like the Foggy West Lake, in which Shaoxing yellow wine is mixed with tequila and a homemade syrup made with Chinese spices.