Shanghai is the great showcase of modern China: a city split into two banks by the Huangpu River. On the Puxi side lies the Bund, the promenade of historic buildings that looks across the water; in Pudong, the skyscrapers of Lujiazui form the skyline that appears on every postcard. For a travelling couple it is a photogenic destination, easy to cross by metro and full of unhurried plans: strolling, eating, watching the skyline at dusk and wandering through neighbourhoods of low houses and plane trees. First, a note of transparency: we have not found any lifestyle venue, club or event in Shanghai with a verifiable official website, so we recommend none. This page is a travel guide for adult couples, with official information on what to know before you go. We include nothing related to sex tourism: it is a different field, with legal risk and the exploitation of people, and BarSwinger does not promote it.
What to do as a couple, without rushing
The classic walk is the Bund at sunset, when the buildings on both banks light up. Crossing the river by ferry or metro to Pudong lets you see the towers up close and visit one of their viewing decks. Another gentle plan is to explore the old French Concession, with tree-lined streets, cafés and small shops, and the Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden next to a very touristy bazaar. If you like museums, the city has contemporary art and history spaces; check opening hours and booking rules on each museum's website, because many ask for a timed ticket. As everywhere in China, food is part of the trip: soup dumplings, noodles, local dishes and plenty of regional cooking.
Getting there and around
Shanghai has two international airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, and a very extensive metro network that serves both. The high-speed rail network links the city with other major Chinese cities. For taxis and cars with a driver, the safest option is the official rank or a recognised app, and always check that the meter is running. If you do not speak Chinese, keep your hotel's address written in characters to show the driver.
Entry and documents according to the official advice
The UK FCDO, in its travel advice for mainland China (updated on 27 August 2026 and consulted on 7 November 2026), states that until 31 December 2026 holders of a British passport can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, or transit. If your passport is from another country, the rule may differ: confirm the conditions with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before booking. Your passport needs at least six months' validity from arrival and two blank pages. You must register your accommodation with the police within 24 hours of arrival; in a hotel, the hotel does it at check-in.
Safety and scams
According to the official advice, serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but you should look after your belongings in busy places. The most quoted scam is the tea or massage trick: a friendly stranger invites you to a bar or tea house and you are then handed an enormous bill, sometimes with threats or card fraud. The rule is simple: do not go to any venue a stranger takes you to. Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers; the advice mentions cases of spiked drinks. Do not scan stray QR codes either: QR use is so widespread that fake-QR scams are a risk. Counterfeit 100 renminbi notes are common, even from ATMs: check them when you receive them.
Payments, internet and communications
In China, mobile payments, above all Alipay and WeChat Pay, are almost universal, and outside the big cities foreign cards are not always accepted. Set up the app and link your card before the trip. According to the FCDO, the state controls internet access and services such as Google, Facebook, YouTube and X are permanently blocked; online products like VPNs must be licensed by the Chinese government, so find out the current rules and download what you need before you leave.
The law every couple should read
What is a private matter elsewhere can carry criminal consequences in China. The FCDO warns of a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, including cannabis, with random tests on foreigners and raids on bars and nightclubs where you can be held for hours to give urine and hair samples. In addition, Article 301 of the Chinese Criminal Law punishes gathering people to engage in "licentious activities": according to unofficial English translations, organisers and people who take part repeatedly can face up to five years in prison, criminal detention or public surveillance. To understand what this means for your trip, read our guide to the law in China. The message is clear: in mainland China, forget any partner-swapping plan or group party. And if someone offers one, be suspicious: it is the kind of offer that ends in a scam or trouble with the police.
Health
The official advice recommends drinking only bottled water, checking vaccines in good time and buying insurance that covers medical care and repatriation, because healthcare in China is not free for visitors and can be very expensive. The ambulance number is 120, police 110 and fire 119. For safer sex, bring your own condoms and talk to your doctor before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Are there lifestyle clubs in Shanghai? We could not verify any with an official website, so we recommend no venues. Chinese law also punishes group gatherings for sexual purposes.
Do I need a visa? It depends on your nationality. The FCDO says visa-free entry of up to 30 days for British passports until 31 December 2026; other passports should ask the Chinese embassy.
Can I pay by card? Often not. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay and carry some cash, with notes checked.
What do I do in an emergency? Police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119. The FCDO gives the British consular assistance number from China: +86 (0) 10 5192 4000; if you are from another country, contact your consulate.
This guide is informational and not legal advice: always check your own government's official advice before travelling. Sources: the FCDO travel advice for mainland China, and published English translations of the Chinese Criminal Law (Article 301).
Keep exploring: all destinations, the guide to entry, registration and payments in China and the one on Hong Kong and Macao.
