Popular Expat Bars and Clubs in Hangzhou

1) Ellen's Bar

Ellen's is situated in the popular bar area in the west of Hangzhou, close to all of the nightlife. Although there is no 'bar street' per se, the most popular ones – such as this – are all located close enough to be a 10-15 minute walk between each (or 11 RMB in a taxi for the ladies that may be wearing skyscraper heels and don't fancy tottering along!)

A well-known expat haunt that caters mainly towards the students and TEFL teachers, it's young, lively and loud! With cheap and cheerful drink prices and a menu serving typical Western fare and bar snacks, what's not to like? Each night has different drinks offers on that change occasionally throughout the year, from 10 RMB mojito nights to 5 RMB tequila and kamikaze shot nights and buy one get one free beer nights, this is the perfect 'starting off' bar to get your groove on before moving to a club later in the evening. With a rustic style decor reminiscent of a beach bar and graffiti all over the walls, Ellen's is a laid-back, friendly establishment that also serves shisha and by 23:00 the music gets cranked up loud enough that conversation is all but impossible.

Add: 58 Xueyuan Road (On Huanggushan Henglu), Xihu District, Hangzhou

地址：杭州市西湖区学院路58号华星创业大厦内 (近黄姑山横路)

Tel: 0571 8993 6840

Opening Hours: 16:00 – 04:00

2) 7 Bar

The newly reopened 7 Bar which underwent a refurbishment early October is tucked away in a little side street facing the Dragon Hotel on Shuguang Road. With a hidden doorway on the left hand side right next to the shop on the corner that you'd miss if you weren't looking for it, this is the place to go for a laid-back, cool atmosphere either as a precursor to a club or just to hang out there and chill with friends for the evening with an eclectic mix of music. Prices are pretty standard with beers and spirits coming in at 30-60 RMB.

Add: 43 Shuguang Road, Xihu District

地址：杭州市西湖区曙光路43号

Tel: 0571 8643 1517

Opening Hours: 18:00 – 02:00

3) InClub

Located in the basement of the above-mentioned Dragon Hotel, this is another popular bar that also has a club feel with most expats heading there a little later in the evening but usually before midnight. An ambient atmosphere is created with dimmed lighting and a stage, with the area in front of the bar something of a dance floor. InClub showcases a variety of performers with various DJ's and the house band performing there throughout the week. Get yourself there early and you may be lucky enough to bag yourself a table with some complimentary drinks: the management set aside a certain amount of free drinks usually until midnight for foreigners in order to entice them in, making it a popular destination until around 2.00am when it empties out.

Add: B1/F, The Dragon Hotel, 120 Shuguang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou

地址：杭州市西湖区 曙光路120号杭州黄龙饭店地下一楼

Tel: 0571 8799 8833

Opening Hours: 19:00 – 03:00

4) Coco Banana

The place to go after hours when you're wanting to party until way past the witching hour! Coco Banana plays all of the latest popular dance music and it's jam packed every night of the week. Cheap drinks prices keep a regular crowd of expats coming back for more and with foreigner specials such as 5 drinks for 50 RMB, it's not difficult to see why. If you want a table then you should head over by around 23:30 otherwise it's likely to be standing room only from then on. This club boasts a dance floor and a variety of DJ's; with international guest DJ's, promotional nights and various competitions regularly held to keep attracting the clientele.

Add: 2/F, Block A, Dragon Times Square, Junction of Wantang Road and Tianmushan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou

地址：杭州市西湖区万塘路与天目山路交叉口处黄龙时代广场A座2楼

Tel: 152 2400 5705

Opening Hours: 19:00 - very late