Shanghai's hetero meat market has outlets all over town--a nightclub here, a cocktail bar there. But for those looking to swing the other way, it can be difficult to find quality venues. Read on for an update on new and mainstay LGBT spots from homo about town, Adam Frost:

Winter is coming. With it, our need to find a partner to keep us warm on a chilly Shanghai night becomes paramount. From time to time I like to update everyone on happenings in the LGBT nightlife scene in Shanghai to make sure you all know where to go to find that perfect bed-warmer.

The weekend has and always will revolve around “the fruit loop.” The bars and venues may be different but the crowds remain the same, roving from bar to bar consuming oceans of gin and tonic, dancing shirtless and leaving copious amounts of broken hearts in their wake. It’s one of the greatest migrations that occur in Shanghai and should be witnessed as often as possible to truly understand it’s beauty. For the best evening start in Shanghai’s only gayborhood at Eddy’s then head across the street to Shanghai Studio. Make sure to stop in the Alldays on the corner for a peek at who’s buying smokes or road beers along the way. Once you’re well oiled and in the mood to dance, head to Dubai for the Angel party, where the organizers of Club Angel have set up shop since their venue was shut. Former scene mainstay D2 faltered several months ago. It seems the Cool Docks were a bit too far out to attract a big scene when similar venues are available in town.

The OUT party at Brownstone on Wednesdays seems to have outlasted the competition since I last wrote and is currently the only regular weeknight party of mention. The special has also gotten better, with buy-one-get-one drinks from 7pm to midnight. If you’re looking for a fruit in a suit, come early to catch the post-work crowd. As the evening progresses, younger folk start to appear, which leads to a good mix. I’ve also found this to be a successful party with the ladies as most of my Sapphic friends are happy with the eye candy and atmosphere.

Another option for socializing comes from the online community. The Shanghai LGBT group (Yahoo Group: ShanghaiLGBT) offers mixers, classes and all sorts of activities to cater to any interest. They send regular emails about events and act as forum to share information. The moderators are a small, hardworking group who do all they can to keep the scene going, but they always need help, be it volunteering for pride, starting a club or showing up to an event. Do your part and be out on the scene. If you’re not, you’ll have only yourself to blame for a cold bed come Spring Festival.