Summertime is the best time to enjoy Yuyingtang, one of Shanghai’s original live music venues. The best part is that the back of the club spills out into the park, where tables have been set up and patrons are free to mingle and sip on cold drinks (courtesy of the makeshift outdoor bar) while still being able to hear the music inside. Usually the crowds at these shows get a bit wild (last year I left with a bruised knee) so usually I spend my time floating around between the front of the stage and the outdoor setup.

On August 7th Canada’s Handsome Furs returned to Yuyingtang for yet another incredible, heart thumping show. In the middle of one of the hottest weeks in Shanghai, Yuyingtangfilled up with over a crowd of 200 to sweat and grind to the destructive beats of the subpop duo. The show was completely sold out – likely because of the loyal following that the band generated last year when they played for the first time in Shanghai. The band even premiered several new songs influenced directly from their Asia tour last year. All in all it was good and worth being pushed around and sharing fluids and sweat with the other party goers.

The club has been redone (slightly) but still retains its original charm. I welcome the newest addition of his and hers toilets on the second floor … which is great because we no longer have to pee in the troughs in the park, as much as I enjoyed that communal experience. Keep checking back City Weekend listings as there tons of great shows going on at Yuyingtang.

Did you make it to the gig? What do you think of Yuyingtang as a live music venue?

DETAILS

What: Yuyingtang

Where: 851 Kaixuan Lu near Yan’ An Lu