INS Shanghai: Your Complete Guide to the City’s Largest Nightlife Hub

INS Shanghai, which stands for ‘Into Nothing Serious’, is the largest and most dynamic nightlife destination in Shanghai and arguably all of China. It draws young locals and adventurous travellers into a seven-floor entertainment complex that blends music, art, dining and immersive cultural experiences.

Located within Fuxing Park in the Huangpu District, the venue houses more than 20 distinct spaces, making it far more than a conventional nightclub. INS functions as a full nightlife ecosystem designed for those seeking an authentic taste of Shanghai after dark.

What INS Shanghai Offers: A Multi-Floor Experience

INS spans seven floors and rivals the scale of a small shopping precinct. At its core are eight main clubs and bars, all accessible through a single all-access ticket. Each venue has a distinct identity, music style and atmosphere, allowing visitors to move freely throughout the night.

1. Freshman (Basement and Ground Floor)

Freshman captures youthful energy and high-tempo party vibes. It serves as the main entry point and sets the tone for the night with upbeat music and lively crowds.

2. HUSH (Second Floor)

HUSH focuses on hip hop culture and urban sounds. It attracts those looking for a more underground experience, with curated beats, freestyle elements and a crowd that values musical authenticity.

3. RADi (Third Floor)

RADi blends fashion, music and visual style. It appeals to trend conscious clubbers who enjoy modern electronic sounds and a strong aesthetic focus. Reviews frequently mention a small bar near the restrooms that occasionally offers complimentary shots.

4. KEZEE (Second Floor)

KEZEE operates as a live pop and music stage, offering performances that go beyond standard DJ sets. It provides a welcome change of pace for those who prefer live vocals and band-driven performances.

5. Culture Club (Fourth Floor)

Culture Club is known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. It prioritises groove and connection over exclusivity, drawing a diverse crowd that values community and shared energy.

6. DIRTY HOUSE (Fourth Floor)

DIRTY HOUSE delivers underground electronic music with a harder edge. While it has evolved slightly over time, it retains its roots in serious electronic sounds and regularly hosts international DJs.

7. FRiENDS (Fifth Floor)

FRiENDS acts as the social centre of INS. It is frequently cited in reviews for its unlimited drinks offering, which is included in the all-access ticket. The dance floor here is lively and social, with many visitors spending a significant portion of the night on this floor.

8. LA FIN and ANOTHER SIDE (Sixth Floor)

The top floors offer alternative experiences. LA FIN focuses on romantic and artistic moods, while ANOTHER SIDE caters to those seeking different musical or atmospheric styles.

Additional spaces, such as OASIS, incorporate immersive art and expression, reinforcing INS’s commitment to multidisciplinary nightlife experiences.

The All Access Ticket: What Is Included

The INS All Access Pass offers strong value for those planning to explore multiple venues in one night. The ticket grants entry to all eight main clubs across seven floors, with prices varying by day.

Weekday pricing (Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday)

¥168, approximately USD 24. After the standard booking service fee, the final cost is around ¥180.

Weekend pricing (Friday and Saturday)

¥288, approximately USD 41. With service fees, this increases to around ¥310, reflecting higher demand and stronger line-ups.

Each ticket includes one complimentary drink at each of the eight clubs. In addition, FRiENDS on the fifth floor offers unlimited drinks, a feature frequently highlighted as exceptional value. This inclusion transforms the ticket from a simple entry into a comprehensive nightlife package.

The experience typically spans around seven hours, allowing ample time to explore, socialise and enjoy multiple spaces. Tickets are non-refundable and valid only for the selected date. On-site purchases are not available, and tickets must be booked online or through WeChat. Weekend tickets often sell out in advance.

How to Book: Navigating the Ticket System

INS tickets are booked through the official INS WeChat mini app or mobile application rather than standard ticketing websites. International visitors without Chinese phone numbers or local payment methods often rely on third-party platforms such as GetYourGuide, which assist with reservations through a reserve now, pay later structure.

The process generally involves placing an order, receiving confirmation within twelve hours, and completing payment to finalise the booking. As these services are not fully automated, early contact with booking providers is recommended.

Some travellers report that booking directly through the WeChat mini app can offer discounts of up to ¥52. Users have shared experiences of securing tickets for around ¥150, including multiple drinks and full access, which may offer better value than third-party options.

What Visitors Enjoy: Common Themes from Reviews

Across online reviews and social media discussions, several consistent highlights emerge.

Excellent value and drink inclusions

Visitors repeatedly emphasise the affordability of accessing eight clubs with complimentary drinks. The unlimited drinks at FRiENDS are especially popular, helping travellers avoid high drink prices across multiple venues. One reviewer described the ticket as exceptional value, particularly given the number of clubs and included drinks.

Youthful, local energy

INS attracts mainly young locals, typically from their late teens to early thirties. Reviews frequently note the authentic atmosphere and lack of tourist-driven crowds. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to mingle with locals and experience Shanghai’s nightlife as residents do.

Diverse music in one location

The ability to move easily between hip hop, electronic music and live performances within a single complex is a major draw. Many visitors enjoy sampling different genres without changing locations.

Highly photogenic spaces

Each floor features distinct lighting and design, making the complex visually engaging. Reviewers often mention capturing photos across several venues in one night, with each space offering a different aesthetic.

Helpful booking support

Those using third party booking services often praise the reliability of staff assistance. Several reviews highlight the reassurance of having direct support when navigating the booking process, particularly for first time visitors.

INS Shanghai stands out not only for its scale but for the variety and value it offers in a single night. For travellers seeking a genuine, energetic and locally driven nightlife experience, it remains one of Shanghai’s most compelling after dark destinations.