Bar
Speak Low
Shingo Gokan's three-floor speakeasy, opened in 2014 behind a fake bookcase in a bar-equipment shop on Middle Fuxing Road.
The Jazz Bar at the Fairmont Peace Hotel
The Peace Hotel's ground-floor bar on the Bund, where the veteran Old Jazz Band plays classic tunes every night in the former Cathay Hotel.
At a glance
- Type
- Live jazz bar
- Area
- The Bund, Shanghai, China
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- fairmont.com
Good to know
- Nightly live jazz
- Historic interior
- Cocktails
Why we recommend it
The Jazz Bar on the ground floor of the Fairmont Peace Hotel is the place to hear live music in the setting of 1930s Shanghai. It occupies part of Sassoon House, the Art Deco tower at the corner of the Bund and East Nanjing Road that opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel, and it was once known as the Horse and Hound. Today it is home to the Old Jazz Band, a group of veteran musicians who play classic jazz standards every night.
The band's story became the basis for the film As Time Goes By, and seeing them is the main reason to come. The city government's 2025 bar guide describes the musicians as an older band performing classic tunes, with live sets from 7.30pm to 11pm. The bar opens at 6pm and closes at midnight, so arrive early if you want a good seat close to the stage, especially at weekends.
The drinks list leans on the setting. Cocktails such as the Old Shanghai Style and Jazz Night are designed to match the music. Prices reflect the hotel and the location on the Bund, so treat it as a special night out rather than a casual drink.
It suits couples, older travellers, music lovers and anyone curious about the city's pre-war history. Combine it with dinner at the hotel's Cathay Room or Dragon Phoenix, or with a walk along the Bund promenade before or after the music. Hotel guests can also join a free 30-minute tour of the Peace Museum, which traces the building's history since 1929, and Noël Coward wrote Private Lives while staying here.
The hotel's main switchboard handles bookings for the bar as well as its restaurants.
The hotel stands directly on the Bund at the end of East Nanjing Road, and East Nanjing Road station on Lines 2 and 10 is a short walk away. The building is set to be renovated ahead of its relaunch as Raffles Peace Hotel Shanghai in 2027, with the hotel remaining open during the work, so it is worth checking the bar's schedule before you go. For reservations, contact the hotel on its main number or by email.
The Jazz Bar at the Fairmont Peace Hotel FAQs
Who plays at the Jazz Bar?
The Old Jazz Band, a group of veteran musicians playing classic jazz standards.
When does the band play?
The city's 2025 bar guide lists live sets from 7.30pm to 11pm nightly.
What are the opening hours?
6pm to midnight, according to the same guide.
Is it expensive?
Yes, prices reflect the hotel and its Bund location.
Do you need to book?
Booking ahead is wise for a good seat, especially at weekends.
What should you drink?
Try one of the themed cocktails such as Old Shanghai Style.
What film is linked to the band?
As Time Goes By was based on the band's story.
Where is it?
On the ground floor of the Fairmont Peace Hotel at 20 Nanjing Road East, on the Bund.