Asking people who they think is the best DJ in Shanghai is like asking what the best religion is – the answers will vary wildly, it always spark a lively (if not violent) debate, and will ultimately remain unresolved. Nevertheless, there are definitely some DJ's making waves on the scene, ones that you see advertised over and over again to rave reviews. These are the DJ's that land the steady gigs in Shanghai and who, quite frankly, know how to throw a party. So next time you're in the mood to throw down and dance the night away to some pulsing beats, check out the best of what Shanghai's got to offer.

Perhaps the best known DJ on the scene, Ben Huang hails from Shanghai but is better known for jump-starting Beijing's club scene in the early nineties. Roundly regarded as the pioneer of club music in China, Huang brought international electronica to Beijing and Shanghai, helping make the DJ scene what it is today. Completely self-taught, his sets include everything from house to groove to funk to jazz. In the highly charged, commercial atmosphere that Dj'ing has become, Huang fights the mainstream by promoting and playing what he calls “deep house.” No matter the label, the music is energetic, unique, and perfect for partying. He currently has a regular Shanghai gig at Shiva Lounge on Wednesday nights from 11:00pm till late, in addition to his guest appearances at various clubs around the city.

Shiva Lounge View In Map
Add: 47 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市永福路47号, 近复兴路
Tel: 021 139 1829-3288
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs, 17:00-02:00; Fri-Sat, 17:00-05:00

If the name Damien Kay sounds familiar to you, it's probably because it is often tossed around in conversation about the best DJ's in Shanghai. This Frenchman started performing over ten years ago and has been refining his style ever since. Citing Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones as his inspirations, Kay's sets mainly consist of disco, funk and hip hop-infused mixes. He is particularly known for his energetic performances and interaction with the crowd, which make his shows some of the liveliest in the city. He also helped found the Shanghai Music Society, an organization whose mission statement is “to bring together the most talented DJ/producers in Shanghai, in order to create a local music synergy...and to promote the Shanghai music scene by the music production.” If you want to check Kay out, it's pretty easy to find him – just head down to Bar Rouge, where he is the resident DJ.

Bar Rouge View In Map
Add: 7/F, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Nanjing Dong Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市中山东一路18号7楼, 近南京东路
Tel: 021 6339 1199
Opening hours: Sun-Wed, 18:00-03:00; Thurs-Sat, 18:00-late

While Canada may not be the first place you think of for international DJ's, that's only the case if you haven't heard DJ Choyce Kutz. His specialty is “underground hip hop” and he's known as one of the best at it in Shanghai. Just don't expect to hear the usual commercial dance mixes at his shows – Choyce Kutz sticks to the personal brand of reggae, R&B, and hip hop that he's been playing for over six years now. Although he had been splitting his time between Canada and Asia for quite some time, he's recently picked up a resident DJ gig at everyone's favorite upscale club, M1NT, and can be found there on most nights.

M1NTView In Map
Add: 24/F, 318 Fuzhou Lu, near Shandong Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市福州路318号, 近山东路
Tel: 021 639 2811
Opening hours: Wed-Sat, 10:00-late (club)

DJ Mick has been on the DJ scene for quite a while, making him one of the better known names in Shanghai. Spinning tunes since he was 17 years old, Mick used to be the DJ and music director of the infamous Sugar. His blend of old school, R&B, hip hop, and funk has propelled his career around the world. Now he's settled in Shanghai, where you can find him on most nights at Velvet Lounge.

VelvetView In Map
Add: 1/F, 913 Julu Lu, near Changshu Lu
地址：上海市巨鹿路913号1楼
Tel: 021 5403 2976
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs, 18:00-03:00; Fri-Sat, 18:00-05:00 

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Keywords: Shanghai DJs best DJs Shanghai DJ scene Shanghai DJ Ben Huang