If you enjoy the extensive live music scene in major Chinese cities such as Beijing or Shanghai you might feel a bit disappointed by what Shenyang has to offer.  Nonetheless if you read the following lines you will discover that a few good options exist here. As for many things in life, when it comes to live music, quality matters more than quantity.

In Shenyang, the expat live music scene is mainly concentrated in three hotels located in the city center: The holiday Inn, the Kempinski Hotel and the Intercontinental Hotel. However, some smaller, lesser known bars featuring Chinese and international folk and rock bands do exist in the city – the mission is trying to find them.

The Subs rocking it at Meidiqi Livehouse

Meidiqi Livehouse 美帝奇音乐现场 View In Map

For those about to rock, Meidiqi Livehouse is the place to go. Shenyang’s main professional rock venue, Meidiqi attracts well known names in Chinese rock music scene, such as The Verse, Suffocated, Subs and many more. This is also the place to catch a foreign rock band passing through the city during their China tour.

Add: 19 Shisanwei Lu, Shenhe District, Shenyang
地址：沈阳市沈河区十三纬路19号
Tel: 024 3167 6007

Folk band Bai Yu performing at Nasha Space

Nasha Space 纳纱空间View In Map

This space is best known for their regular film screenings among locals, but they also feature the odd live gig from time to time, especially acoustic gigs by visiting Chinese folk musicians. A space that nurtures a creative atmosphere, Nasha also offers vegetarian food, art exhibitions and a space for talks and gatherings.

Add: Inside the Electronic Equipment Manufacturing Factory grounds, 43 Erjing Jie, Shisanwei Lu, Shenhe District, Shenyang
地址：沈阳沈河区(沈河区十三纬路南二经街43号沈阳电器设备制造厂院内)
Tel: 139 4015 9080

The Filipino band at Mulligan’s Bar.

Mulligan's Irish PubView In Map

The Mulligan’s Irish Pub features live music six days a week (from Monday to Saturday) starting at 20:00. Before 20:00 Mulligan’s has a dusky and dark atmosphere, but things change as soon as the band starts playing, creating a warmer, sometimes explosive atmosphere. The four musicians who play here come from the Philippines. They play a wide range of songs, from Susan Boyle to Los Lonely Boys, from The Beatles to Britney Spears and Sheryl Crow. Previous performers include bands from Russia, Cuba and Scotland. Expect a mix of foreign teachers, Shenyang expats, travelers and wealthy locals. A Lively atmosphere is guaranteed.

Add: 5F, Holiday Inn Hotel at Zhongshan Square, Shenyang
地址：沈阳市中山广场,假日酒店5楼
Tel: 024 2334 1888
How much: The drinks are not cheap but are what you would expect in the bar of a 5 star hotel. It will cost you around 30 to 50 RMB for most drinks/cocktails.

Paulaner Brauhaus View In Map

Other hotel, other band but same motto. The style here is not Irish but typically German. A Filipino band plays live music from 20:30 to past midnight and the bar’s dance floor leaves plenty of room to move to the groove.

The band sings English songs every night of the week, playing mostly rock and pop songs, but sometimes they’ll even sing in Chinese.  

Featuring the only mini-brewery in the city, Brauhaus is actually a restaurant but the atmosphere transforms when the band is playing. So if you like eating Nuremberg sausages or Wiener schnitzel while listening to some live bands, Paulaner is definitively a spot that you should visit in Shenyang.

Add: First Floor of Kempinski Hotel, Shenhe District, 109 Qingnian Dajie, Shenyang
地址：沈阳市沈河区青年大街109号凯宾斯基饭店一楼
Tel: 024 2298 8988 ext. 8938
How much: A litre of Paulaner beer costs 65 RMB, local beers are 35 RMB. The food is excellent but tends to be rather expensive.
Opening hours: 11:30-01:00

Yidi plays piano at Topax Bar almost every evening.

Intercontinental Hotel Topaz Lounge and BarView In Map

Located in the Intercontinental Hotel, in the lobby level The Topaz Lounge and Bar is a comfortable gathering place, ideal for grabbing a quick snack, meeting friends or sipping on afternoon tea. In the evening a piano player entertains the guests.

The two piano players, Yidi and Ann work from 17:30 until 22:00 every evening. They play various styles that range from classical music (Chopin, Mozart etc.) to pop or rock (Justin Drew Bieber, Linkin Park etc.).

The piano player always creates a warm and cozy atmosphere which is not found anywhere else in the city. If you’re looking for a relaxing evening with some good music and drinks then the Topaz Lounge is the right place to be.

Add: Lobby Level, 208 Nanjing Beijie, Heping District, Shenyang
地址：沈阳市和平区南京北街208 号
Tel: 024 2334 1999
How much: The drinks can be pricey but remain reasonable for a 4 star hotel; they are in the same price bracket as Mulligan’s Irish Pub, from 30 to 50 RMB for most drinks/cocktails.

Photos: Douban.com

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Keywords: Live music Shenyang live bands Shenyang rock music Shenyang live music venues Shenyang