Shanghai boasts an impressive array of 24-hour venues that extend beyond typical convenience stores and late-night dining options. For instance, the Shanghai Museum features special evening sessions – click on Discover Shanghai's museum and art gallery nights to find out more.

From quiet reading rooms and urban parks to fitness centers, these spaces encourage you to take full advantage of every hour, whether it's for early morning meditation or a midnight jog. Here's a glimpse of some of the city's finest locations that welcome you any time, day or night.

If you're longing for some quiet time with a book, these round-the-clock reading rooms provide a great escape at any hour. For those interested in exploring a 24-hour library in a park, visit Heping Library in Heping Park, located in the Hongkou District – click on Heping Library, a 24-hour oasis in the heart of Shanghai, to learn more about it.

Note on access:

Some 24-hour reading places require library cards for entry and book borrowing. Shanghai Library cards are valid at all citywide public libraries. You can get one at Shanghai Library or Shanghai Library East Branch with your ID or passport.

The City Never Sleeps | 城市不眠

The bookstore is open 24/7 and served as a filming location for the TV series "Moonlight Variation," which has made it a popular stop for social media photos. Its minimalist design and large glass walls reflect the skyline and street life, creating an open, bright, industrial-chic atmosphere. With roughly 6 meters of vertical space and dual floor-to-ceiling windows, the space feels airy.

The floor-to-ceiling shelves are filled with a diverse selection of literature. Upstairs, a calm and orderly study area features desks, adequate lighting and power outlets, making it ideal for reading, studying, daydreaming or enjoying a cup of coffee.

Address: Unit A109, Bldg A, 18 Jinhai Rd

金海路18号A幢A109室

How to get there: Tai'erzhuang Road Station, Metro Line 9 | 地铁9号线台儿庄路站

Multiple branches are available.

Huangpu District Library | 黄浦区图书馆

Huangpu District Library, a tier-1 public library, has large resources and study spaces. The main hall's City Study 24H area is Shanghai's first 24-hour public cultural venue in the city center and the only one open on Fuzhou Road.

A wood-paneled 70-square-meter chamber exudes calm and natural elegance. The 3,000-book library has a 24-hour self-service borrowing and return machine and charging outlets.

Note: Books in this space are for in-room reading only and cannot be checked out or reserved in advance.

Opening hours:

• 9am-8:30pm: Access via the main entrance (open to the public)
• 8:30pm-9am next day: Enter via the side door with real-name registration

Address: 655 Fuzhou Rd | 福州路655号

How to get there: People's Square Station, Metro Lines 1/2/8 ｜地铁1、2&8号线人民广场站

Zikawei Library | 徐家汇书院

The library, designed by British architect David Chipperfield and completed by Yu Ting, takes its name from Xu Guangqi's handwriting on the façade. The 18,650sqm building, with five levels (three above, two below), and seatings for over 800 people, is a major architectural monument of heritage importance.

A reading room and terrace overlooking Xujiahui Catholic Church are on the second floor. The street-facing ground-floor outdoor reading area features seats and tables for 24/7 access. To borrow or return books, use a self-service machine (library card required).

Note: The main library is closed on Mondays. Use the nearby plaza to enter the 24-hour reading area.

Address: 158 Caoxi Rd N. | 漕溪北路158号

How to get there: Xujiahui Station, Metro Lines 1/9/11 ｜地铁1、9&11号线徐家汇站

Additionally, a 24-hour foreign-language bookstore within a nearby office building is available – you can check The Hidden Foreign Language Charity Bookstore if you're interested.

East China Normal University Press 24-hour reading space | 华东师范大学出版社24小时阅读空间

Located inside the campus of East China Normal University in the Yifu Building, this outdoor reading area on the ground floor is open to anyone entering the campus. Just scan your ID card or passport at the gate for access. Grab a book, relax and enjoy coffee in a scholarly setting.

Venue: 1/F, Yifu Building, East China Normal University | 华东师范大学逸夫楼一楼

Address: 3663 Zhongshan Rd N. | 中山北路3663号

How to get there: Jinshajiang Road Station, Metro Lines 3/4/13 | 地铁3、4&13号线金沙江路站

Venture Town X Nine O Nine | 城市书房·基金小镇馆

This branch, located in a glass building in Venture Town, spans 350sqm and houses over 5,000 books. You can borrow books on any subject with your library card. There is a reading/study space above, and a café and lounge area downstairs.

Note: The Xinzhuang branch is temporarily closed for renovations with a reopening date to be set.

Address: Bldg 41, Venture Town, 41 Hongmei Rd

How to get there:

• Shuicheng Road Station, Metro Line 10 (a few-minute ride away) | 地铁10号线水城路站
• Caohejing Hi-Tech Park Station, Metro Line 9 (a few-minute ride away) | 地铁9号线漕河泾开发区站

Multiple branches are available.

Home Study | 我嘉书房

Each of the city's branches has its own character. The Nanxiang Town branch blends Jiangnan traditions with Shanghai's cosmopolitan flair to celebrate intangible cultural heritage. In Ming and Qing-style architecture, it captures Nanxiang's ancient charm with modern rhythm.

The 150sqm library has over 30 seats and 5,000 books, including 4,100 classic Chinese picture storybooks (lianhuanhua 连环画). One of the few 24-hour Chinese libraries dedicated to this nostalgic art form.

Address: 28 Gonghe Street, Nanxiang Town | 南翔镇共和街28号

How to get there: Nanxiang Station, Metro Line 11 | 地铁11号线南翔站

There are multiple branches.

Need a breath of fresh air at any hour? These 24-hour parks across Shanghai have you covered.

Jing'an Park | 静安公园

Jing'an Park, named for its location across from Jing'an Temple, is more famous for its chubby cats. Discover the Eight Scenery Garden (八景园), a miniature garden showcasing the "Eight Views of Jing'an." Admission is free.

A teahouse offers open-air and private indoor seating for a quiet time in exquisite settings.

Address: 1649 Nanjing Rd W. | 南京西路1649号

How to get there: Jing'an Temple Station, Metro Lines 2/14 | 地铁2&14号线静安寺站

Fuxing Park | 复兴公园

Fuxing, which symbolizes national revival, is a 24-hour green oasis located in the Huangpu District, adjacent to Xintiandi. As one of the city's oldest parks, Fuxing Park is notable for being the only largely preserved French-style public park in China, with a history that spans nearly 120 years.

Within the park, visitors can explore sunken flower beds, a rose garden, camellias and rhododendron beds, all reflecting the refined beauty of classical French landscaping. Following a renovation in 2021, the park has become better integrated with the surrounding neighborhood. A new attraction, the "INS Fun Zone," has quickly gained popularity as an after-work gathering place for young crowds.

Address: 516 Fuxing Rd M. | 复兴中路516号

How to get there: Middle Huaihai Road Station, Metro Line 13 | 地铁13号线淮海中路站

Gucheng Park | 古城公园

Gucheng Park, named after the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) city wall and moat, has traditional Chinese garden design and modern urban functionality. It was built in 2002. Located near the Bund, the park is a lovely cultural gem with historical value.

From July 1, 2024, the park began allowing 24-hour access. Certain portions are closed off for safety between 10pm and 5am. Entry is now possible through Gates 1, 5 and 8, with Gate 4 just added. Night-time safety is reinforced with more patrols, better illumination and increased surveillance.

The park is anticipated to open 24/7 by the second half of 2025, with new features like children's workout zones and smart bathrooms.

Address: 333 Renmin Rd | 人民路333号

How to get there: Yuyuan Garden Station, Metro Lines 10/14 | 地铁10&14号线豫园站

Fuxing Island Park | 复兴岛公园

Tucked away in the Yangpu District, Fuxing Island is Shanghai's only inland island on the Huangpu River. Fuxing Island Park serves as the island's sole public attraction.

Though small in size, the park is densely packed with greenery, creating the ambiance of a hidden forest kingdom. Paths to the right of the entrance lead to a Japanese-style pavilion and pond, making it an ideal spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. To the left, towering camphor trees line the pathway.

A notable feature of the park is the Bailu Villa, a one-story structure with white walls and a red roof that showcases a Japanese aesthetic while being shaded by lush trees. Another highlight is a bamboo pavilion adorned with time-worn tiles and weathered bamboo, rich in the textures of history and the spirit of a bygone era.

Address: 386 Gongqing Rd | 共青路386号

How to get there: Fuxing Island Station, Metro Line 12 | 地铁12号线复兴岛站

Daning Park | 大宁公园

Part of Shanghai's 24-hour green spaces, Daning Park is Puxi's largest park at 680,000sqm. White sand beaches, windmill cottages and a peaceful central lake provide 24/7 serenity.

Daning Park, an urban eco-oasis, hosts the Tulip Festival and the summer "lotus culture fair." It hosts major cultural and tourism events in Jing'an District, including the Half Marathon.

Address: 288 Guangzhong Rd W. | 广中西路288号

How to get there: Shanghai Circus World Station, Metro Line 1 | 地铁1号线上海马戏城站

Changshou Park | 长寿公园

Changshou Park, a bright green space in Putuo District, reopened in January following a 10-month renovation. It currently accepts visitors 24/7. The renovated park has 68 benches for strolling elders and casual visitors, a circular rubber jogging track instead of stone paths, and a family-friendly 4,000sqm children's play area.

Address: 260 Changshou Rd | 长寿路260号

How to get there: Changshou Road Station, Metro Lines 7/13 | 地铁7&13号线长寿路站

Baoshan Riverside Park | 宝山滨江公园

Baoshan Riverside is a pet-friendly park where you can pitch a tent for a picnic, play with your dog on the lawns, or take the kids to the playground. It's open 24/7.

With the view of the river, the vista is open and quiet, especially around sunset when the golden light shimmers across the water. Three riverbank pathways in the park are great for walking, running and cycling. You can also rent bikes here. Or fly a kite and let the wind carry your troubles.

Address: Opposite Lingjiang Park, Wusongkou Rd | 吴淞口路临江公园对面

How to get there: Shuichan Road Station, Metro Line 3 | 地铁3号线水产路站

Sixian Park | 思贤公园

The 100,000sqm-long Sixian Park blends English garden aesthetics with classical landscape features in Songjiang. It boasts towering pavilions, streams, waterside terraces and beautiful water lilies.

Wedding photography is popular at the park's British-style layout with historic red-brick towers, Roman columns, a bamboo bridge and tea pavilions. After a big update earlier this year, the grounds are larger and include over 250 new decorative trees like cherry blossoms, magnolias and crape myrtles for year-round beauty.

Address: Intersection of Sixian and Yuanzhong roads | 思贤路与园中路交叉口

How to get there: Songjiang Xincheng Station, Metro Line 9 | 地铁9号线松江新城站

Looking to break a sweat after hours? These 24/7 gyms make sure your fitness goals never sleep.

24/7Fitness

24/7Fitness is Hong Kong's largest gym chain. With 180 gyms worldwide, it has branches in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Xiamen, Shanghai, Chengdu and other cities.

The self-service gyms, which are 500 to 2,000sqm, have Hammer Strength, Technogym, Life Fitness, Nautilus, Precor, Eleiko, Panatta, and other high-end equipment. They are open 24/7. Brand strengths include "great training atmosphere," "clean and tidy environment," and "well-equipped."

Address: 68 Yuyuan Rd | 愚园路68号

How to get there: Jing'an Temple Station, Metro Line 2 | 地铁2号线静安寺站

Multiple branches are available.

Le Fit | 乐刻运动

Le Fit's branches and trainers' domestic and international certifications are its biggest advantages. It's a self-service private gym with an app and WeChat account for membership and QR code entrance.

Online booking is available for yoga, Zumba, step aerobics, belly dance, cardio kickboxing and others. Online bookings for private trainers are easily available. Cardio equipment like treadmills and small machines are ready whenever you want to work out.

Subscriptions are charged monthly or annually. First-timers can schedule affordable single classes and build a long-term plan.

Address: 150 Hubin Rd | 湖滨路150号

How to get there:

• Laoximen Station, Metro Line10 | 地铁10号线老西门站
• Site of the First CPC National Congress · Xintiandi Station, Metro Line 13 | 地铁13号线一大会址·新天地站

Multiple branches are available.

Dan Fit | 坚蛋健身

Dan Fit is known for being "community-oriented" and "smart."

Built near a major residential neighborhood, its 24/7 smart management system reduces public fitness hurdles. Register yourself, enter by face recognition, work out freely and leave. No salespeople force you to buy lessons, so focus on training.

The gym has functional zones. With training expertise, you can exercise alone. Machine instructions in the fixed equipment section make it easier for newcomers. The stretching area is shared for post-workout relaxation.

Address: 17 Hongcao Rd | 虹漕路17号

How to get there: Hongcao Road Station, Metro Line12 | 地铁12号线虹漕路站

Multiple branches are available.

Fa Tiao Ya | 发条鸭

Fa Tiao Ya is a self-service gym with no trainers and has several Shanghai outlets. You can buy day, weekly or monthly passes. QR codes allow entry and exit, and the app displays the number of people inside the gym. If you leave momentarily and return within 15 minutes, you won't be charged.

Address: 669 Jiaozhao Rd | 胶州路669号

How to get there: Changping Road Station, Metro Line7 | 地铁7号线昌平路站

Multiple branches are available.

Liking Fit | Liking健身

Shanghai-based Liking Fit has over 200 24-hour smart gyms in 102 cities across the country and 600,000 users. Guozheng Center, near Wujiaochang, features a gym with panoramic windows and under-floor heating for a nice workout in winter.

It's self-service with facial recognition. You'll find smart treadmills, workout bands and individual shower rooms with modest appliances to refresh up and dry your hair before going home without the worry of catching a cold.

Address: 489 Zhengli Rd | 政立路489号

How to get there: Sanmen Road Station, Metro Line10 | 地铁10号线三门路站

Multiple branches are available.

Relaxed | 轻一磅健身

This 800sqm smart gym has advanced equipment and a self-service system for effective training regime. The gym charges monthly at straightforward rates. Course variety is the gym's strength.

It has four main areas: 24/7 self-service training, personal training and rehabilitation, and a café/social area. The training zone has a boxing ring, TRX setups and the uncommon "glute & leg trio" (hack squat, hip extension, seated hip thrust) that is not available in most commercial gyms.

Hongmei Road branch:

Address: 2/F, 2530 Hongmei Rd (Inside the Caohejing Hi-tech Park) | 虹梅路2530号二楼(漕河泾开发区园区)

How to get there: Caohejing Hi-Tech Park Station, Metro Line 9 | 地铁9号线漕河泾开发区站

Yishan Road branch:

Address: 2342 Yishan Rd | 宜山路2342号

How to get there: Hechuan Road Station, Metro Line 9 | 地铁9号线合川路站