An Essential Guide To Shenzhen’s Jazz, Funk, & Soul Bars

Jazz Bars in Shenzhen

What is a city if it doesn’t have Jazz, Funk, and above all else, Soul?

Some people say you can judge the character of a city by its Jazz bars. If that truly is the case, then Shenzhen is quickly cultivating a very interesting personality indeed. To give you a taste of just what that is, we profiled some of the top Jazz, Funk & Soul bars in Shenzhen.

These bars feature Jazz musicians locally from Shenzhen and a lot of times will get very skilled guest musicians from Hong Kong as well. Often they organize special Jazz events and festivals where they bring Jazz bands from other parts of China and even from abroad. The two Jazz bars in the OCT area have outdoor seating so they are very comfortable on the cool fall or spring nights though fans and heaters are available for those summer and winter months. Hotels in Shenzhen also offer live music usually Jazz such as at Duke’s in The Langham Hotel Shenzhen. If you are looking for a Jazz night out Shenzhen is maturing into a place where you can find your type of Jazz entertainment. We are happy to see the Jazz community is thriving and feeding off Hong Kong and other parts of China. Once a year the live music venue B10 also organizes an almost month long Jazz festival brining in jazz artists from all over the world.

Browse below for our Jazz club nightlife directory:

Duke’s (The Langham Shenzhen)

A classic continental club

Sophisticated and effortlessly stylish, Duke’s entices with its inventive menu, stately décor and relaxing vibe. Resembling a chic private club, contemporary art lines the walls while soothing jazz tunes, leather couches and tub chairs add an old-world charm.

A haven for foodies, Duke’s menu includes tantalising tapas and succulent grilled meats. The restaurant’s extensive wine cellar boasts hundreds of premium wines to cater to both connoisseurs and novices. Distinct and intimate, Duke’s is an inspired mix of gracious hospitality, delicious food and traditional comforts, making it an ideal venue to meet friends or future clients.

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Lavo

There are many ways to describe what’s going on at Lavo, but perhaps it’s easiest to sum up with one simple word – lounging.

Located in Futian at the heart of Shenzhen’s CBD, Lavo has created a wonderfully metropolitan atmosphere with a supremely talented and endlessly versatile live band that can play music from all over the world spanning any genre from jazz all the way up to funk.

Listen to the sumptuous sax licks and feel like you have been transported to a London lounge or a bar in New York. While you are at it, why not pair the live music with a selection from their extensive range of cocktails, whiskey, and cigars?

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Penny Black

If swanky lounges aren’t really your jam, but you still want to enjoy some real, quality jazz, then take Penny Black in consideration. The bar and its brand of down-to-earth jazz is a natural fit for its location in OCT Loft, a neighborhood bursting with creativity and artistry. Penny Black was opened by a British man and his wife with a simple mission. They wanted to bring real jazz to Shenzhen. It’s pretty safe to say mission accomplished at this point.

With a regular local band and the occasional concert to boot, you can enjoy the kind of jazz that would satisfy even the most demanding ear. For real jazz freaks, Penny Black is the place to go in Shenzhen.

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Zazoo Live

ZAZOO is the combination of music, life and soul. It embodies the desire of every human to release themselves to the higher force of music, and immerse themselves in a transcendent experience we like to call ZAZOO! Through the music, the drinks, the rhythm, you will be delivered to another dimension. This is the ZAZOO vibe. Let your soul lead you to the funk…

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December 31, 2025