Nanjing's large student and teaching population (foreign and Chinese) manages to create a lively nightlife for themselves, especially in a small city of this size. There are numerous "western style" bars dotted around the city but the best ones are around the universities near Shanghai Road. The small lane opposite Nandar (Nanjing University) Halls of residence is always a good place to kick off the evening. Jack's is a popular meeting place and although it's pretty small, they serve up a tasty sweet and sour chicken washed down by the beer that is refreshingly cold. The staff are also known to be extra friendly, always willing to tell (or show) you where the latest hot spots are in town. The music however leaves a lot to be desired so it is just considered a starting point to a more lively night. The city's best music talent can be found down the road from Jack's at Blowing in the Wind. The stylish owner of this bizarrely decorated bar has nightly jamming sessions by talented musicians in this spacious and comfortable club. Guest bands are invited on stage to perform at weekends.

There are three popular late nightspots slightly further away from the Universities. The first is known as Scarlet Bar, situated on Zhongshan Road North. This place is where the city's foreign expat residents tend to end up at the end of the night. It is always crowded with people of all ages and the music is generally good- reggae style with a bit of everything else thrown in for good measure. Another popular place is the Tequilla Bar on Shengzhou Road. It's a good venue and fun to watch the city's local youth at play here. The other good bar/club in Nanjing is the Island Bar. The music is contemporary and fairly up to date (thanks to DJ Island Bob) and it's growing in popularity as trendy Nanjing residents become more discerning in their taste.

There are also a few hotel bars offering a more relaxed and up-market style of entertainment. The Sheraton Hotel has a quaint Irish bar, serving up frothy pints of Guinness and The Jinling Hotel has something similar. Both these pubs are ideal for those looking for a pleasant drink in a peaceful but friendly atmosphere.