The Musician's Guide to Live Music Venues in Chengdu

Written By Kiremico Media

So you're planning a tour in China and Chengdu is on your list. Good choice.

Chengdu has one of the country's coolest and fastest-growing music scenes. While it's rightfully famous as the epicenter of Chinese rap (thanks to acts like the Higher Brothers), the underground live scene is a formidable force of its own. From sweaty punk clubs to laid-back reggae bars and intimate folk cafes, this city is bursting with places to play.

But here's the thing: finding the right stage as an independent or touring musician can be tough. Gigs can be hard to find, festivals get cancelled, and the audience—while passionate—is still smaller than Beijing or Shanghai. The good news? The people running Chengdu's small venues actually care. They're not just looking to make a quick buck; they're building community.

"All sorts of subcultures are developing here—part of it is that the pace of life in Chengdu is slower than China's big cities, so people have time to practice the arts." – Chengdu rapper TSD

We talked to venue owners, managers, and musicians across the city to bring you this guide. Whether you're a touring act looking for a gig or a local musician wanting to find your people, here's where you need to know.

Chengdu, An amazing place to chill and check for great music in China.

Quick Tips for Touring Musicians in Chengdu

  • Weekends are king. Almost all live music happens Friday-Sunday. Weekday shows are rare—audiences here aren't used to them yet.

  • Small venues are your friends. New bands grow in small spaces. Don't skip them hoping for bigger crowds; the connections you make matter more.

  • Bring merch. Chinese audiences love physical goods, and small venues often have space to sell your stuff.

  • Learn some Chinese. Even a few words goes a long way. "Thank you" (谢谢, xiè xie) and "we are [band name]" is enough to start.

  • Be flexible. Some of the best gigs happen spontaneously. If someone invites you to jam, say yes.

BAO LIVE

Lovely Music Sessions at the BAO LIVE.

A Two-Story Space for Spontaneous Sessions

This small and lively venue is tucked away on the sub-level of a street mall in Chenghua District. But don't let its hidden location fool you—it's one of Chengdu's most welcoming spaces for musicians.

Why play here: I had an incredible night here recently. The people who work there are super friendly, and there's a wonderful openness to the space: if the stage isn't occupied, you can just pop up, use the instruments, and create your own impromptu gig. It's that kind of place.

The vibe: The venue itself has two floors and a really cool ambient atmosphere. The regulars create a warm, welcoming community, and you might even catch some spontaneous guitar playing between tables on any given night. For musicians looking for a low-pressure place to play and connect, BAO LIVE is a true hidden treasure.

  • Add: 四川省成都市成华区万年场街道双福一路58号附296(负1楼)

  • Address: No. 296,附, 58 Shuangfu Yi Road, Wannianchang Subdistrict, Chenghua District (Sub-level 1)

  • Pro tip: Just show up. If the stage is free, play.

四川省成都市成华区万年场街道双福一路58号附296(负1楼)

JAH BAR

I'll start where it all began for me in Chengdu. Run by painter Judy Chu and her husband, this reggae joint on the south side of the Jinjiang River is a true original. Going through the tattered lanterns and driftwood doors, you're welcomed by a small stage holding a drum kit, guitars, and amps.

Why play here: This is the most "local" venue in Chengdu. Period.

The deal: Jah Bar does something almost unheard of in today's music market: they never charge venue fees, and all ticket revenue goes to the band. If it's a ticketless show, they'll give the band encouragement and send some wine. The stage is open and public—as long as it doesn't conflict with other schedules, anyone can perform.

"Jah Bar is not a live house, but a bar that supports bands. When you're in a band, you must want to perform. Many bands can't perform because of venue costs. Jah Bar has been providing them with a stage." – Yan Zi, manager

The experience: On most nights, there are unrehearsed jam sessions. The place is often packed, with people spilling out onto the terrace overlooking the river. The tables are filled with an eclectic bunch in faded retro shirts, taking in sessions by a newly formed indie band, a jazz trio from Mauritius, or a Sichuan bongo ensemble with dreads. The atmosphere is sticky, smokey, and egalitarian.

A piece of history: At their 16th anniversary party in April, the riverside streets were packed all night. Performers couldn't even get into the venue, so they stood on the street until 4 a.m. and played a morning show—the first all-nighter in the club's history.

What to know:

  • Add: 36 Laonanmen Daqiao, Hongmen Jie No. 118 (opposite "big boat")

  • 地址: 成都市老南门大桥黉门街36号附118号

  • Tel: 136 8905 1773

  • Capacity: Small, intimate

  • Genres: Reggae, jazz, blues, rock, jam sessions

  • No venue fee. All ticket money goes to the band.

  • Open mic/jam nights: Almost every night, spontaneous

Add: 36 Laonanmen Daqiao, Hongmen Jie No. 118 (opposite "big boat"), Chengdu
地址: 成都市老南门大桥黉门街36号附118号
Tel: 136 8905 1773

The Icon: Little Bar (小酒馆)

The birth of underground music in Chengdu is widely attributed to Little Bar. Tastefully decorated with arty photographs and paintings, it's been a mainstay since 1997. It's no longer just one bar—it's a family of venues that have shaped the city's sound.

Why play here: If you want credibility in Chengdu, you play Little Bar. It's where countless Chinese indie bands got their start.

New Little Bar (Fangqin Branch 芳沁店)

This is the heart of the operation. A small live bar with a capacity of around 100 people, it's the home for punk and rock in Chengdu, with local bands playing every Friday and Saturday. The atmosphere is electric—intimate, sweaty, and real.

The vibe: Expect to get close to the audience. Really close. The stage isn't raised much, and people will be right there. It's the kind of place where you can get down in a mosh pit or, if you're lucky, stage-dive and have the crowd catch you.

What the venue says:"It's not that anyone can get a lot of audience the first time they play. New bands will go through a process of slow development, which is the mission of small venues. Small venues have low cost pressures, audiences are close to the stage and the band, and a few dozen people packed together creates a great atmosphere." – Cai Ming, venue manager

Practical info:

Little Bar Space (小酒馆空间)

The largest of the group, located in the MixC mall, this venue is designed for larger concerts. It has an open-plan warehouse vibe and can fit more than 800 people, but somehow still manages to hold onto that intimate Little Bar atmosphere.

Why play here: When you've outgrown the small room but aren't ready for arenas. They bring in big international and Chinese indie acts.

  • Add: 8 Shaungqing Rd., East Sect. 3rd, Ring 2nd Rd.

  • 地址: 二环路东三段双庆路8号

  • Capacity: 800+

Yulin Branch (玉林西路店)

The original location is now retired from live music, but the surrounding bar strip is still a great place to start a night out and meet local musicians.

Little Bar 小酒馆 (Fangqin branch芳沁店)View In Map
Add: No.5, 47 Yongfeng Lu, Chengdu
地址: 成都市永丰路47号附5号
Tel: 028 85568552

Hetang branchView In Map
Add: Baimu Hetang, Huangbo Lu, Wanxing Qiao, Chengdu
地址: 三圣乡荷塘月色万兴桥璜柏路百亩荷塘中

MINGTANG SHIDUO (明堂世多).

Circle Live Pub 圈子酒吧

One of Chengdu's main live music venues, with regular live bands, especially on weekends. It's a lot more spacious than Little Bar and a great choice for soaking up some Chinese rock.

  • Add: Jianshe Zhong Lu 5th Avenue Commerce Street 3F Bldg A 132

  • 地址: 成都市建设路中 第五大道三楼后座A-132

  • Phone: 135 5011 5013

Hemp House 麻糖酒吧View In Map

This reggae-themed bar is home to weekly reggae parties and live bands. With a foosball table, a large outdoor patio, and a laid-back atmosphere, it's a top choice for combining fun, games, and live music. As they say: "When the sun is shining, the weather is sweet!"

  • Add: Dongmen Daqiao, Oriental Times Plaza, 3rd Floor

  • 地址: 成都市东门大桥东方时代商城三楼

Elephant Bar 大象酒吧View In Map

This little bar on Fangqin Street organizes occasional Chinese folk rock gigs. Its intimate setting, arty interior, and mellow live gigs make it a perfect place for chilling out.

Machu Pichu 马丘比丘咖啡馆

This softly lit café bar is furnished with rustic Himalayan furniture, and eclectic musical instruments adorn the walls. It's one of the most laid-back spots for acoustic, jazz, and folk performances. They have a weekly open-mic night on Thursdays. If you're not there for a show, grab a board game or play some foosball.

  • Add: 14 Fang Hua Heng Jie, Chengdu

  • 地址: 成都市芳华横街14号

  • Tel: 028 8513 2903

24D LIVE HOUSE

24D SPACE is a multi-functional art space focused on live music, integrating a live music venue, bar, exhibition space, film screenings, and salons. It was established in Beijing in 2021 and put down roots in Chengdu in 2023.

Why play here: This place was built for new bands. Founder Shao Qiang (who previously worked at Beijing venues like Sparrow's Home and Le Space) wanted to create something different from the standardized, cookie-cutter Live Houses popping up everywhere.

The philosophy:"The name 'Live House' originated in Japan, and initially it referred precisely to small-scale live performance venues, many in basements or semi-basements. The places I went to when I was young, although small, after the show, people would often buy a beer and sit together to chat and connect."

For new bands: 24D SPACE focuses on being friendly to new acts. Generally, venues require a guarantee fee—several thousand or more per show. But Shao Qiang knows that new bands might only sell a few dozen tickets. Paying a venue fee would mean losing money. So they keep things flexible, and they have a series called "East Gate Rising" specifically to support local new bands.

The challenge:"One thing I didn't expect was how 'small' Chengdu's music market is. I used to think large venues and music festivals didn't conflict much with small venues. Now I realize the actual audience base is limited. If several thousand-person venues open simultaneously, the audience disappears. And performances are almost entirely concentrated on weekends, making it impossible to compete."

What they're doing about it: They're slowly cultivating weekday shows and building community. "Chengdu audiences still have attitude. Take it slow, no rush."

Practical info:

  • Add: Floor 4, Unit 6, Building 4, Hengda Central Plaza, Chenghua District

  • 地址: 成华区恒大中央广场商铺6栋4层406

  • From: Wannian Road Metro Station, Exit A (5 min walk)

  • Capacity: Small

  • Genres: Independent, underground, new bands welcome

NU SPACE

Just around the corner from the Wide & Narrow Alleys, NU Space is part of the growing artist community MiNTOWN. It started as a simple coffee and art space but has evolved into a serious live music venue, giving Little Bar a real run for their money.

Why play here: This is where subcultures meet. Combining all things creative, they give a stage to emerging musicians, electronic performers, and hybrid audiovisual acts. They also bring in big international names.

The space: The venue has an epic sound system that'll knock your hat off. And the surrounding neighborhoods have some of Chengdu's best local food—perfect for post-gig dinners with new friends.

What the venue says:"From 2018 to 2020, we ranked first in Chengdu for total live performances for three consecutive years. Every city needs venues at every scale—small, medium, large. Having more is a good thing. It's like different-sized group dinners: the more restaurants on Kuixinglou Street, the better—you always want choices when eating out." – Deng Yani, venue manager

Perks for touring bands: NUSPACE has design apartments behind the venue that they offer to touring bands at a discount. Performance venue and accommodation in one place—way more convenient than hotels.

Practical info:

  • Add: 9 Kuixinglou Street, Qingyang

  • 地址: 成都市青羊区奎星楼街9号

  • Capacity: Medium (fits several hundred)

  • Genres: Indie, electronic, experimental, international acts

  • Special features: Cafe, illustration store, design apartments for bands

The Rooftop: Wild Fairy Tale · Rooftop (野生童话·天台)

Located on a rooftop in Yulin, an old cultural district of Chengdu, this is a multi-functional cultural space composed of an outdoor platform and several indoor spaces. It integrates music, theater, exhibitions, parties, and independent studios (coffee, alcohol, Tarot, private kitchens, skateboarding, tattoos, handicrafts).

Why play here: Is it technically a Live House? Even the founder isn't sure. But a lot of people first discovered it through a live music event, and it's become a beloved spot for intimate performances.

The philosophy: "Any form of performance can be done here. It's a shared living room for people who need it." – Ye Lan, founder

For musicians: They share the space with everyone. As long as your work is decent, you're basically not refused. There's no venue fee, so quite a few people come to do musical activities. Performances are usually by musicians who aren't very well-known or are popular in niche circles. Zhang Ruoshui, himself a musician, often invites his musician friends to play here. Sometimes new bands also choose to perform here.

The catch: Due to complaints from residents (not the music volume itself, but the noise of 100-200 people suddenly arriving in the building), they won't be doing as many musical activities here in the future. They're shifting focus to acoustic and world music, plus more non-music events.

Still worth knowing: This place represents something special about Chengdu's small venues—imperfect, community-driven, and full of heart.

  • Add: Rooftop, 8th Floor, Building 2, No. 93 Fangcao Dong Jie, Wuhou District

  • 地址: 成都市武侯区芳草东街93号2栋8楼天台

  • Note: Call ahead to confirm what's happening—their online platforms sometimes show "temporarily closed"

DINGHALL (丁空间·DINGHALL Music Hall)

A place that musician Yunmeng Wang, though it focuses more on classical music. It’s called DINGHALL (丁空间·DINGHALL Music Hall).

The environment there is quite special, with a large courtyard, an old Chengdu-style open terrace, a café and tea space, tall old plane trees, and a small community music hall.

Thanks to YUNMENG WANG for her support while writing this blog. Also information takes from E-China Cities ,

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