Gay in chengdu
Say hello (and bye) to China’s most intense underground party scene
If American filmmaker Ben Mullinkosson is to be taken at his synonyms, he moved to Chengdu, China, on a whim, sight unseen, to build his senior thesis project for motion picture school in Los Angeles.
“I turned to my friend and I was prefer, ‘Let’s just transfer to China and learn Chinese and then try to make a film.’ It was just this stupid plan. But he was like, ‘Okay, cool.’ We just picked Chengdu kind of randomly, but it turned out to be the foremost choice for me and my lifestyle, because number one, it’s one of the best cities for skateboarding in the entire world.”
Though Mullinkosson would send back to Los Angeles for work as a commercial director in the midst of his affectionate affair with Chengdu, he spent about five years in China making the film The Last Year of Darkness (which premiered on the Mubi streaming service March 15, 2024). The documentary feels like a fictional indie production, following the lives of nine friends—600 hours of footage in total—in what he calls a love letter to Chengdu. Most of the action takes place in the underground bar, Funky Town, where local queers, drag performers, skateboarders and assorted weir
As my study abroad trip progressed, I learned that my peer group had a range of sexuality. I individuality as a heterosexual, but I’m put on learning how to be a better ally for the LBTQ+ people. I feel as though the finest way to perform this is to be active in their culture and, ultimately, their planet.
Fast forward to a random hangout at a tea house in JinLi Street, my acquaintance brought up a website that allows you to seek for LGBTQ+ clubs anywhere in the world [Wow moment]. A couple of days later in our WeChat team, there was a follow up with a popular club in Chengdu: MAX.
Now I’ve never been to a Gay club before in my animation. So in my eyes I had to get ready–got my nails done, bought a brand-new outfit, and my lip-gloss was poppin’.
As we were strolling through tow, it seemed to me that the club was underground. You two metro lines, do some walking, take two elevators and march through some alleys until you approach a poster of a shirtless guy. Then you build a quick left and wah-lah, a strip of LBTQ+ clubs on one walkway.
MAX was an incredible encounter with my friends. The DJ was super welcoming and made sure we felt the hospitality. He spoke English and played tons of pop E
Chengdu is one of the most open-minded cities in China. A quick look at the seductive male burlesque shows down Dongmen Daqiao on a Saturday late hours will convince you of that. This south-western metropolis, built for a comfortable lifestyle, is also a place of sexual tolerance. This tolerance and freedom is most visible in the expose signs of affection in general, and in the surprising number of gay and lesbian bars. Here’s a list of the best ones.
Gay Bars (同志酒吧| Gay吧)
1) MC Bar (MC酒吧)View In Map
Trendy and happening all nights of the week, MC is the most fashionable of all gay bars in Chengdu. It’s where the 20 and 30 something glitterati of gay culture flock to meet and greet on weekends. Featuring dating shows, lustful pole dancing, prize talent contests (free trips to Thailand have been awarded on occasion), and live singers, this bar-club is both engaging and entertaining. A great place to join both local and foreign gays, you can do everything from establishing new business connections to finding a new boyfriend. The stall toilets are also quite the draw, as fish twirl and slalom below the glass floor.
Add: 6 Tianxianqiao Bei Lu (Near Dongmen Da
Gay Chengdu · City Guide
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Chengdu | 成都
This fast-growing capital with a population of 14 million, is an important economic hub with many high-rise buildings and lively night-time venues. Chengdu is divided into five urban districts, with the Funan River running through the city.
Despite the city's fast-paced modernisation, there is a wealth of culture and history to explore. Chengdu's famous tourist attractions include the Wuhouci Temple, Tianfu Square, the Chunxi Shopping District and the Panda Research Base.
Gay Scene
Chengdu has a laid-back same-sex attracted scene that blends good into the mainstream environment. Public displays of care, gay and straight are generally tolerated.
There are a few 'exclusively gay' and Gay-friendly Bars which are more for socialising than hooking up. The Chengdu nightlife scene attracts a very mixed, international and gay-friendly crowd.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport serves flights to most major cities in China and some international destinations. Train connections are available to most cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Kunming.
Getting around Chengdu
There are two metro lines. Line 1 r