Time to start planning: 6 of the biggest NYE parties this year

It's the old conundrum of what to do for NYE. Stay in? Drinks at a friend's house? Hit the town? Or just a few quiet ones at your local? By the time you've decided where to go, it's too late. You fancy going big this year, 2016's been pretty terrible, after all. But what to do? Luckily, we've got you covered with a selection of top parties you'll want to be at when the clock strikes midnight.

The End

After nine years at the epicentre of underground culture in Shanghai, The Shelter host their final night on NYE, planning to have '20 DJs each playing 20 minutes.' Of course, it’s likely to be crazy busy, so they’ll be opening early at 8pm. True to form they’re doing no pre-sale – advice is arrive either well before or after midnight to have the best chance of getting in. We'll miss you, The Shelter.

The Shelter, 8pm, TBA.

David Guetta: Now or Never

World renowned French DJ David Guetta will be lighting up the Expo Centre this NYE. The man known for such club bangers as Sexy Bitch and Titanium, Guetta will be sure to help you bring in 2017 with a bang.

Shanghai New International Expo Centre, 8pm, 480-980RMB.

Apocalypse Circus NYE

For one night only Lola has been over run by a freakish crew of performers who will not leave until they have created total mayhem. Sounds intriguing to say the least!

Lola, 11pm, 228-268RMB.

The Pearl Deca-Dance NYE Ball

A real New Year’s Rocking Eve with live rock music from the '50s, groovy and soulful sets from the '60s and '70s, then get really funky after midnight with a full-on disco party.

The Pearl Theatre, 9pm, 388RMB.

Boom Boom Boom NYE Party

The Ritz will be transformed into a striking 1940s blue-themed celebration featuring live musical performers Midnight Swing pumping out funk soul and smooth grooves before DJ Naomi shakes it up with a mixture of house, R'n'B and booming club classics until the early hours of 2017.

Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, 9pm-4am, 888RMB.

Gold NYE 2017

Bar Rouge dolls herself up for Gold to usher in 2017 with an opulent extravaganza. Select your finest attire with a touch of gold if you want to fit in with the club's ever-glamorous clientele. Expect it to be busy on the Bund!

Bar Rouge, 9.30pm-4am, 300RMB.