Nightlife in Beijing
Beijing has the best rock 'n' roll in China and funky venues to match. In the Haidian university district, D-22 is on the cutting edge of Beijing's rock scene. In central Dongcheng district, close to the Drum and Bell Towers, is MAO Livehouse, as well as the romantic bar, Bed. For late bars and clubbing, the east is the place to go. Chaoyang district hosts fashionable haunts like Q Bar, and thriving clubs like Suzie Wong's and White Rabbit.
Bars
Expand all1. Kokomo - Caribbean flavour
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The Caribbean-style roof terrace at Kokomo on Sanlitun draws a large crowd of after-work drinkers, especially in the summer. The DJ often hits steel drum anthems as he plays, creating a lively atmosphere. Enjoy tropical cocktails and jerk chicken.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
4/F, Tongli Studios, Sanlitun Houjie (above China Doll), Chaoyang district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6413 1019
2. Tun Bar - Warehouse drinking den
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One of the more popular spots in Beijing's Sanlitun nightlife area, Tun Bar boasts a solid drink selection, good service and daily specials. Formerly a warehouse, somehow this unlikely combination of dance hall, lounge and sports bar works beautifully.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
Sanlitun Nan Jie, 4, Gongti Bei Lu (in Cross Club's rear parking lot), Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6585 5866
Transport
Taxi
3. Pass-By Bar - Quirky watering hole
Show moreGood drinks and Italian food are served in this restored Tibetan-themed courtyard house down the quaint and quirky Nanluoguxiang street. A favourite with visitors, the Pass-by Bar has free Wi-Fi for checking emails and an extensive English-language library.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
108, Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 8403 8004
Transport
Taxi
4. Lan Club - Cocktails with glamour
Show moreThe Phillipe Starck-designed Lan Club in Jianguomen draws Beijing's young starlets and high-fliers. This is a place to sip lychee martinis and check oneself out in mirrored bathrooms. It serves high-end fusion cuisine and has an oyster bar.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
4/F, Twin Tower, B12 Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 5109 6012/13
5. Bed - Beds and tapas
Show moreThis bar in Xicheng is a minimalist haven of beds and cement. Bed's vibe is quiet and romantic - this is more the place for a date than for a party. It also serves delicious tapas and Asian finger food.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
17, Zhangwang Hutong, Xicheng district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 8400 1554
Transport
Taxi
6. Face - Colonial cool bar
Show moreFace in Chaoyang has a grand colonial feel, with artefacts from China, India and Indonesia. An upscale crowd comes to drink mojitos and eat the surprisingly tasty red curry popcorn. Face also has free pool and Tetley's beer on tap.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
26, Dongcaoyuan, Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6551 6738
7. Q Bar - Grooves and martinis
Show moreQ Bar in Chaoyang is renowned for its cocktails and list of Martinis, including a chocolate variety. Good DJs play a funky mix of nu-jazz, soul and house. There's a great outdoor patio for summer nights.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
Eastern Inn Hotel, Sanlitun Nanlu, Chaoyang district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6595 9239
8. The Bookworm - Literary hub
Show more This bookish haven near Sanlitun has a library of over 16,000 English language books, a book shop and a restaurant with quality international food. The Bookworm hosts regular events and talks and puts on a literary festival in March.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
4, Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district, Beijing 100000
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6586 9507
Clubs
Expand all9. White Rabbit - DJs choice
Show moreThe White Rabbit in Chaoyang might not have elaborate decor but Beijing's best DJs often call it their favourite club in town, largely because of its ace sound system. Expect high quality techno, pared down like the industrial decor.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
29, Haoyun Jie, Chaoyang Gongyuan Xi Lu, Chaoyang district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 133 2112 3678
Transport
Taxi
10. Suzie Wong's - Post modern Beijing club
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Suzie Wong's in Chaoyang harks back to 1930s Shanghai but with a post modern feel. A young and beautiful crowd lie on Ming Dynasty beds and dance to sexy house. Many a cross-cultural romance has started in the rooftop garden.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
1A, Nongzhaguan Lu, Chaoyang district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6500 3377
Entertainment
Expand all11. MAO Livehouse - Rock 'n' roll cool
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MAO Livehouse in Dongcheng used to be a cinema but is now at the forefront of Beijing's down and dirty rock scene. The concert floor slants towards the stage and there's a separate bar and lounge area for cooling down.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
111, Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6402 5080
12. The Star Live - Big sounds
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The Star Live in Dongcheng is Beijing's only middle-sized venue, providing the intimacy of a smaller gig with the capacity to host bigger names. Local rock 'n' roll stars and international acts alike have graced its two floors.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
79, Heping Xijie, 3/F Tango, Dongcheng district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6425 5677
13. D-22 - Up-and-coming bands
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This venue in the Haidian university district is the best place to catch up-and-coming local bands. All D-22 staff are musicians or film-makers, and they're dedicated to providing Beijing with good live music. Films are screened every Wednesday and Thursday.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
242, Chengfu Lu, Haidian district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6265 3177
14. Poly Theatre - Cultural hub
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The perfect acoustics at the 1,428-seat Poly Theatre in Dongcheng have persuaded some of the best classical music, opera and ballet companies to come to Beijing. Verdi's La Traviata, Romeo and Juliet and the Nutcracker have all been performed.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
14, Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng district, Beijing 100027
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6500 1188
15. National Centre for Performing Arts - Classically designed arts venue
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Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the spectacular egg-shaped National Centre for Performing Arts in Xicheng opened in July 2007. There's an opera house, concert hall and two theatres, which host world-class opera, ballet, drama and Chinese opera.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Address
2, West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing
Telephone
+86 (0) 10 6655 0000
