Chaoyang

 

Sanlitun 三里屯 Sānlǐtún. Long the center of nightlife in Beijing, Sanlitun is located beside the embassy area in Chaoyang district. It is comprised of a main "bar street" divided into north and south sections, a side street with more casual and cheaper bars, and several large clubs/discotheques at the near-by north gate of the Worker's Stadium separate entry below. Sanlitun has near legendary status amongst travelers, but you are just as likely to be irritated by pushy bar-owners or DVD sellers as you are to be charmed by its bars. Sanlitun is considered the 'old' nightlife district since Beijing started opening Western style clubs about 2005 in other areas, which means it is worth going to but if you are looking for the younger, party crowd then there are better places to go.

The main strip of bars along the east side of Sanlitun Lu usually called Sanlitun bei or north are interchangeable and unremarkable bars, but the drinks can be cheap, and this is where the doormen will try to lure you in to their club with special offers. Two other clusters set back from the street itself:

The south section is located south of Gongti Beilu. Take your first left into what looks like a parking lot and walk past The Bookworm to find the bars:

Heat

Next to Salsa Caribe, this is a bar with all-white decor. Plays hip-hop music and is one of the latest closing bars around 7AM.

 

The "pedestrian" side street with more casual and cheaper bars is along a couple small back streets located immediately behind 3.3 Mall, north of the Village. Here you will find:

 

The number of bars and clubs in the area around Worker's Stadium has increased as Sanlitun has been minimised by the city development. Now, the Worker's Stadium area shoud be considered a separate bar area. In fact, there are three distinct areas: the North Gate Gōngtī Běi Mén with the Kro's Nest, Vics and Mix; the huge entertainment complex on the West side Gōngtī Xīlù; and Face Bar just opposite the south side of the Stadium.

 

A new bar area has in recent years emerged West of Chaoyang Park.

CD Jazz Café

Live jazz Fr and Sa, recorded other nights.

Closer

Innocent lingerie pub.

Durty Nellie's

Irish pub frequented by expats.

Lantung Thai Bar + Bistro

Thai tapas bar specialising in infused vodkas. Great roof top terrace.

Suzie Wong's

One of the more expensive bars along the Chaoyang Park West Gate strip, but remains quite popular. Tuesdays have salsa sessions, and other days different music. Busy on weekends, with a large crowd of both foreigners and Chinese.

EIFE

The coffee and real bread are awesome here. The place is owned by an Italian man, Renzo, who's very friendly. They serve incredible pastries starting around ¥5. Fresh-squeezed juices are alsoserved at this cafe. There's a Starbucks next door which helps as the wireless Internet functionality slips through the walls.