Nights Out in Beijing        2008-6-20 16:30:31

A visit to Beijing isn't complete without sampling its vibrant nightlife. After two decades of breakneck economic growth, the city is experiencing a cultural renaissance. Actors, musicians and artists from all over the country come to the capital seeking ideas, camaraderie and the "big break."
Beijing's theaters, concert halls, galleries and underground rock clubs attract eager crowds, as do bars and cafes. With so many entertainment options, Beijing surely has something to offer every visitor.
Listed below are some of Beijing's best entertainment venues. You'll find information about upcoming events in the free English magazines. These publications are bursting with information about anything you'll need to know on how and where to have fun. Be warned though, many bars and clubs come and go, so it's always best to check in one those free magazines and see if the bar you're planning on going to tonight is still around.

BARS & CAFES
There are several Beijing neighborhoods where numerous bars are clustered together.
These include Sanlitun, Chaoyang Park and Houhai.
Most establishments serve coffee and alcohol, some serve snacks and meals.

ARIA
Aria blends elegant surroundings, sophisticated cocktails, and a long wine list.
 If you,re hungry, head upstairs to the  restaurant that serves refined continental
and fusion fare.
Add: 2/F China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwa Da Jie, Chaoyang District
Open Time: 11am to midnight

Burty Nellies
Beijing's favorite Irish pub has Guinness on Iap, hearty Irish stew, a pool table and friendly staff. On Friday nights, when the cover band takes the stage, this is not a place for a quiet conversation.
  Add:   12A Dongdaqiao Xie Jie, Chaoyan District (in the south Sanlitun bar strip)
Open Time: noon to 1am
Add: l/B Liangmaqiao Flower Market, Chaoyang District 
Open Time: 11:00am to 1:30am

First Caf
A small upscale joint without bells or whistles: Just a place to slide up to, grab a quality cocktail and have a conversation. Mandopop-inspired jazz, candlelight and a dark and heavy colour scheme combined with large picture windows on the second floor room allow sippers to contemplate Bar Street in solitude.
Add: Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 6501 8812
Open Time: 6pm to 2am

Frank's Place
Frank's Place has kept its all-American image going since the late 80's. Beijing's unofficial 19th hole, it draws a faithful crowd of golf aficionados and ex-pat business types who come for imported beer on tap and Beijing's best burgers.
Add: Gongti Dong Lu, 200m south of the City HoteL, Chaoyang District Open Time: 11:00am to midnight
Goose and Duck Pub
British pub grub like bangers-and-mash and fish'n'chips, imported beer, pool tables, darts and nonstop sports on the big-screen TV's make the Goose and Duck Beijing's most popular sports bar.
Add: 1 Bihuju Nan Lu, opposite the west gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District
Open Time: 24 hours

The Hidden Tree
Named after the gnarled oak that provides  shade to its outdoor patio, the Hidden Tree keeps them coming with its wood-fired pizzas, juicy steaks and fine Belgian beers (Chimay, Leffe, Duvel, Hoegarden).
Add: 12 Dongdaqiao Xie Jie, Chaeyang District  (in the south Sanlitun bar strip near Durty)
Open Time: 11:00am to 4pm
No Name Bar
The birth of the cool, this nameless bar was the first to set up in the now-thriving Houhai area. A great place in which to spend a mellow afternoon or evening, the bar's interior is a study in wood, rattan and tropical greenery. On the stereo is muted acid jazz and world music. If this place is full, you can visit one of its many imitators in the area. Next door is Nuage, a funky Vietnamese restaurant.
Add: 3 Qianhai Dong Yan, Xicheng District (next to Kao Rou Ji Restaurant)
Open Time: noon to late

Starbucks
Starbucks is immensely popular with Beijing's young professionals. New outlets seem to open all the time, they can be found nearly everywhere.
Add:  2/F, China World Trade Center, 1 Jianguomenwai Da Jie, Chaoyang District


NIGHTCLUBS
The 88 Club
The Club's dance floor is surrounded by couches where patrons catch their breath after shaking and grinding to the techno and house music spun by top local and international DJs. Upstairs is a Vietnamese restaurant (Citronelle) that transforms into a lounge with low-key music.
Add: Building 43 Beisanlitun Nan Li, Chaoyang District (just west of the Sanlitun bar strip)
Open Time: 8pro to 4am

The Den 
The granddaddy of Beijing's club scene, this establishment still draws an international crowd to its second-storey dance floor where
DJs spin a mix of pop, house and R&B. On the ground there's a lounge/restaurant where you can grab a pizza, lasagna - or even breakfast if you're still grooving at 6am.
Add: 4 Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District (beside the City Hotel)
Open Time: 9am to 3am Sunday to Thursday, 10:30am to 6am Friday to Saturday

 Latino's 
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