Hang out in Beijing at night is great fun, listen to music and have a beer in the ancient capital. What are good destinations for a night tour?
Sanlitun Bar Street
San Li Tun bar street is must go for night life. CD café near to Sanlitun hosts great Jazz bands, though there are a lot of night clubs and discos in this area.. Locals and foreigners mingle freely. If you prefer being close to the stage then you'd better go there before 8 or 9 pm. Very often if the band is singing a well known song, then everyone will follow along. The song list varies from soft rock to ballads to rock to folk. When you are ready to be served since the wait staff are always less than 5 feet away. so you don't have to worry about running out of something to drink. In many of the bars, ladies will sell cigars and cigarettes to you, and even flowers! So Sanlitun Bar Street is a great place to just go and chat with your friends whilst listening to some great music.
Add: The Sanlitun area is Gongti (Workers Stadium) northeast of the city centre - take the tube to Tuanjiehu station on subway line No.10.
Wangfujing Street Night Markets
This local night snack street is located near Wangfujing Street, hence the name Wangfujing Street Night Markets. It is actually located on Donghuamen Street. So this snack food street is also known as Donganmen Night Market. Here you can buy Mongolian barbecued lamb, sweet rolls, drinks, and much more. Even if you don't eat anything, it's interesting to just be here and take in the sights. Add: Take Line 1 of the Beijing subway and get off at Wangfujing station.
Houhai Lake Area: bars and night boating
Houhai is very fashionable and trendy in contrast to Sanlitun’s Bar district. There are many different bars and restaurants lining the shores of Houhai Lake. The places are interestingly decorated and there is good music with small dance floors. The area is a good place for people watching and taking a stroll. When people talk about Houhai, they are commonly referring to Shichahai which is composed of three lakes - Qianhai Lake, Houhai Lake and Xihai Lake. All three lakes are connected and lined with lots of bars and restaurants. The area also features a boat house with boats you can rent to paddle out into the lakes.
Add: Houhai lake, Lotus lane, north of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Acrobatics Show - Chaoyang Theatre
While in Beijing you should catch an acrobat show. It's inexpensive and quite amazing to witness what these artists can do with their bodies. Beautiful and impressive performances will keep you entertained and amused throughout the show. Definitely worth a visit! Tickets begin at RMB100 (EUR10) and the show starts at 19:15. There are several acrobatics shows in Beijing. Chaoyang Theatre is one of the best. The theatre is located in the Chaoyang District and is a Chinese acrobatics show involving cycles, tight rope walking, and spinning plates. It is a very entertaining show which is primarily for tourists and comes highly recommended.
Add: 36 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Hujialou, Beijing ( opposite Jing Guang Hotel). Tel: 65072421/1818
Peking Opera - Liyuan Theatre
You haven't experienced the Chinese culture if you haven't been to a Chinese Opera. Be sure to visit an opera with English translations! Chinese opera is a combination of acrobatics and singing. The singing is quite different from that which foreigners are used to, so be prepared for a culture shock! The Monkey King is a favorite of many. Colorful makeup with different bright costume and exaggerated eye movement and body gestures. Dancing and acrobatic jumps with fans or swords. There are also soprano, tenor and base solo performances which receive hearty applause from the audience. There are several places to enjoy Beijing Opera and Liyuan Theatre is one of the most visited theatres. It is located on the first floor of Qianmen Hotel.
Add: No. 175 Yongan Road Beijing China Tel: 63016688 ext Liyuan Theatre.
Tiananmen by Night
After visiting the major touristic sites during the day, it is a good idea to reserve some time for Tiananmen visit at night. The lights of the government buildings as well as of the Mao Mausoleum are a joy to behold! So, after visiting Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City during the day, you should do a nighttime visit too, as it is a totally different experience
Add: downtown Beijing, reached either by subway or one of many bus lines.
Karaoke, Beijing
Like other countries in East Asia, many young people in China love karaoke. There are many are Karaoke halls in Beijing. Inside you and your friends will have a private room. You can order drinks and usually food then sing to your heart’s content. A good time will be had by all.
