If you have never visited Beijing or you are a relative new comer that likes to have the odd tipple or perhaps even the occasional night of alcohol fueled debauchery you need to be familiar with the areas in which the majority of the capitals bars are concentrated. There are a number of different bar districts and they cater to different styles of drinkers and each district offers a completely unique nightlife experience. Whether you are planning to paint the town red or just go out for a quiet couple of drinks the guide will give you an introduction to Beijing’s bar streets.

Sanlitun Bar Street 三里屯酒吧街

At just over a quarter of a kilometer longSanlitunis Beijing’s most well known bar street. Most of the bars are concentrated along Sanlitun north street however a number of bars are to be found on the south street. North street includes the up-market and trendy 5 floor Nali Patio Mediterranean style plaza; the more gaudy, riotous and low rent Tongli studios and the bars facing them; Taikooli’s upper levels various bars and restaurants; Workers Stadium and facing opposite Xingfucun residential complex.

Sanlitun hosts the broadest cross-section of bars, from the grimiest dive bars to lofty lounges high up at the top of sky scrapers. You can find expert mixologists and every variety of alcoholic tipple that you can imagine, along with the cream of the country’s DJs plus international stars for your dancing pleasure. Sanlitun is frequented by all types of crowds from backpackers to high financial industry rollers and it really does cater to every kind of drink mood. You can chill on a comfy sofa in Q bar or dance like there’s no tomorrow in Lantern Club.

Recommended Bars/Clubs:

Mix- Mix is one of China’s earliest superclubs. Dancefloor shaking chart toppers, lots of conspicuous consumption and posing are the order of the day in this incredible club.

Q-Bar- Sanlitun south away from the maddening crowd of north street you can hang out with the grown and sexy crowd and sip on a rainbow of daiquiri flavors.

First Floor- This bar is a bit rough and ready but it probably seems the most human traffic out of all the bars, if you are looking to meet all kinds of people in a warm atmosphere this is probably the perfect choice.

Cicada Ultralounge- This isthe placeto be seen in Beijing. Expect luxurious surroundings, beautiful clientele and extravagant cocktails.

Nanluoguxiang Bar and Street Shichahai Bar Street 什刹海酒吧街

南锣鼓巷酒吧街

Nanluoguxiang Bar Street (commonly referred to as NLGX) began to become populated with bars over a decade ago and it is a very picturesque bar alley situated in Beijing's Dongcheng District. There is plenty of revelry but the loud music is kept quieter later in the evening out of respect to the local residents . Generally speaking, the bars here cater to the more bohemian foreign and domestic crowd. Before hunkering down on a bar stool or an alcove of a quirky hutong bar visitors can also browse the boutique shops lining both sides of the street and snack on a variety of highly acclaimed street foods.

Shichahai Bar Street, very near to NLGX is an a waterside street which is also home to a number of bars and restaurants which are favored by both Chinese and foreign tourists that enjoy views of houhai like lit up in the evening. In this area you can settle down for a meal in a bar/restaurant and in many places you will be treated to a live band for entertainment. If you want a laid back drink and you are not so bothered about mingling, this is the area for you as most of the bar patrons are tourists.

Recommended Bars/Clubs:

Salud- This is a Spanish bar which feels very homely and offers good tapas and tequila. If you are planning on being seated for your drinking session it is a good idea to arrive fairly early as the bar gets rather busy

Four Corners- If you are an arty type or you want to go to a place where you can rub shoulders with the coolest people in town this is probably the best place for you. All kinds of drinking delights are to be discovered in this courtyard bar- once you have founded it. It’s one of the more difficult to locate bars in the city.

Dada- The heart of Beijing’s alternative and underground dance scene is to be found right here. Dubstep, UK Funky, Drum’n’Bass spun by famous guests from all around the globe is what attracts people to this small club which is a twist on the old bare-bones warehouse style club.