Sprung from the imagination of a former Jianghu partner known as ‘69’, DDC represents a step up among Beijing’s small-sized livehouses. Drawing on Jianghu as its spiritual predecessor both in terms of design and its programme, which mixes jazz, folk and indie rock, DDC makes the most of its hutong digs, preserving and building on the original siheyuan structure.

Inside, DDC is divided into a performance space and bar area. The performance space, which is filled with tables that can accommodate around 40, boasts quality gear and a medium-height stage. Where it really shines, aesthetically speaking, is its bar area–a renovated courtyard featuring a stone and tile floor, trees growing up through the tables and a glass roof with lantern-style lights.

For a break from the action you can go upstairs to the veranda which has a couple of small, peaceful patios dotted with tables. Drinks include craft brews and imported beers and a long list of single malt whiskies. It may be on the pricey side by livehouse standards, but then DDC evidently has a specific clientele in mind. China’s so-called ‘artistic youth’ – the kind of urbane, young mingle-friendly crowd that don’t mind throwing down for a night of music and microbrews – will be all over this place in no time.

Address: 14 Shanlao Hutong, Dongcheng District 东城区美术馆后街山老胡同14号

Source: timeoutbeijing.com