Nights Out in Beijing

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 cafés. 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, Houhai and Nanluoguxiang.

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.
Address: 2/F China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Da Jie, Chaoyang District

Durty Nellies
Beijing's favorite Irish pub has Guinness on tap, 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.
Address: 12A Dongdaqiao Xie Jie, Chaoyang District (in the south Sanlitun bar strip)

First Café
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 color scheme combined with large picture windows on the second floor room allow sippers to contemplate Bar Street in solitude.
Address: Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District

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.
Address: Gongti Dong Lu, 200m south of the City Hotel, Chaoyang District

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 andDuck Beijing's most popular sports bar.
Address: 1 Bihuju Nan Lu, opposite the west gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District

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).
Address: 12 Dongdaqiao Xie Jie, Chaoyang District (in the south Sanlitun bar strip near Durty)

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 andworld music. If this place is full, you can visit one of itsmany imitators in the area. Next door is Nuage, a funky Vietnamese restaurant.
Address: 3 Qianhai Dong Yan, Xicheng District (next to Kao Rou Ji Restaurant)

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

Laowai's
A campus-style bar in the Wudaokou area. Popular among western students.
Address: 2/F, Bldg 12, Huaqing Jiayuan, Wudaokou, Haidian District
 
THEATERS

Located inside the Exhibition Center complex, this theater stages Chinese and Western plays, operas and ballets.

Beijing Exhibition Theater
Address: 135 XizhimenwaiDa Jie, Xicheng District (near the zoo)

Lao She Teahouse
Named after a famous Beijing writer, this teahouse stages shows that incorporate several traditional Chinese performing arts like magic shows, puppetry, and "cross talk." It also includes scenes of Peking opera. Tea and snacks are served during the show. You don't have to speak Chinese to enjoy the performances.
Address: 3 Qianmen Xi Da Jie, XuanwuDistrict (south of Tian'anmen Square)

Tianqiao Theater
Features a variety of Beijing-style cabaret acts, such as singing, magic shows, fire-eating and "cross talk." The Tianqiao also stages touring productions of musicals and plays from abroad. When it's not staging variety shows, the Tianqiao hosts overseas productions of musicals and opera.
Address: 30 Beiwei Lu, Xuanwu District (west of the Temple of Heaven)

ACROBATICS AND MARTIAL ARTS

Red Theatre
Kungfu show.
Address: No. 44, Xingfu District, Chongwen District

Chaoyang Theatre
Acrobatic show.
Address: No. 36, East Third Ring Road

Universal Theater
It's also called Heaven and Earth Theater. The acrobats here spin plates on bamboo poles, jump through hoops, pile onto bicycles by the dozen and contort into pretzels.
Address: 10 Dongzhimen Nan Da Jie, Chaoyang District (50m north of Poly Plaza)

Wansheng Theater
The award winning nightly show by the Beijing Acrobatic Troupe features impressive feats of strength and agility. Performers juggle and tumble while balancing towering beams.
Address: 95 Tianqiao Shichang Jie, Xuanwu District (east end of Beiwei Lu near the Tianqiao Teahouse)

CLASSICAL

PEKING OPERA
Chang'an Grand Theater
The Chang'an Grand Theater offers full Peking operas on weekend evenings.
Address: 7 Jianguomennei Da Jie,Dongcheng