SPLASHING OUT
Centro
Award-winning Centro has a certain 'je ne cest quoi' that draws the society's movers and shakers. Added to this is the line-up of dynamic performers, from barmen to live musicians, wicked cocktail offerings, fine wines, champagne and two happy hours. 65618833 Ext 42. 65618833 ext 42. 朝阳区光华路嘉里中心一层
Suzie Wongs
A 1930s opium den, it offers dimly lit curtained alcoves along with spacious main seating areas, ornately furnished with antique Chinese furniture and hanging lanterns. 1A South Nongzhanguan Lu, Chaoyang Park West Gate. 6593-6049. 苏茜黄，朝阳区农展馆路甲一号朝阳公园西门
Guangfu Forcing House
It is a 600-year-old Taoist sanctuary turned into a terrific temple of tipple. Upon entering this establishment, visitors pass through a large arched entryway painted with murals of women in flowing dresses scattering flower petals and toting zithers. Traditional-styled screens, and Buddhist sculptures, Cubist paintings and potted plants line the walls of these dimly lit rooms.Daily, 5pm-late. 36 Yandai Xiejie, Houhai, Xicheng District. 131-2182-5633. 西城区烟袋斜街36号.
The Houhai Zoo
The intimate interior offers high-standing cocktail tables, cozy booths and a semi-private room which is ideal for private parties. It shares the "Shut Up, Just Drink?philosophy with its popular siblings. In addition to its picture-perfect location, the venue offers affordable drinks, a full food menu, and a good-sized dance space. Daily, 10am-late, Houhai Zoo, Bldg 2, Qianhai (next to East Shore Live Jazz). 6403-6690. 西城区前海2号
SIT AND CHAT
Drum and Bell
Homey atmosphere built in an old courtyard, with roof terrace seating area. You can look across the hutong roofs of old Beijing. Daily Noon-2am. 41 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District. 8403-3600. 鼓钟咖啡馆, 东城区钟楼湾胡同41号
Pass By Bar
Intimate atmosphere and a comprehensive Italian menu. Known for its (often inaccessible and unorganised) book collection until Bookworm came along and stole the show. Daily 9am-2am. 108 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. 8403-8004. 过客, 东城区南锣鼓巷108号
Souk Bar and Restaurant
Spacious bar, cluttered with dark wooden tables, cupboards, plant pots, hookah pipes, colourful cushions and red lanterns. Daily. Chaoyang Park West Gate (behind Annie's). 6506-7309. 朝阳公园西门
Pretty Bird
Situated under a housing complex, this amusing place is there for the taking to make your own, whether just the two of you or in a large group to discover. Daily, 5.30 pm to 2 am, Anhuali Siqu, Block 3, off Andingmenwai Dajie behind the Taiyanggong Hotel, Chaoyang District. 6427-7025, 6427-7076. 丑鸟, 朝阳区安华里四区3号楼
SPORTS BARS
Goose and Duck Pub
A mainly expat crowd in this pub cum sportsbar venue. Nice beer and great food served in spacious seating area. Daily 24 hours. 1 Bihuju Nanlu, Chaoyang Park west gate, Chaoyang District. 6538-1691. 朝阳公园西门，碧湖居南路1号
The Den
Popular with foreigner sports fans into football, rugby and cricket. Dancefloor upstairs. Daily 24 hours. 4 Gongti Donglu, (next to City Hotel main entrance), Chaoyang District. 6592-6290. 敦煌, 朝阳区工体东路4号, 城市宾馆主门旁边
Frank's Place
Sports bar with clean, light, comfortable wood-paneled interior and no frills patio area with mostly a male, middle-aged customer base. Daily, 10 am to 2 am, Jiangtai Lu, west of Rosedale Hotel, Lido area, Chaoyang District. 6437-8839, 1343-979-6359. 朝阳区将台路, 珀丽酒店西
The Pomegranate
Situated in an old hutong, sport is the focus with some charcoal black and white surrealist artworks hang on brick walls capped with a timber ceiling. Daily 11am-midnight. 19 Kaifa Lu, Xibaixinzhuang, Houshayu, Shunyi District. 8046-2558. 石榴园餐厅酒吧, 顺义后沙裕西
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Alfa
Stylish deor and seated gallery. Hosts a mixed crowd, a fountain and private tables. 80s night on Fridays. Daily 11am-2am. 5 Xingfu Yicun, (in the alley opposite the Workers?Stadium north gate), Chaoyang District. 6413-0086. 朝阳区幸福一村5号(工体北门对面的胡同里)
Cargo
A packed dance floor and ultramodern deor put Cargo light years ahead of the other mega-clubs lining the Gongti Xilu strip. Daily 8pm-late.6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. 6551-6898. 朝阳区工体西路6号
Babyface
A popular nightclub surrounded by a pack of others. Foreigners enjoy this club. Lots of money flying about in this cavernous venue. Daily 8pm-4am. 6 Gongti Xilu (next to the Gongti 100 Bowling Lanes), Chaoyang District. 6551-9081. 朝阳区工体西路6号(工体100保龄球旁边)
Mix
Big, brash night club with foreign DJs and a hip-hop crowd. Daily 8pm-late. Inside Workers?Stadium north gate, Chaoyang District. 6530-2889.
Live music
Yugong Yishan
The bar area, with black-fleeced sofa against the wall painted red, is combined with the dancefloor with pool tables out back. Daily 5 pm-late (bands start at 10 pm). 1 Gongti Bei Lu (rear of the car-park opposite Workers?Stadium North Gate), Chaoyang District. 6415-0687. 愚公移山, 朝阳区工体北路1号
D-22
Run by music lovers for music lovers, the bar plays live jazz and rock music. Daily, 13 Chengfu Lu, Wudaokou, (between Wudaokou Subway and Peking University), Haidian District. 6265-3177. www.d22beijing.com. 海淀区成府路13号
Star Live
Features big name international bands and top local talent. South Gate of Ditan Park, Dongcheng district. 6425 5166. 星光现场，地坛公园南门
2 Kolegas
Listen to live jams while lounging with friends in this reasonably priced venue. 9pm-late. 21 Liangmaqiao Lu (north of Chaoyang Park). 亮马桥路21号，朝阳公园北
Chic
Decorated with omnipresent neon, bountiful box-lights and a VIP balcony, the bar's main claim to fame comes from its fantastic bashes, such as its infamous 007 Parties. And even on non-party nights, professional dancers don crazy costumes to excite throngs by shaking what's in their thongs. Daily, 8pm-late. Jiahui International Center, 14 Jiqingli, Chaoyang District. 6552-7519. 吉庆里14号佳汇国际中心
