SPLASHING OUT
Cloud Nine Bar
Get your glad rags on and your hand in your pocket with Beijing's jet set crowd. Daily 8am-2am. Shangri-La Hotel Beijing, 29 Zizhuyuan Lu, Haidian District. 6841-2211 ext 2723. 九霄云外, 海淀区紫竹院路29号, 香格里拉饭店内
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. 6561-8833 Ext 42. 朝阳区光华路嘉里中心一层
Face Bar
School-turned-bar and restaurant. A pool table stands by the entrance and outside, clumps of bamboo, a man-made stream and carved wood stools create a surprisingly atmospheric place in which to kick back. 26 Dongcaoyuan, Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District. 6551-6788. 朝阳区工体南路
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
Rickshaw
Rickshaw' complete menus are available at their masterminds' latest installation, with the addition of site-specific servings, including breakfast. The downstairs is a utilitarian arrangement of wooden tables and orange couches, while the upstairs is the same plus a bar, open balcony and four plasma TVs.10am-late. Nansanlitun Lu (near Browns and the alleyway to The Bookworm), Chaoyang District. 6500-4330. 朝阳区南三里屯路
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
No Name
Boasting great Yunnan cuisine and a lush atmosphere, the bar is so named because it had no sign but still found fame through word of mouth. Tropical waterfall, bright sofas, wicker furniture, and Dai ethinc-group textiles constitute a comfortable atmosphere, withood range of cocktails, imported wine and beer as well as herb and fruit tea and an exotic selection of juices. 11am-1am. 1 Dajinsi Hutong, Xicheng District. 6618-6061. 云南餐厅,大金丝胡同1号, 银锭桥南
Cosmo
The bar lives up to both meanings of its namesake - alluring Beijing's "citizens of the world" and capturing the essence of the classic cocktail. The use of miniature furniture, tiny tables and small sofas, knee-high to the average adult scatter in a spacious room with conspicuously high ceilings. 8pm-late.
Room 78 of Grand Rock Plaza (accessed through east entryway), Gongti Bei Lu, opposite Asia Hotel. 5190-8918.
Liangma Lounge
The decor here is a fusion of geometrically experimental modern design theory and antiquated European adornment. Full-range of wine and posh nosh are available. Third floor of Liangma Bogong. 53 Maizidian Jie, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区麦子店街53号
Liana
Liana is conspicuous among the surrounding unassuming structures. It place has a contemporary feel cinched by the fact that its black plastic tables are inset with touch-screen videogame systems. Spiral staircase, rooftop terrace, hanging red lanterns and string lights add to the imposing profile of the bell tower. 34 Yandaixiejie, Houhai, Xicheng District. Michael at 136-2121-1978. 西城区后海烟袋斜街34号
SIT AND CHAT
Bed & Tapas Bar
Sprawls of cushions and bed-type booths make this a cool hangout. Mon-Tue 4pm-late; Wed-Sun 12pm-late, 17 Zhangwang Hutong, Xicheng District. 8400-1554. 床吧, 西城区旧鼓楼大街张旺胡同17号
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
The Hidden Tree
Famous for foreign, mainly Belgian, beers and its pizzas. Generally a quiet place, the hubbub of conversation is sometimes accompanied by live music. 43 Sanlitun Beijie (behind Poachers and Fish Nation), 6415-1954. 隐蔽的树, 三里屯北街43号
No Name Bar
The original kid on the block heralding the start of the Houhai circus. Easy atmosphere and nice toilets. Daily Noon-2am. 3 Qianhai Dongyan, (next to Kaorouji Restaurant), Xicheng District. 6401-8541. 无名酒吧, 西城区前海东沿3号烤肉季隔壁
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
Stone Boat Bar
Overlooks the manicured park gardens and the lake. Inside, the roof, crossbeams and windowsills are elegantly painted in traditional Chinese style. Daily 10am-late. Lakeside, southeast corner of Ritan Park, Chaoyang District. 6501-9986. 石舫，日坛公园东南角
Goldfish Home Bar
Lakeside-drinking spot looks like an elegant gentleman's club plucked straight from 1920s Shanghai. Daily. 5 Lotus Lane (or Lotus Market, hehua shichang), Houhai, Dongcheng District. 6615-8966. 金鱼私房吧, 东城区后海荷花市场5号
The Pavillion
Has a 90 wine cellar, 40 scotches, range of cigars, Guinness and leather sofas. Good place for networking. 10am to late, seven days a week. Opposite the west gate of the Workers' Stadium, Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. www.pavillionbeijing.com. 6507-2617. 工体西路(工人体育场对面)
Bus bar
Two buses gutted out and welded together for your evening of entertainment pleasure. Dirt cheap drinks and scruffy atmosphere appeal to the crowds. Edge of the parking lot across from the north gate of the Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区工体北门对面的大停车场
Ball House
A red door in a secluded alleyway is home to this pool haven. Pool costs 50 yuan an hour, drinks are on the pricey side. 2pm-late, East of the Drum Tower, Zhonglouwan Hutong (next to Hosanna Cafe, behind Gu Lou Xidajie. 6407-4051. 钟楼湾胡同, 东城区鼓楼西大街
Candy Floss Cafe
Featuring in childhood fairytales, the bar's natural, shady setting is highlighted by weeping willow, pretty ponds, steppingstones, spiral stairs, rooftop terrace, rustic wood tables and chairs. Guests can choose from a selection of books and games, while enjoying the friendly service and reasonable-priced drinks and home-style meals and snacks. 3pm-midnight. Candy Floss Cafe 35 Dongmianhua Hutong, Dongcheng District. 6405-5775. 东棉花胡同35号
Nanjie
The slogan "Shut up, just drink" goes with cheap booze to the sound of British indie tunes. Young and distinctly happy crowd. Daily 5pm- late. Gongti Beilu (opposite the Workers' Stadium north gate), Chaoyang District. 6413-0963. 南街，朝阳区工体北路，工体北门对面
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
Rain Bar
The bar is sliced into three styles: the dark wood furniture marks the drawing room, the light green sofas and drapes make up a modern lounge, and tested route to comfort - soft red armchairs next to a heater that hums unobtrusively. Daily 2pm-late, 4 Xihai Xiyan, off Xiaotongjing Hutong, Jishuitan subway, south down Xinjiekou Beidajie, Xicheng District. 6617-3231. 西城区新街口北大街
SPORTS BARS
Bla Bla Bar
Situated inside the BLCU campus, offers cheap booze, and international crowd. Good sports coverage. Daily 2pm-2am. Beijing Language and Culture University, Haidian District. 6239-7033. 海淀区语言学院内.
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.
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
Red Football Club & Bar
It's a simple idea: take one free-standing bar, add a couple of Astroturf five-a-side pitches, put some shower facilities on the side, and sprinkle generously with tables. Pitches available daily 7am - 11pm. Gongti Beilu (in car park between Bus Bar and Yugong Yi Shan). 6413 - 2848. info@redball.com.cn. 工体北路
5:19 Bar
The 5:19 Bar claims to serve Beijing's best value-for-money Bloody Mary. It may also hold a title in the stakes of the city's friendliest watering hole. It has the lived-in feel of a local pub where all the patrons know one another. On the walls is paraphernalia relating to the various sporting associations for which 5:19 serves as base. All three chapters of Beijing's Hash House Harriers meet here (the owner co-chairs the Full Moon chapter) while it also hosts two expat dart teams. 8448-0896. 26 Xingba Lu, Nuren Jie, Chaoyang District, next to PiliPili. 朝阳区女人街星吧路26号
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Browns
Extremely popular bar/club with foreigners, who make up 80 per cent of the crowd. Fun, vibe with 80s, 90s upbeats hits the mainstream musical diet. 2am till late. 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. 6591-2717. 工体北路4号
Poachers Inn
With the same tunes every week, Poachers takes full advantage of the transient population but does it well. Daily 8pm-late. 43 Bei Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang District. 6417-2632 ext 8506. 友谊青年酒店, 朝阳区北三里屯路43号
Banana
Three floors of glass walled seating surround a packed dancefloor, tended by some of the world's top DJs. It is big, bold and brash, with a mammoth sound system you could shake a filling at. Weekdays 8:30pm-4:30am; weekends 8:30pm-5am. Scitech Hotel, 22 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. 6528-3636. 巴那那, 朝阳区建国门外大街22号赛特饭店一层
Tango
This massive club, divided into three areas, is replete with another - Mango - on top and a KTV in the basement. The venue provides something to suit all tastes. Daily 24 hours. South gate of Ditan Park, (next to Jindingxuan Restaurant), Dongcheng District. 6428-2288. 糖果, 东城区地坛公园南门(金鼎轩旁边)
Alfa
Stylish decor 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 decor 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. 朝阳区工体北门内
Vics
A young, mostly expat crowd getting it down to the wee hours to a mix of hip-hop, funk, soul and reggae. Daily 8:30pm-late. Inside Workers' Stadium north gate, Chaoyang District. 6593-6215. 威克斯, 朝阳区工体北门内
Kai Club
A fave for those getting tanked up on the cheap before going elsewhere. Mon-Fri 6pm-2am; Sat-Sun 6pm-4am. Sanlitun Beijie (around the corner from Poachers Inn), Chaoyang District. 6416-6254. 开, 朝阳区三里屯北街(从友谊青年酒店拐弯)
Salsa Carib
A pirate theme and a boat protruding from the outside, Salsa Caribe dances to a Latin beat. Women - expect to be hit on. Daily 7:30pm-late. 4 Gongti Beilu (across from the Loft) Chaoyang District. 6507-7821. 卡利宾拉丁舞俱乐部, 朝阳区工体北路4号 (藏酷对面)
Latinos
With its warm, red interior and shiny, wooden dance floor, Latino's is the place to shake your stuff in a friendly and international atmosphere. For those new to Latin fever, the club holds free dance lessons three nights a week. Besides hot live music, Latino's hosts regular guest performers and themed parties. Open late, Tuesday to Sunday. 6409-6997. A12 Nanxincang Historical Complex, 22 Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District. 东城区东四十条22号南新仓文化街甲12号
White Rabbit Club
The straight-forward design of the club is made for electronic music lovers with a non-stop nocturnal passion for dancing. The understated decor centers all attention on the music and the patrons. From the looks of things, Beijing's premiere DJs and discriminate party-goers have found themselves a new home sweet home. C2 Haoyun Jie (Lucky Street), 29 Zaoying Lu, Maizidian, Chaoyang District. 13321123678.
北京市朝阳区麦子店枣营路29 号好运街C2.
Live music
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. 喜客音乐酒吧朝阳区吉庆里14号佳汇国际中心
Nameless Highland
Portable military hardware decorates each table, surrounded by robust wood and canvas chairs. National Flag and camouflaged sheets, the curious martial theme the bar the perfect setting for a laid-back arms bazaar. The music is great and beer is cheap. Daily. 14, Area 1, Anhuili, Yayuncun, Chaoyang District. 6489-1613. 无名高地, 亚运村安慧里一区14楼
Zeta Bar
It's a joint that James Bond would feel at home in: high ceilings, balcony to leer from, dimmed lights and somber decor. It actually reminded one of the inside of Bond's escape hatch in Moonraker (minus the balcony). A jazz band was on hand to complete this scene of sophistication and the resident DJ, a snakeskin boot and leather pant-wearing Australian with a medieval haircut, lent the room a certain synthetic hipness. Mon-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sun 5pm-3am. 6466-2288. 2/F, Hilton Beijing, Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区东三环北路希尔顿饭店2层
Guitar Bar
At this fiddler's tavern the first thing you notice when you enter is that there actually are guitars all around you. There is a range of standard drinks on offer, all reasonably priced and if the jangling inside is a touch too much you can lounge outside in the laneway and watch the crowds stroll by. Death metal musicians probably need not apply. 40 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. 东城区南锣鼓巷40号
Writers Bar
Although the name and images it inspires are somewhat scholarly, you don't have to be a novelist or even be able to read to enjoy the Writer's Bar. It's an opulent drink that suits the room's opulent decorations, which include a grand piano that sits unattended on a large ballroom floor. Raffles Beijing Hotel, 33 East Chang'an Avenue. 北京饭店内，东长安街33号
East Shore Live Jazz Cafe
Low lighting, dark wood furnishings and an exceptional panoramic view of the Houhai lake make this place seem like a movie set. And a glass paneled wall-inset showcases a collection of antique instruments, including a saxophone, trumpet, flute and retro microphones. Jazz performance take to the stage at 10pm on show nights, with the thrill brought by such jazzmen as saxophonist, pianist, bassist and drummer. 2/F, 2 Qianhai Nanyanlu, Xicheng District. 8403-2131. 西城区地安门外大街前海南沿2号楼2层
Jiangjinjiu
As one expat patron put it, "It's the place where the musicians, artists and all of the quirky people of Beijing hang out". Across from the table from her, local folk rockers bobbed their heads while listlessly thumping hand drums and lackadaisically strumming acoustic guitars. The place has become known for ethnic minority and rock music acts starting at 9:30pm Friday through Sunday. 2 Zhongku Hutong, (just doors south of The Drum and Bell in the plaza of the drum and bell towers), Dongcheng District. 8405-0124. 东城区钟库胡同2号, 鼓楼北门
Club Obiwan
The zig-zag stairwell and the rooftop terrace add to the enjoyment of cocktails, Western entrees and imported German beer. Live Capoeira music and performances, free Samba lessons, electronic DJs and theme parties have repeatedly shown up on the monthly schedule.1pm-2am (weekends 1pm-till late). 4 Xihai Xiyan, Xicheng District, 300m from Jishuitan subway station. 6617-3231.
西城区西海西沿4号, 离积水潭地铁站300米
Exotic flavor
Sangria Club
Spanning two floors beneath Elisa's Italian Restaurant, this new nightspot shimmers with the style of southern Spain. Here, dark-wood furniture and plenty of plants create more-or-less Moorish environs. Boozers can belly up to the bar and perch on square-shaped wooden stools, grab seats on the pillow-lined wooden benches or stretch out on the establishment's traditional kang beds. 5867-0248.
29 Zaoying Lu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区枣营路29号
(China Daily 10/31/2007 page10)
