Raise a toast inside a favorite hutong haunt

Nestled in a string of antiquated edifices in the shadow of the capital's drum and bell towers is a hutong haunt that has become a Beijing nightlife institution.

The Drum and Bell has for years wooed relatively localized expat crowds. Its most celebrated feature is an elaborate tiered balcony. This spot provides alluring views of the looming bell tower, the peaceful plaza and the patchwork of ancient rooftops below.

The rooms on the first floor are stocked with sofas, chairs and traditional wooden kang beds swathed in colorful blankets and heaped with comfy pillows. Jutting shelves and recessed insets showcase traditional teapots, Mao memorabilia and abstract paintings.