Beijing Nightlife in Sanlitun, Chaoyang District
North Sanlitun Bar Area and South Sanlitun Street Clubs and Bars
Oct 29, 2009
The Sanlitun area of Beijing, located in Chaoyang district in the northeast part of the city, was designed as a nightlife zone for locals and tourists. The nightlife area, also home to many embassies and shopping complexes, is divided into two parts, North Sanlitun and South Sanlitun.
Beijing Nightlife at the Bars and Clubs of North Sanlitun – Sanlitun Bei Lu
North Sanlitun is easily recognizable by it's neon-drenched signs and trees decorated year-round with multicolored holiday lights. But smart travelers avoid the touts on the gaudy west side of the street trying to draw tourists into overpriced bars and cross the street to the east side of the road, home to the Village shopping center, Opposite House hotel and more. The Opposite House hotel has two award-winning bars, Mesh and Punk, both upscale venues frequented by wealthy locals and embassy expats.
Another popular venue in the North Sanlitun area is 3.3 (San dian San), home to China Doll nightclub. Behind 3.3 lies Tongli Studios, a collection of popular bars and eateries, including Kokomo, Bar Blu, Le Petit Gourmand and Lugas. Hidden away between Tongli and 3.3 is The Saddle, a Mexican restaurant and bar where partiers satisfy late-night cravings for huge margaritas and chips with salsa.
Further around the corner, visitors can find Kai, Shooters, Poachers, the most popular options for heavy drinking and partying, often frequented by students and interns in Beijing. Cheap drinks are the watchword here, so visitors should expect behavior in the area to coincide with that. Wander further afield to find Lugas Villa for live music or The Tree for pizza and an extensive imported beer menu in a relaxed atmosphere
The north Sanlitun area has plenty of venues to curb late-night munchies, too, from the British fish and chips joint Fish Nation to street vendors selling hot dogs, chuar (roasted meat on a stick) and malatang (skewers of various items boiled in a spicy broth).
South Sanlitun Beijing Nightlife – Sanlitun Nan Lu
South Sanlitun, located across the large road Gongti Beilu, has a slightly different vibe from the north side of the street. Many of the original bars and clubs on the west side of the street were torn down before the 2008 Olympics
Far down the road to the south is Q Bar, located in the Eastern Inn and sporting a rooftop patio. Q Bar is widely known for its cocktails, and just may have the best Pina Colada in town. Closer to the main intersection, visitors can find the often rowdy Rickshaw, with its sports bar atmosphere, chicken wing specials and inexpensive drinks that draw in the crowds.
Venturing deeper into the area, past the Bookworm bookstore, are Nanjie Bar, Salsa Caribe and Tun. This section is also home to many restaurants, so it’s a popular place to dine on Hotpot, Thai cuisine or sushi before dancing the night away at Salsa Caribe, Tun, or Nanjie.
With so many options in the Sanlitun area, its no wonder the bar district is so popular with locals, expats and tourists alike. The key to really enjoying Sanlitun is to venture beyond the tourist traps on the main street and get to the places where those in the know hang out.
Other options for Beijing nightife can be found in Wudaokou, Hou Hai and the Workers Stadium areas.
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