10am-4am
Sanlitun Street, Chaoyang District
6416 1633
The Big Boat is exactly what the name suggests. On board this massive ark-shaped structure is a high-tech stage and lighting system that will host jazz, blues, pop, rock, dance shows, and even Sichuan mask-changing opera.
7pm-midnight
22 Houhai Xiyan, Deshengmen, Xicheng
8403 6256 ext 20
Opened by design firm Blue Elephant, this bright, Fellini-esque space is full of plant life, slick modern couches and the occasional antique. A second floor balcony is a little too intimate, but the rooftop patio offers one of the lake’s best views. Mid range prices for cocktails and coffee.
No.5 (Building No.40) North Sanlitun North Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
朝阳区三里屯北街5号40号楼
64166272
Daily 6pm-2am
Sanlitun Nanjie, Chaoyang
6594 4868
The Kiwi-themed Tanewha has a loyal following. Wooden floors and candlelight lends the place an air of sophistication. The popular pool table draws a lot of business. The music is a mix of rock, jazz, R&B and soul. Tanewha sports a large selection of lagers and mixed-drinks as well as good bar food.
Daily 11am-late Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang
8456 2899
Opened by rocker-come-popstar Zang Tianshuo. Zi Yue performs on the first and third Fridays of the month, and the stage, one of the best in town, also plays a host to a variety of other more titillating shows. A selection of Western food is available, and booze is priced on the higher end of the scale.
Daily 8pm-1.30am
12A Chaoyangmenwai Beidajie, Chaoyang
6552 9059
A three-storey homage to latin dance: the second floor restaurant has a live feed so that diners can take in the third-floor dance floor action. Regular dance contests are held when the singers in the Cuban house band ask patrons to imitate their homegrown dance moves.
Daily 7pm-3am
4 Gongti Dong Lu, Chaoyang
6595 9494 ext 80
The name says it all. A live band pumps out Mandopop classics framed by a stage of outrageously garbed showgirls (dancing nuns on one occasion). Uniformed hostesses in slinky evening wear serve you drinks, light your cigarettes : all part of the in-house service. Part cabaret, lounge, dance club and KTV, an evening spent in Success is the be-all, end-all of Beijing kitsch. Best of all, there’s no cover charge!
NO.4 Gongti Beilu Chaoyang
65066770
Daily 6.30pm-1.30am
A2 Huang Ting Zi Lu, Haidian
8204 9579
The grandaddy of Beijing’s rock scene, Soundstage (aka Rhine River) underwent managerial changes, and will no longer host live music. From here on, Beijing’s best bands will have to find an alternative to the capital’s best stage. No word as of yet what will replace this landmark of live music, but the bar will continue to operate.
Daily 6pm-late
1 Qianhai Bei Bian, Xicheng
Yet another bar by the lake featuring the now bog-standard loungey, laid back, antique-filled vibe.