Daily 7pm-late, closed Tuesdays
58 Houhai Nanyan, Xicheng
6615 9164
A tiny - three tables and a four-stool bar - living room space where, according to the sign, ‘friendly people’ drink. Small touches make the bar: vintage jazz, memorabilia on the walls, a handwritten menu and freshly-squeezed juices.
Daily 10.30am-2am
2A Nanhai Qianyan, Xicheng
6400 5963
The former greenhouse of a 19th century official is now a quiet, slick cafe. Grab a seat in front of a large window looking out on the lake for quiet contemplation. No cocktails, just coffee (RMB 20 and up), beer (RMB 25-30) and wine (RMB 80 and up).
2pm-3am
18 Section 2, Sanlihe, Xicheng
6852119
Weekdays noon-midnight, weekends noon-3am
43 Doufu Chi Hutong, Xicheng
6400 4875
Former Artefacts partner, Cho Chong Gee has converted a courtyard home into a small, hip hangout where antique furniture mingles with minimalist modern design. The bar is located close enough to Houhai to draw some of those seeking mini hip sipping spots, and far enough to not have been influenced by the pricing schemes (beers run RMB 15 and cocktails from RMB 20). Good, high-priced Malay food available all day.
1pm-1am
2 Yin Ding Bridge, Shichahai, Xicheng
6617 9488
Facing Kao Rou Ji restaurant across a narrow strip of the Qianhai lake is Buddha Bar, a bite-sized carbon copy of the other bars in the area. Lounge seating, antique chairs, sofas and kitschy wall hangings all set to a trip-hop/acid jazz soundtrack. A second location has just opened up a little ways up the lakeside.
1pm-2am
14 Yinding Qiao, Shichahai, Xicheng
6615 1366
The bar formerly known as Bridge 2 is now the only member of the Bridge Bar family. Their extensive menu (yummy pizzas, pasta, sandwiches) is the only one in the hood and is used by surrounding joints. Great coffee (RMB 25 and up) alongside standard lakeside cocktails (RMB 30 and up) and chill out electro music.
8pm-2am
76 Xinjiekou North Street, Xicheng
6618-9305
The J.J offers two separate environments, the J.J lounge and the J.J nightclub. By providing both drinking and happy environment, the J.J is able to offer flexibility to the going-out experience. The J.J lounge offers a quieter place for friends to talk. The bar is the perfect place to lounge after work, sit and grab a bite or enjoy a cocktail before entering the club.
The J.J nightclub, is a two level elegant, modern and open dance club. The club features state of the art lights, and sound, an high DJ booth, large dance floor and a dancing stage to show off.
9am-late evening
16 Tuanjiehu Nanli, West gate of Tuanjiehu Park, Xicheng
Island on Qianhai
8597-8391, 6400 2787 island@bj.col.com
6 Xuan Wu Men Nei Dajie
10-6603 6688