While it may be a relative newcomer to the international party scene, Beijing has no shortage of all-night karaoke lounges and western-style pubs and cocktail bars.

 

Sanlitun’s (三里屯) “bar street,” located in the embassy district, is a favorite for westerners due to its heavily American and European influenced bars. Another party point, Nurenjie (女人街), loosely translated as “women’s street”, has similar offerings. The Houhai (后海) area is a tamer and more romantic alternative that trades in some of the chaos and excitement for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Houhai’s lakeside bars and outdoor tables create a more subdued drinking experience. In the last few years Wudaokou (五道口) has become a popular congregation point on the north side of Beijing. Here, the high concentration of universities and foreign exchange students has prompted the rise of a younger, and cheaper, nightlife hot spot.