Beijing Nightlife

Beijing will not only ensure that you have a full and interesting day but will also present you with colorful choices for the nightlife.
 

Peking Opera
Beijing Opera Pictures

Beijing Nightlife Things to Do

Traditional performances such as the Beijing Opera, acrobatic shows and dramatic performances in the teahouses are popular with the more mature visitors to the city, while the younger generation seems to favor the snack markets, pubs, clubs and cafes. For the stranger who wishes to become acquainted with the city, a stroll along Chang'an Street to Tian'anmen Square is highly recommended.
 

Tianqiao (Overbridge) Area

For foreigners to experience Beijing nightlife, Tianqiao is a great choice! It's a place that cannot be omitted when considering the nightlife options for the old local people is the Tianqiao (Overbridge) Area. In actual fact it is not a bridge but a location popular for gathering to eat, drink and to enjoy the entertainments and amusements on offer there. Tianqiao has been a favorite venue for ordinary folk since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). This area was also the cradle of Chinese folk culture and art where many original folk performances such as acrobatics and music were devised. The area has changed somewhat over the centuries but the quality of the entertainment here continues to be of a high standard. Two of the most famous venues are the Tianqiao Theater and Tianqiaole Tea House (the name means Happy Overbridge) and it can be found at No.30 in Beiwei Rd, Xicheng District). The theatre specializes in modern song and dance performances while by contrast the teahouse offers the more traditional arts of Beijing Opera, Acrobatics, Martial Arts as well as folk songs. Visitors to China may be a little apprehensive about going to the opera but it is an experience not to be missed as the performances are really quite spectacular, including as they do music, dance, acrobatics and spectacular costumes.
 

Lao She Teahouse

Other places to explore Chinese folk culture include the Lao She Teahouse (3F, building 3, Xi Da Jie, Qianmen), where you can experience the famous Chinese tea culture and find a quiet place to relax and maybe do some reading.
 See more Teahouses in Beijing
 

Liyuan Theater

There is also the Liyuan Theater (inside Jianguo Hotel, Qianmen, at No. 175 in Yongan Lu) here there are nightly performances at 19:30 pm of genuine Beijing Opera and other folk performances. One need not be concerned about language difficulties with Chinese opera and drama as both make considerable use of mime. The opera often has subtitle boards displaying a translation. As a result they are quite easy to understand.
 

Acrobatic Shows

Chinese acrobatics have a long history and is one of the most popular art forms among Chinese people. Performers have achieved worldwide fame for their wonderful skills and marvelous acts. Acrobatic Shows can be seen at the Chaoyang Theatre or Wansheng Theatre, 95, Tianqiao Market, Xicheng District.
Top 4 places to See Acrobatic Shows
 

Other Traditional Chinese Performance

The Kung Fu shows, puppet shows, exotic ballet, opera, concert and modern drama are put on every day in this city. Full details are published in the daily newspapers and information is usually available at your hotel's reception desk.
 

Theatres & Concerts

Understandably, as the nation's capital, this city is also its cultural center and the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Capital Theatre, the Concert Hall, the China Folk Culture Palace each offer the very best of entertainment adding greatly to the wide choice of nightlife pastimes in Beijing. Program details and ticket prices as well as addresses of the various venues can usually be found in the current 'Beijing Daily'.
 

Night Markets

Every city has its night market and this one is no exception. When the curtain of darkness falls, the snack handcarts come alive. Dongdan Street, Xidan Street, Donghuamen Gate and Longfusi Temple area are the main four night market areas. Snacks include local specialities as well as many that are traditional in other parts of the country, some of which are from minority districts.
 See 10 Best Beijing Night Markets & Snack Streets
 

Walking along Chang'an Street

We would highly recommend a leisurely stroll along the Chang'an Street to observe the scene as one of your nightlife choices. Maybe you would like to do this in style by hiring a rickshaw, what could be more in keeping with the ambiance than that? The street extends all the way to the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square. The palace complex in shadow has an ethereal beauty that is all its own and that is certain to evoke sentiments of the past glory, mystery and intrigue that was once Imperial China.
 

Guide for Foreigners: Top Clubs & Bars

For your Beijing nightlife guide, we recommended some popular bars and best nightclubs in Beijing for such performances here:
 

Huguang Huiguan Ancient Opera Building

Address: 3, Hufang Rd, Xicheng District
 

Beijing Concert Hall

Address: 1, North Xinhua Street, Xicheng District
 

Beijing People's Art Theater

Address: 22, Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District

An elegant teahouseSanlitun Bar Street and the surrounding Embassy Area in Chaoyang District is also a must for many foreign visitors and young people. Here you can find many Beijing clubs and bars. The various bars attract the staff from the Embassies and white-collar workers alike. Here you will find rock-and-roll, hip-hop and Jazz among the many activities. This is a good place to see first-hand something of modern China after a day of exploring its historical past.
 

VICS

Location: in the east inside of the North Entrance of Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang District
Opening hours: 20:00 - 03:00
Cost for ticket: 30 Yuan at weekend, 20 Yuan on Wednesday (Lady's night) and women can enjoy cocktail for free at that night (excluding special activities)
Music: Hip-hop, R&B
 

JJ Bar

Address: A2, Chaibang Hutong, Andingmennei Da Jie, Dongcheng District
Opening hours: for 24 hours
Average cost per person: 20 Yuan - 30 Yuan
 

Beijing Hugo Club

Address: B143, Xiwai Da Jie, Haidian District
Opening hours: from 09:00 until late
 

Banana

Address: 22, Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang Distrcit
Opening hours: 20:30 - 04:00 from Sunday to Thursday and 20:30 - 05:00 on Friday and Saturday
Cost for ticket: 20 Yuan from Sunday to Thursday and 30 Yuan on Friday and Saturday

- Last updated on Apr. 18, 2022 -
Questions & Answers on Beijing Nightlife
Asked by Sorayia | Oct. 20, 2015 03:34Reply
Where should we go for a night out in beijing?
Should we visit the Houhai bars or go somewhere else? Could you please suggest area and place (bar or club)?
Thank you.
Answers (1)
Answered by John from USA | Oct. 20, 2015 20:19
20Reply


Hi, Sorayia! Houhai bars are a nice choice. As I know, the Houhai NO. 5 Bar at no. 5 on the north bank of Houhai in Xicheng District is pretty good. Take subway line 5, get off at Shichahai Station, leave from Exit A1, and walk west for about 328 yards (300 meters).

Moreover, Sanlitun Bar Street is great place to go during night. You may reach there by subway 10, get off at Tuanjiehu Station, leave from Exit A, and walk for about 547 yards (500 meters).

Have fun!
Asked by dipika from INDIA | Feb. 03, 2015 02:34Reply
How to go to see the great wall of china- take a bus tour?
Thanks Cindy, which shows were worth it? Cost of tickets? And again, How to go to see the great wall of china- take a bus tour ? From Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong
Answers (1)
Answered by Cindy from USA | Feb. 03, 2015 02:45
00Reply


Well, each show have different features, all of them are worth seeing. You can just choose one you are interested of.
For the bus tour to the Great Wall, you can take it at Beijing Tourist Center. You can walk westwards from the hotel to Jianguomen, take subway line 2 there and get off at Qianmen. After getting off at exit C, walk southwards to reach.
Asked by Dipika from INDIA | Feb. 02, 2015 04:47Reply
Where & how to reach from Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong to see Opera and acrobatics in Beijing?
My husband and I are visiting for the first time, wish to see Opera, acrobatics, great wall, and what's best. Please let us know where & how to go from Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong , 8th-11th April, 2015. Where can we obtain discounted tickets?
Answers (1)
Answered by Cindy from USA | Feb. 02, 2015 21:24
00Reply


Do you want to go the Rea Theater from your hotel?
You can see many performances in this theater. It's located at No.44, Happy Avenue, Dongcheng District.
You can take public bus no. 827 at East Railway station, and get off at Gymnasium Station. After arriving, walk to the destination directly.
Or you can take a taxi. The cab fare is CNY 20 to 25.

As far as I know, there is no such discounted tickets. So you are suggested to buy the ticket from the formal resources.
Asked by Kingkong123 from PHILIPPINES | Mar. 14, 2014 23:28Reply
How much is the entrance fee to acrobat show?
Do kids (6 & 5yrs old) allowed to watch? How to go there from 161 hostel?
Answers (1)
Answered by Niana from DENMARK | Mar. 15, 2014 01:30
00Reply


Firstly, I'd like to tell you that it is allowed and fine to let your kids at that gae to see the acrobat show! As I know, the latest show costs CNY100/person.

Walk from your hostel to Dongsi Luku South stop to take bus no. 110 or 106 to get off at Tianqiao Station and walk to Wansheng Theater for the show!
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