Beijing

Sanlitun remains one of Beijing’s most famous nightlife areas, centred on the Taikoo Li complex and a mix of pubs, live-music venues, and cocktail lounges. Once known for a dense 'Bar Street,' parts of that original row have been redeveloped, though the district still attracts embassy staff, expats, young professionals, and creatives into the night.

Shenghuatun Night Market is a food stall stretch beneath neon signs next to Guta Park, serving everything from stinky tofu and lamb skewers to macarons and fried bugs. It buzzes with games, street performances, and influencer livestreams; like stepping into a night-time street fair full of laughter, sizzling grills, and unexpected bites.

Since opening in 2010, Great Leap Brewing has been at the forefront of Beijing’s craft beer scene. Founded by Ohio native Carl Setzer and his wife, Liu Fang, the brewery experiments with Chinese ingredients, such as Sichuan peppercorns and Qingdao flower hops. The bars are often set in traditional siheyuan courtyards, giving a one-of-a-kind local feel while serving up to 40 seasonal beers straight from the tap. The brewery doesn’t serve food directly, but menus from nearby restaurants make it easy to pair a pint with pizza, dumplings, kebabs, or other local favourites.

Mix Club is an established nightclub located inside the Workers Stadium's north gate in Beijing's Chaoyang District. The venue spans two floors, features a dance floor wired for high-profile DJs, and focuses largely on hip-hop and R&B nights. If late-night dancing is on your agenda, Mix is worth checking out.

Nuoyan Rice Wine House is a small, quiet spot focused on contemporary rice wine made with traditional methods. The brand began in 2010 and produces several varieties in-house, including the original brew, rose, osmanthus, vanilla, and Chinese bayberry. The tasting room occupies a former 1970s printing-factory building, now fitted with simple wooden beams and understated décor. Upstairs, a few tables overlook the surrounding rooftops. Light dishes are available to pair with the wine.

Perched on the 80th floor of the Shangri-La, Atmosphere is one of the highest bars in Beijing and an easy pick if you want a drink with a bird's eye view of the city after dark. The room keeps things simple and contemporary, so the skyline stays front and centre. Cocktails lean toward fancy takes on the classics, with a few seasonal ideas in the mix, and the bar usually has either a live act or a DJ in the evenings.

Jing-A is one of Beijing’s most established craft breweries, and its Longfusi taproom sits just west of Dongsi in the hutongs. The space blends a converted-factory look with a relaxed, neighbourhood feel. They pour from 30-plus taps, covering Jing-A classics, seasonal experiments, and a few draft cocktails. The kitchen centres on thin-crust sourdough pizzas baked in a large brick oven, along with a short menu of bar snacks.