Beijing's bars range from internationally recognised cocktail rooms to low-key hutong spots and busy clubs around Workers' Stadium. We also recommend local breweries, taprooms and craft-beer brands.
Cocktails and a quieter evening
- Tiao
- At Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, and listed in Asia's 50 Best Bars. Its signature is baijiu aged in miniature ceramic jars. For reference, CNY 300–500 per person and booking three days ahead.
- Long Fong
- On Jinbao Street in Dongcheng, described as a regular on Asia's 50 Best Bars and a technically serious cocktail room. The menu is arranged by strength and flavour; for reference, CNY 150–200 per person.
- YAN+
- A Japanese-style fresh-fruit bar near Dongzhimen, with clean, light cocktails. Sit at the bar for a slower drink and a proper conversation; for reference, CNY 100–150 per person.
Live music and local bars
- Penthouse, Gulou and Longfusi
- With branches in Gulou and Longfusi, bands play Chinese and English songs nightly. The ground floor is more immersive, while the third suits conversation and photographs. For reference, CNY 80–140 per person.
- Gongti West Road clubs
- Beijing's main club district, centred on EDM parties. Supermiami and AURA are among the venues noted for their lighting and production, aimed at committed clubbers.
- Liangma River 1TO3
- Riverside views and folk music, with a reference price of CNY 100–150 per person for a date or a small evening with friends.
Craft beer
Beijing has one of China's strongest craft-beer scenes, ranging from established local breweries in hutongs to multi-brand taprooms with international selections.
Established local breweries in the hutongs
- Peiping Machine
- A Beijing craft-beer standard-bearer : an industrial conversion in Fangjia Hutong and a more open Nafu branch. Try the Baihua Shenchu IPA or mung-bean wheat beer, with roast-duck pancakes or fried chicken; it suits both newcomers and beer enthusiasts.
- Great Leap Brewing
- Opened in 2010 and described as a pillar of Beijing craft beer. Its Doujiao Hutong branch occupies a century-old courtyard. Chinese ingredients shape beers such as the Sichuan-pepper honey ale and the Shaoshuai IPA, in a relaxed setting. A separate shorter entry in for reference, around CNY 60 per person for an inexpensive drink.
Taprooms with international selections
- Shenxiang Craft Beer
- Expect an all-imported, frequently changing list of sought-after beers and a knowledgeable owner. Not far from Beixinqiao, it can be the final stop on a bar-hopping evening.
- Locust Craft Beer, Yongdingmen
- Eighteen taps, with prices we consider good value for Beijing. Two large fridges add bottles and cans for drinkers who enjoy browsing; Nanmen hotpot is next door.
Value and an all-round evening
- Jing-A Taproom
- The Longfusi and Dongdan branches have terraces for evening views. We highlight a creative beer list, good food and a six-beer tasting flight for a first visit, at around CNY 120 per person.
- 70 Craft Beer Bar
- At Chaoyang Joy City, with a reference price of around CNY 100 per person and opening until 02:00. A casual, entertainment-led option for a younger group meeting at night.
Local craft-beer brands to look for
For canned craft beer in a supermarket or online, we highlight these Beijing brands.
- NBeer
- An early Chinese craft-beer benchmark, specialising in gose and sour beers. Its Beijing sea-salt gose is singled out, alongside the brand's competition recognition.
- Jing-A
- A well-known brand that frequently releases experimental and seasonal beers, including creative fruit sours and less-common IPAs.
- Jidu Brewing
- Fruit beers and ciders such as lychee sea salt and white-peach oolong offer a lighter introduction for drinkers who prefer less bitterness and intensity.
- Slow Boat Brewery
- We highlight the food-and-beer combination, with fresh draught beer suited to barbecue or hotpot.
Hutong venues with more than drinks
- Maduo Bar
- In Baochao Hutong off Gulou East Street, combining arcade games and live music. A selection of absinthes and arcade machines makes it a place to drink and play; for reference, CNY 80–120 per person.
- Penthouse rooftop bar
- On Gulou East Street, with four floors and an outdoor rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Professional bands play nightly, suiting a small group who want drinks and live music; for reference, CNY 100–150 per person.
Clubs and dance floors
- Supermiami
- On Gongti West Road, described as one of Beijing's largest EDM clubs. Industrial interiors, a powerful sound system and a large dance floor for Bounce suit a lively night out; for reference, CNY 200–300 per person.
- BLINK
- A Gongti West Road club aimed at a younger crowd, with elaborate lighting and a distinctive vertical room for electronic music and dancing. For reference, CNY 200–300 per person.
- YAO
- A pink-themed Gongti West Road venue playing K-pop, pop and western hits, suited to singing along and dancing. For reference, CNY 200–300 per person.
Before the night begins
- Houhai bar street
- The view is good, but beware of touts, undisclosed minimum spends and time limits at some venues. Confirm the prices and rules before entering or sitting down.
- Book ahead
- For highly rated bars such as Tiao or booths at popular weekend clubs, book several days ahead directly with the venue or its event staff.
- Check prices before ordering
- Drinks can be expensive at some clubs and live-music venues. Read the menu first; standing tables and the bar are generally less expensive than booking a booth.
- Plan the journey home
- Getting a taxi late at night around Sanlitun or Gongti can involve a queue. Plan the return journey and check the last metro if you intend to use it.