Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( Qiǎokèlì; 19 Ritan Beilu, 9pm-7am; Chaoyangmen)
There are a number of Russian-style bars
around the Rìtán Park area, but with its over-the-top, gold-themed decor and cheesy floor
shows, as well as a Mongolian dwarf doorman, this is the closest you will come to a genu-
ine Moscow nightlife experience in Běijīng. Beers start at ¥30. This is a place to drink in a
group, though, so do as the Russians do and order a bottle of vodka (from ¥250). It gets
going after midnight.
VICS
|CLUB
( Wēikèsī; 5293 0333; Workers Stadium, North Gate. Gongrentiyuchang Beilu, Fri & Sat ¥50; 7pm-late;
Dongsi Shitiao)
Vics is not the most sophisticated nightclub. Nevertheless, it has remained a
favourite with the young crowd for many years now, which makes it some sort of an insti-
tution. The tunes are mostly standard R&B and hip-hop, there's an infamous ladies night
on Wednesdays (free drinks for women before midnight), and weekends see it rammed
with the footloose and fancy free. If you can't score here, you should give up trying. Entry
is free from Monday to Thursday; it's located inside the north gate of the Workers Stadi-
um, opposite Mix.
MIX
|CLUB
( Mìkèsī; Workers Stadium, North Gate. Gongrentiyuchang Beilu, 8pm-late; Dongsi Shitiao)
Mainstream
hip-hop and R&B are the drawcards at this ever-popular nightclub (admission ¥50), with
big-name DJs making occasional guest appearances. A younger crowd takes to the dance
floor in droves. Very similar to nearby Vics, but slightly younger clientele.
D LOUNGE
( Jiǔ Shù; Courytard 4, Gongrentiyuchangbei Lu, cocktails from ¥50; 7pm-late; Tuanjiehu)
High ceilings
and exposed brick walls give this cool venue a converted factory feel. The bright white
bar adds some futuristic flavour, while the drinks are well made and the atmosphere is
trendy without being overly swanky (although some complain of slightly obnoxious staff).
Popular, but hard to find because of a lack of signage; look for the lower-case 'd'.
|BAR
PADDY O'SHEA'S
|SPORTS BAR
( Aì'érlán Jiǔbā; 6415 6389; 28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, beers from 20; 10am-2am; Dongzhimen)
Prob-
ably the best place in Běijīng for watching sport on TV (Premiership football especially,
but also rugby and Gaelic sports), Paddy's has a large number of screens, allowing for
multi-channel viewing. It's reasonably big, has a proper bar to sit at and the service is
warm and efficient. The alcohol selection is sound, with Kilkenny and Guinness (¥55) on
