Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drinking & Nightlife
It's staggering to contemplate, as you sip a martini in the latest
hotspot or dance to a big-name European DJ, but until 20-odd
years ago there weren't any bars or nightclubs, outside a few ho-
tels, in Beijing at all. Now, as more and more locals take to
partying, the capital is home to an increasing number of sophist-
icated nightspots.
Hútòng Bar-Crawling
Until recently, Sānlǐtún was the undisputed centre of Běijīng nightlife - not any more. A
host of bars have sprung up in the ancient heart of the city. Former courtyard homes have
been converted into some of the finest and liveliest drinking destinations in town. They
range from bohemian joints to distinctly chic cocktail bars. Nanluogu Xiang (lane) led the
way in making the
hútòng
an integral part of the city's nightlife; now many
hútòng
across
Dōngchéng north are almost as popular.
Drink Like a Local
Although wine and whisky are gaining ground among the middle classes, the two most
popular alcoholic drinks in Běijīng remain
píjiǔ(
beer
)
and
báijiǔ (
a pungent, potent white
spirit). The commonest brews are Yanjing Beer (the local favourite), Beijing Beer and
Tsingtao. None are very distinguished, and all are weaker than most foreign beers. You can
pick up a large bottle of Yanjing or Tsingtao, the closest to a European- style lager, for
around ¥3 on the streets; Beijing beer is usually served on tap.
Báijiǔ
is super-strong and has a unique taste that few foreigners can stomach. But if your
preferred tipple is paint stripper, you'll love it. It's cheap too; a small bottle of the locally
distilled Èrguōtóu costs about ¥5.
