What To Do In Beijing at Night: A Local’s Guide (2023)

Visiting China’s capital city? Lucky for you, the nightlife options are endless! In this post, I’ll share my advice (as a Beijing local expat!) on what to do in Beijing at night.

What to Do in Beijing at Night: Is it Safe?

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

I’m a woman in my mid-twenties, and I have been all around Beijing at all hours of the night, whether downtown or out in the countryside. And I always have felt and been safe.

However, it’s just common sense that your risks go up when alcohol is involved. The only times I’ve actually ever felt unsafe here have always involved drunk people (usually foreigners/expats and not local Chinese folks).

I’ve heard the occasional story of an ill-intending taxi driver, or of people getting followed on the streets…but honestly I can swear to the fact that China is safer in many regards than my home country (America).

In short, stay with friends if possible if you’re planning to hit the bar/clubbing scene. Also, avoid getting drunk so that you’re less of a target in the rare chance that you do come across a predatory person.

But these are rules for life in general, and not just Beijing. 🙂 Now, onto things to do at night in Beijing!

Visit Sanlitun, the Local Party Spot

Sanlitun used to have a bar street, which was closed in early 2023. The rumors are that they’re going to renovate and reopen, and I’ll be sure to update this post if/when they do.

But even without the famous bar street, the area has plenty of nightlife! You can search for “clubs” on any map in your phone, and countless options will pop up.

Most of us Beijing expats gravitate towards La Social, a club known for its Latino vibes. However, other bars such as Live Bar also have a great reputation among locals.

Honestly, there are countless bars and clubs in Sanlitun, and I’m sure a walk through the area will yield plenty of options which are sure to call your name.

Walk Through Hutongs and Find A Hidden Bar/Restaurant

Hutongs are essentially ancient Beijing streets and buildings where both plenty of people and restaurants live. If you’re visiting Beijing, spending some time in the Hutongs is a must!

Tucked away in unsuspecting locations are many restaurants and bars, such as Libertango Bar or The Hutong, where you’ll find modern and high-quality restaurants within humble, ancient structures.

Not only are the Hutongs full of great dining options, but street vendors sell traditional souvenirs, and shops of every kind display their wares.

The contrast of ancient with modern is really striking, and encapsulates what we locals all love about Beijing.

At nighttime, the Hutongs happen to feel even more magical. So definitely put Hutongs on your list of things to do at night in Beijing!

Stroll along LiangmaQiao River

Recently updated so that the riverwalk area is more like a park which follows the waterway, at nighttime in Beijing, the Liangmaqiao River seems to glow with the reflections of the city built upon its banks.

Quiet and tranquil, you may even forget at some moments that you’re in a massive city! Walking along Liangmaqiao river is one of my favorite ways to start off an evening in Beijing.

Check Out Expat Favorites!

Wanna chat with the locals and hear from them about what it’s like living in Beijing? There are a few places where you can do just that!

Paddy O’Sheas in Dongzhimen

Hands-down the most popular sports pub in Beijing. When I’m craving a pub burger, pub fries, and a Guinness draft, Paddy’s is always the go-to.

If you’re in town during a major sports event, like the World Cup, US Superbowl, NBA Playoffs and so on, Paddy’s has you covered! They often adjust their opening hours so we can watch these events live in-house.

Mei Bar in Hujialou

With great live music, endless cocktail options, and always an energetic crowd, Mei Bar is a great option if you’re really wanting to get dressed to the nines.

There are plenty of spaces to spread out, if you want to chat with the people you meet there. That’s something I love about Mei Bar is the ability to effortlessly go from party vibes to chill, within the same location.

Mango Bar in Chaoyang

Another great party atmosphere, most expats going out on the town eventually find their way to Mango Bar, where everyone congregates until its time to go home.

With great dishes and quality drinks, you’ll be sure to love Mango Bar!

Q MEx Mexican Restaurant

With locations scattered throughout Sanlitun, Dongzhimen, and even Solana, Q Mex is another favorite hangout spot among Beijing expats.

Tasty Mexican dishes and lovely cocktails pair with the lively and upbeat atmosphere to ensure unforgettable conversations as you hit the local expat scene.

The Swan with Two Necks (Swan Bar) In Pinnacle Plaza

For those of us who live outside of downtown Beijing in a more rural district called “Shunyi”, the Swan is undoubtedly our favorite gathering spot.

With a menu that covers all of your favorites from soups and salads to burgers, everything at Swan is delicious and super well priced! Like Paddy’s, Swan also tends to offer sports coverage for international sporting events.

Visit CBD To See Some of the Most Iconic Buildings

The iconic Migas Mercado will give you a stunning rooftop view of one of Beijing’s most infamous buildings: the CCTV Tower (which the locals refer to as the “underpants tower”).

Aside from Migas, there are plenty of other bar/club options in the area, though none perhaps as iconic as Migas. Still, the area is beautiful to explore at night, and the nightlife is abundant!

So there you have it: some ideas of what to do in Beijing at night, from the perspective of a local expat! Questions from soon-to-be tourists or more advice from the Beijing expat community are welcomed in the comments below!

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