Chao Yang district is the party district! You're in luck, because nearly all the must-see bars, pubs, clubs and dance floors are in this area and you can literally stumble from bar to club to pub and so on until the sun rises the following day. For an epic night on the town in one distract, you've sure picked the right one!
At the heart of Chao Yang district is Sanlitun Village, which holds several famous bars and clubs, but the surrounding area along Sanlitun Road and behind the Village to the north, you'll find a multitude of bars. It wouldn't be possible to experience every bar in this small area, even if you stayed in Beijing a week with the explicit goal of experiencing Sanlitun's nightlife!
That being said, there are some key bars you'll want to hit while in town, and some of the cheap bars along Sanlitun Street are simply so low-key that you'll be the only person in them. So, as a simple guide, Kai Club is a happening place on weekends, especially among college students. Across the way is Bar Blu, where the prices are a bit higher and the clientele a bit more discerning. Both are fun places to spend a night on Sanlitun Beijie (north street).
Slightly west of the Sanlitun Village bar area is the worker's stadium (Gong Ti) where you'll find Mix Club, Cargo Club and many other great clubs and bars. This is where you'll want to head if you are in the mood to dance and make an epic, unending night on the town with memories you'd cherish forever if only you could remember them!
Gong Ti North Road
Mix Up Dance, Music & Food...
4 Gongtidong Road, Chao Yang District
Next to City Hotel
Old expat bar with reliable food and drink...
San Li Tun North Bar Street
Tongli Studio 4-5/F
Cool Blue With a Rooftop View...
Sanlitun Beijie
Cheap dive with good indie music nights...
6 Gongti Xilu
Gongti West Gate
Large club space with 80's decor...
1A Nongzhanguan Lu
Top trendy bar and club for those late nights...
2/F Tongli Studios
Sanlitun Beijie (off the main drag, behind 3.3)
Hottest Spot in Beijing's Nightlife...
Top floor of Eastern Inn Hotel, 6 Baijiazhuang Lu
Nan Sanlitun Lu (on top floor of Eastern Inn Hotel)
Popular Cocktail Bar South of Sanlitun...
8 Chaoyang Park West Gate
Chaoyang Park
Musical Twangs, Hot dancing...
26 Dong Cao Yuan
Sleek & Impressive Bar with prices to match...