Being a major international city, Beijing has plenty of nightlife areas. The city’s nightclubs, discos, and bars will probably be inundated with Olympic tourists out to make the most of their Beijing trip.

For those in search ofan area that offers more than the run-of-the-mill travelers’ scene, there is Sanlitun. Located in the eastern part of the city, this area has long been popular with expats because of its proximity to the district that houses embassies and foreign companies. Savvy tourists and hip Beijingers choose Sanlitun for its hip

vibe and festive atmosphere.

The area is not a new addition to the city. It has a history; beginning with the fact that it has been the location of foreign embassies since the 1950s. The then-new communist government wanted to place all embassies together in an area outside the city enter. In the 1980s, as economic and social restrictions eased, some hotels in the area opened bars. A few years later, stand-alone venues began appearing on Gongti Street. As the area became more and more popular with well-heeled expats, more bars and clubs joined the fray.

Despite the good-time vibe and the ability to move from venue to venue (bar crawl, if you will), Sanlitun has a downside. Prostitution and drug use have long been cited as reasons for frequent police raids. Security cameras are installed along Gongti Road and the local authorities have been known to shut places down for the evening because they merely suspect wrongdoing.

That said, most bar and club owners will surely be increasing security and keeping activities on the up-and-up during the Games. There is simply too much revenue at stake. Those seeking a casual good time should definitely give Sanlitun a try.

Beijing is a city of rapid modernization. With the explosion of construction and population, China’s capital is also experiencing a bit of a nightlife renaissance. Things will surely be in full swing leading up to the Olympics. Visitors will be able to find a place for a quiet cocktail or a happening venue to party the night away.

Though pubs are a recent import to Beijing, there are several areas that currently boast a high concentration of these western-style drinking halls. The largest of these is San Li Tun. It is located near the Beijing’s Worker’s Stadium. In fact, it seems that these days, there are several blocks of bars that are orbiting the stadium. Another popular area in the vicinity of the stadium is Xingfu Cun. These bars get loud on the weekends and some are known to be a bit seedy. Nonetheless, they get packed on weekends and will probably be overflowing during the Games (barring some sort of government crackdown).

Visitors can have a quieter time in Haidian, near Beijing’s University district. Both foreign and local students congregate at the clubs and bars here. The energy is more youthful than San Li Tun, but, in a way, more reserved as well. Another plus here: it’s easy to find people who speak English, as most Beijing University students are proficient.

Visitors should be aware that some dance clubs try unsuccessfully to ape their western counterparts. These places are expensive, and they play dated music and are generally avoided by the hip crowd.

Some of the newer nightclubs are more happening. They have a Western vibe but a decidedly Beijing slant. Foreigners and some of the more monied members of Beijing’s population frequent these hot spots.

If you are looking for a totally authentic experience, I have one word for you, Karaoke. There are parlors all over Beijing.