Beijing's nightlife has really taken off in the last few years. New bars and clubs are opening up every month with some serious music venues attracting the world's finest artists. Most clubs are concentrated in the downtown area (Sanlitun, Workers’ Stadium, Houhai, Nanluoguxiang, Chaoyang Park West Gate etc) but you will find a few in the Wudaokou student area. Downtown clubs are naturally more expensive but they have a slicker atmosphere. The city has a burgeoning nightclub scene that caters to all tastes. Electronic, techno, hip-hop, South American sounds, live music etc can all be found in Beijing. The most frequented areas include:

• Sanlitun. Without any exaggeration, “Sanlitun” is among the first 15 words newcomers to Beijing will learn to say in Chinese upon their arrival. Sanlitun is probably the best known and most popular entertainment zone in the embassy area of the Chinese capital. Sanlitun used to only comprise a few small streets of bars. Now, it has developed into a large entertainment district incorporating approximately 60 clubs and bars and over 100 restaurants, a fundamental component of Beijing nightlife.
• HouHai. A lake area with a variety of teahouses, cafes, bars, restaurants that combine modern and traditional elements in their unique designs in the centre of the traditional hutong area of central Beijing. HouHai is popular all day with small shops in hidden alleys and lots of rickshaws passing by. In the evening, trendy lighting and neon mixes with traditional red lanterns to create a lively yet relaxing atmosphere.
• Nanluoguxiang which is one of the best preserved areas in Downtown Beijing, a perfect blend of past and present. In an old-Beijing-style hutong, you'll see refurbished, traditional dwellings and get a taste of what old Beijing might have looked like. Small stores, restaurants, bars and even a few hotels line the street, but they do their best not to spoil the atmosphere.
• Wudaokou. A neighbourhood in the Haidan district in North West Beijing, approximately 10 km from the city centre between the fourth and fifth ring roads. The area is extremely popular with students, especially international which is reflected by the high number of bars and clubs.