Beijing  Entertainment

Beijing is an international city with a quite number of entertainment options available. There are many nightclubs, teahouses, Kung Fu show, theatres, restaurants, bars, music clubs and cinema halls that liven the nightlife in Beijing. You can see traditional Chinese acrobatics show, enjoy Peking operas, watch live band performances. These local ballad singing, nightclubs, music clubs, karaoke clubs, theatres and various sports are good places to unwind yourself. Nightclubs in Beijing usually open from 8 or 9 pm to midnight or 2-3 am. In a word, you will not feel lonely no matter where you are from! Read the information on the entertainment in Beijing on this page and start your joy-seeking trip!

Art
Beijing has a flourishing art scene. Contemporary painting enjoys a certain popularity in the city's art galleries but collections are still not as extensive as in other major world cities. For current exhibitions, try the Court Yard Gallery and the China Art Gallery. The Dashanzi art district hosting such big names as 798 Space and the 798 Red T Space is a must for art lovers. Internationally recognizedUllens Center for Contemporary Art has regular exhibitions. Photography buffs should check out the Three Shadows Art Centre, the first gallery in China exclusively devoted to photography. You will also find traditional art, such as landscape painting and calligraphy, but this work often tends to be overlooked in favor of more modern styles. If you are visiting Beijing during September be sure not to miss the annual art events Art Beijing and the Dashanzi International Art Festival where you can see the works of cutting edge artists from all over the world. Dangdai International Art Festival is also held in the fall and features a new theme each year. Closer to the center of town are BANG Beijing Art Now Gallery and Red Gate Gallery. For a pleasant day trip visit the Song Zhuang Art Community¡¯s Artists Village Gallery.

Beijing Exhibition Centre
Address: 135 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng District
Tel: +86 10 6831 6677

China International Exhibition Centre
Address: 6 Dong Sanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District
88 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District
Tel: +86 10 8460 0000

China World Exhibition Centre
Address: 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6505 2288, ext. 10448

National Agricultural Exhibition Centre
Address: 16 Dong Sanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6501 8877, 6509 6688

Cinema
Designed to expose foreigners to Chinese cinema, Cherry Lane Movies features Chinese films subtitled in English. Alternatively, why not join an eclectic audience at the Sculpting In Time caf¨¦ and catch a subtitled foreign film on movie nights. If you are willing to stray from the city center then you can also visit the China National Film Museum. This enormous 63 acre museum is truly a film buffs fantasy, featuring 20 permanent collections and 1500 films.

Cherry Lane Movies

Chinese films with English subtitles.
Address: Anjialou inside the Kent Centre, 29 Liangmaqiao Lu (east of Kempinski Hotel)Tel: +86 10 139 0113 4745
WWW: http://www.cherrylanemovies.com.cn/

ShowMax Cinema
Address: 40 Chongwenmenwai Dajie, Chongwen District
Tel: +86 10 5167 1210

Star City Cinema
Address: B1 Oriental Plaza, 1 Dong Chang¡®an Jie, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 8518 6778

Sun Dong An Cinema
Address: 5/F, Beijing apm, 138 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 6528 1838/98

UME International Cineplex
Address: 44 Kexueyuan Nanlu, opposite Shuang¡¯an Market, Haidian District
Tel: +86 10 8211 5566; 8211 2851

Jinyi International Cinema
Address: B1 The Gate City Mall, 19 Zhonguancun Dajie, Haidian District
Tel: +86 10 8248 6800

Wanda International Cinema
Address: 3/F, Building B, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 5960 3399

Dance
The city of Beijing has played host to various international dance troupes such as the Joffrey Ballet. The Central Ballet is the premier ballet company of China and gives annual performances of Western classics such as Swan Lake. Venues for these performances include the Poly Plaza International Theater and the brand new National Center for the Performing Arts.

Museums
Beijing offers a full quota and wide diversity of museums--- just like any capital city worth its salt! Some museums are educational, such as the Beijing Museum of Natural History (infamous for its pickled human specimens!) and the high-tech China Space Museum. For those eager to learn more about Chinese history and culture, why not visit historical museums such as the Confucian Temple and the Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling? For the ultimate history lesson, though, venture over to the Forbidden City where the Palace Museum resides. Once the home of the emperors, this gigantic museum is the largest in China featuring a collection so vast that it cannot all be seen in one day. The National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature houses folios, manuscripts and photographs in a variety of languages and holds regular exhibitions. The Beijing World Art Museum houses a fantastic technology old and new collection and some black and white Picasso prints.

Music
Classical music concerts are held at various locations in Beijing. The most impressive auditorium is the Beijing Concert Hall which seats up to 1,000 people. The upscale Century Theater is another major venue for a classical music fix. Various hotels across the city, such as the Palace Hotel and Jianguo Hotel also host soothing musical performances. For a flavor of local culture, try the San Wei Bookstore and enjoy traditional Chinese music played with such instruments as the erhu and pipa.

Rock/Pop/Jazz Music
Music is everywhere in Beijing. Big international names often perform at the MAO Livehouse and Workers' Stadium. For those interested in alternative music, D-22 hosts both national and international acts by both popular and up and coming artists.

Nightclubs
The city has a burgeoning nightclub scene that caters for all tastes. Most clubs are concentrated in the downtown area but you will find a few in the Hai Dian student district, such 180. Downtown clubs are naturally more expensive but they have a slicker atmosphere. Vogue is for the serious club goer, playing techno and house music late into the night, whereas the Nightman Disco and Destination cater to an underground gay scene. The Kai Club hosts music for a young hip crowd playing indie and electronic music. For those who want to groove to South American sounds, drop in to Havana Cafe has a live band and offers salsa dance lessons. For the seedier side, check out the infamous Maggie's which is open all night. Conversely, the chic and trendy Loft, Lan, and the incredible World of Suzie Wong Club have raised nighttime decadence to new heights!

Bars and Clubs
Beijing's night life has really taken off last few years. New bars and clubs, some oriented toward people who live alternative lifestyles, are opening up every month with some serious music venues attracting the world¡¯s finest artists. Venues dot the city, but the heaviest concentrations can be found around the Workers¡¯ Stadium, Houhai, on Sanlitun, at Chaoyang Park West Gate, Wudaokou and on Ladies¡¯ Street and around the universities in the city's northwest.

Angel Club
Address: 6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6552 8888

Banana
House dominates, international DJs occasionally spin.
Address: SCITECH Hotel, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6528 3636

Bar Blu
Normally packed with students and locals.
Address: 4/F, Tongli Studios, Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6417 4124

Buddha Bar
A lakeside lounge-style watering hole.
Address: 16 Yinding Qiao, Shichahai, Xicheng District
Tel: +86 10 6617 5746

Cargo Club
Address: 6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6551 6897/78

Centro
Upscale and sleek, it is popular with businesspeople.
Address: 1/F, Kerry Centre Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6561 8833, ext. 42

Coco Banana
Address: 8 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 8599 9999

Durty Nellie's
The standard Irish pub a long way from home.
Address: B1, Liangmaqiao Flower Market, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6593 5050

Franks Place
Jiangtai Xilu (West of Rosedale Hotel near Lido Place), Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6437 8399
E-mail: matrixsecurity@vip.sina.com or marketing@trio.com
WWW: http://www.franksplacebeijing.com/

Lush
A busy student hangout with good drinks, DJs and food
Address: 2/F, Building 1, Huaqing Jiayuan, Chengfu Lu, Haidian District
Tel: +86 10 8286 3566

Mao Live
Head Jamming Rock/Punk
111 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
+86 10 6402 5080
WWW: http://www.maolive.com

Mix
One of the few larger venues hosting decent, non-house beat-makers.
Address: Inside Workers' Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6530 2889

Nameless Highland
A good local music venue with live bands almost nightly.
Address: Building 14, Anhuili Area 1, Yayuncun, (200 m north of the Yayuncun Hospital intersection), Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6489 1613

Passby Bar
An ideal place for intimate conversation.
Address: 108 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 8403 8004

Poachers Inn
Cheap drinks, pop music and table dancing.
Address: 43 Bei Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6417 2632, ext. 8505

Souk
Sheesha pipes and sangria make for an exotic evening.
Address: West Gate of Chaoyang Park (in the alley behind Annie's), Chaoyang District.
Tel: +86 10 6506 7309

Tango
A vast venue spanning three floors catering to the club conscious.
Address: South Gate of Ditan Park (next to the Jin Ding Xuan Restaurant), Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 6428 2288

The Tree
Address: 43 Sanlitun Beijie (100 m west of North Sanlitun Bar Street, Youyi Youth Hostel, behind Poachers Inn), Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6415 1954

Vics
Pop tunes and ladies' nights. Enough said.
Address: Inside Workers¡¯ Stadium North Gate, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6593 6215

What  Bar

A tiny place hosting a range of local rock bands.

Address: Beichang Jie (just north of the West Gate of the Forbidden City), Xicheng District
Tel: +86 133 4112 2757

Suzie Wong's World
Part 1930s Shanghai opium den and part postmodern lounge.
Address: A1 Nongzhanguan Lu (Chaoyang Park West Gate), Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6593 6049

Tim's Texas Barbecue
A true taste of Texas, including its drinks.
Address: 44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6532 5905

KTV
Beijing's KTV entertainment palaces are a great place to relax with friends in a country where people are not at all reluctant to entertain each other. A foreigner who can sing or even a friend who cannot hold a note but tries is very much appreciated in these dens of music where having a good time is the object at hand.

Cash Box
Address: 1/F, Fanli Building, Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6588 3333
Address: 168 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng District
Tel: +86 10 8857 6566

Melody
Address: 77 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6551 0808

Party World
Address: 9 Chongwenmenwai Dajie, Zhengren Building, Chongwen District
Tel: +86 10 6708 6666

Beijing Opera
Characterized by vivid costuming, face make-up and a vocal pitch akin to caterwauling, this traditional form of performance art dates back to the 16th century. Beijing Opera proves extremely popular with tourists and is performed in various tea houses and theaters such as Lao She Tea House and Liyuan Theater.

Theatres
Beijing offers a vast selection of stage performances, ranging from Peking Opera, acrobatics and kung fu to plays, ballets, musicals and contemporary dramas.

The National Grand Theatre
Address: 2 Xi Chang'an Jie, Xicheng District
Tel: +86 10 6655 0000

Mei Lanfang Grand Theatre
Address: 32 Ping'anli Xidajie, Xicheng District
Tel: +86 10 5833 1288

Beijing Exhibition Theatre
Address: 135 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng District
Tel: +86 10 6835 4455

Beijing Oriental Pioneer Theatre
Address: Northeast corner of Oriental Plaza, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 6527 6911

Capital Theatre
Address: 22 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 6524 9847

Century Theatre
Address: 40 Liangmaqiao, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6468 3311, ext. 3161

China Children's Art Theatre
Address: 64 Dong'anmen Dajie, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 6521 1425

Poly International Theatre
Address: 1F, Poly Plaza, 14 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng District
Tel: +86 10 6500 1188, ext. 5126

Peking and Kunqu Opera

Tianqiao Theatre
Address: 30 Beiwei Lu, Xuanwu District
Tel: +86 10 8315 6337

Beijing Huguang Guildhall
Address: 3 Hufangqiao, Xuanwu District
Open: 7:30 a.m.¨C8:40 p.m.
Tel: +86 10 6351 8284

Chang'an Grand Theatre
Address: 7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Dongcheng District
Open: 7:30 a.m.¨C9:30 p.m.
Tel: +86 10 6510 1155
Admission: 80 yuan¨C300 yuan

Liyuan Theatre
Address: 175 Yong'an Lu, Qianmen Hotel, Xuanwu District
Open: 7:30 a.m.­- 8:40 p.m.
Tel: +86 10 6301 6688, ext. 8860
Admission: 40 yuan¨C280 yuan

Acrobatics and Kung Fu

Chaoyang Theatre

Address: 36 Dong Sanhuan, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6507 2421
Open: 5:15¨C9:40 p.m.
The Red Theatre
Address: 44 Xingfu Dajie, Chongwen District
Tel: +86 10 6714 2473
Open: 7:30¨C8:50 p.m.

Tianqiao Acrobatic Theatre
Address: Dong Beiwei Lu, Xuanwu District
Tel: +86 10 6303 7449
Open: 5:30¨C8:45 p.m.

Tiandi Theatre
Address: Intersection of Dongsishitiao, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 6502 3984
Open: 7:15¨C8:40 p.m.

Dinner Shows

Beijing Night Show

The Beijing Night Show was the first of its kind to offer visitors to Beijing an opportunity to enjoy classical Chinese art performances and traditional Chinese cuisine. The show features a wide range of colourful Chinese artistic performances, from traditional arts and music to dance, opera, acrobatics and traditional costume shows. There are also performances that illustrate the customs of China.

Address: 1 Dayabao Hutong, Dongcheng District
Open: 7 p.m. onward
Admission: 180 yuan¨C680 yuan
Tel: +86 10 6527 2814/5, 8008 1012 82

Imperial Granary edition of Peony Pavilion

The chamber version Kunqu Opera of the Peony Pavilion (Mudanting) is presented every Friday and Saturday at the Imperial Granary in Beijing. Kunqu Opera, China's most ancient form of drama was listed as a "masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity" by UNESCO in 2001.

The Imperial Granary accommodates just 60 people, so the audience sits close enough to study the very subtle expressions of the actors; no amplification is used for vocals or the instruments played.

The production easy-to-read English titles that explain everything you need to know to enjoy and learn from the performance.

Address: The Imperial Granary, Nanxincang, 22 Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District
Open: 7:30¨C9:30 p.m.
Admission: 580; 680; 780; 980; 1,980 yuan, all including a buffet for free before the performance.
Tel: +86 10 6406 6477
WWW: http://www.imperialgranary.com.cn