Beijing Clubs

If you're holidaying or living in Beijing, why stop when the sun goes down? There's certainly no excuse when this bustling city has so much to offer once night sets in.

No matter what style of music you like to boogie to, there is a nightclub in Beijing to suit your taste, whether it be Latin, jazz, techno, or house. This article is just a quick run through of some of the more popular nightclubs around the city.

Beijing night clubs are big business, and many are just as impressive as ones you may visit in party hotspots such as New York, London or Los Angeles - complete with smoke machines, flashing lights and vibrating dance floors. One thing where Beijing clubs differ from others round the world are that many bring out snacks and food, although these can disappear quite quickly.

The main areas for nightclubs are situated around Sanlitun, Houhai, Shichahai, the Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang Park, Asian Games Village, and the university area in the Haidian District.

For a high-class night out, head to Passion, which is on the ground floor of the Great Wall Shera hotel. It is strictly over 21'st only, which means you can avoid the younger crowds that usually make up most night clubs. Many international DJ's play here, and there are laser light shows and classy decor. It is open from 8.30pm until 2am 7 nights of the week.

The Workers' Stadium is home to several of Beijing's largest and most popular nightclubs including Vic's, and MIX which are both situated within the stadium itself; as well as numerous others in the surrounding area.

Vic's is very popular both with locals and tourists and mostly a mix of music ranging from reggae, pop, soul and R&B. It is a relatively upscale club and attracts a large crowd most nights of the week. On the weekends there is an entry fee of 30 RMB. Wednesday's is Ladies Night, and entry is 20 RMB, but there are free cocktails for the girls.

Club MIX is for people who like to party hard, and is one of the most advanced clubs with a high quality sound system and lighting, as well as fashionable decor. It attracts a very international and beautiful crowd, and has been likened to famous clubs such as "Arena" in Los Angeles and "Ten15" in San Francisco. The nightclub is large and is spread out on two levels. There is a good mix of loud thumping dance floors and quieter areas where you can chat or sit down. There is even a selection of French and Italian food on offer on the second floor, and you can overlook the dancers on the ground floor whilst you eat. The music varies, but hip hop is usually played on the weekends.

Hed Kandi Klub is named after the iconic dance brand of the same name. Launched in 1999, Hed Kandi attracts many tourists and foreigners who head there for a good night as Hed Kandi is such a respected name in the dance industry. The nightclub claims to offer a sexy, glamorous and stylish night out, and it does not disappoint. With opulent decor, world-class DJ's, and a sophisticated crowd, this club is for the hardcore party animals who love to dance. International DJ's regularly perform here to massive crowds.

Bar Blue, situated on the fourth floor of the Beijietongli Shal in the Sanlitun area of Beijing, is a large multi-purpose nightclub and bar that holds a whole host of different events every night of the week. They often hold theme events, such as a Traffic Light Party on the third Saturday of every month. Wednesday night is quiz night, Thursday night is 80's night, and every Friday and Saturday is ladies nights, and they receive free test tube cocktails when they are on the dance floor. Happy hour runs every day from 5pm until 9pm where there are drink specials. Bar Blu is open from 4pm until 2am Monday - Thursday, and 11am - 4.30am Friday - Sunday.

In preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, much of the city received a major overhaul, including the nightclubs. One club that received a makeover was Tango, which has since been changed to 'Club P Beijing - International Night Club and Lounge'. It has been hailed as THE place to party in Beijing, and has taken advice from some of the top night clubs in the world, and collaborated with clubs such as Playboy Mansion in New York, and VIP Room in Paris to create unforgettable nights out. The upstairs of the club is more of a lounge atmosphere with warm, cozy surrounds and seating and more chilled out music than the cavernous downstairs dance area that has hosted an endless list of international DJ's.

That is just a short summary of some of the nightclubs in Beijing, but there are hundreds more out there, and the best thing to do is check them out for yourselves!