The Best Bars In Zhongguancun Beijing

Zhongguancun might be known as China’s Silicon Valley, but it’s also the university hub of Beijing. And where there are universities, there are thirsty students and teachers. These are the best places to grab a drink in Zhongguancun.

1. Lush

Bar, Restaurant, Bistro, Cafe, Nightclub, American

Lush is one of the rare bars in Beijing that has stood the test of time. Ever since opening in 2003, it has only grown in popularity, thanks to the affordable food and drink (try the burger) and lively, community-focussed atmosphere. Lush has weekly pub quizzes that attract a large crowd, and it was the first place in China to host open-mic nights – many performers got their big break here.

2. The Steps

Bar, Restaurant, Mexican

This popular neighbourhood restaurant and bar works just as well for a family meal as it does for an after-work drink or weekend party. The bar is simple and straight to the point with a short drinks menu of beers and mixed drinks. Its food menu is also concise, offering burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and other typical bar food. There’s nothing fancy about The Steps, but then that is part of its charm.

3. 13 Club

Bar, Cocktails

Underground rock girls band called Black Barika at the 13 Club in Beijing, China.

This place is all about good music and good drinks. More of a live-music venue than a club, 13 Club books bands and performances from within China and abroad. Some nights it’s an indie band, and, on other nights, it can be punk rock or even folk artists. So grab a beer or a cocktail from the bar, sit back and rock on.

5. Orange Bar

Hotel

Even though Orange Bar is technically a hotel bar, sitting on the ground floor of the Ariva Beijing West Hotel, don’t rule it out. It’s a solid place to grab a drink in the area, with a strong list of spirits, especially whiskies and cognacs.

6. Pyro Pizza

Restaurant, Italian

Pyro Pizza is a restaurant and bar where you can get classic New York-style thin-crust pizza and beer at an affordable price. Opened by the group behind Lush, Pyro Pizza has become a favourite among Zhongguancun residents for friendly gatherings. They also have beer-pong tournaments on Thursday nights, which are always good fun even if you’re not a student.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.