Sanlitun is basically synonymous with Beijing nightlife. In the 1990s, it witnessed the first wave of bars and nightclubs – and that tradition continues today. Anyone who is looking for fun, with unlimited drinks, laser lights spinning above dance floors, or a momentary respite from everyday worries would be stripped of a great deal of that fun without the nightclubs in Sanlitun.
CLUB MIX
Nightclub, Pub Grub, $$$
Founded in 2002, CLUB MIX is one of the oldest nightclubs in Beijing – this might explain why the DJ plays old-school songs once in a while in between the hip-hop hits and dance music that are more typical of a nightclub. People seem to really enjoy its themed parties – just imagine a group of adult club-goers dressed in school uniforms dancing wildly on Children’s Day. The tickets are not expensive – 30 yuan (US$4.50) for men and free for women.
Destination, or Des, is Beijing’s most popular gay bar – always packed with the LGBTQ community and others who are attracted by the atmosphere of freedom here. The nightclub has surely thought about to how to keep their customers coming back – it holds themed parties almost every week, inviting famous DJs from China and abroad.
Trinity Club is newly opened in Sanlitun, but it has already attracted a group of loyal customers thanks to its professional DJs (the owner of the club himself is said to be a DJ) and well-made cocktails. Compared to other nightclubs in Sanlitun, Trinity has a rather small space, but some people prefer it that way for its cozier ambience.
This nightclub and bar owned by Chinese pop diva Na Ying is both for those who seek a thumping venue to dance away their tensions or a cozy rooftop bar to enjoy the nighttime view of the most dynamic area of Beijing. What’s more, V Plus Lounge has delicious bistro food – a role model for those nightclubs that attach little importance to anything except for drinks and music.
Opened in 2005, Angel Club seems to be a rather nostalgic nightclub, as the songs here are either old-school songs or pop songs from years past. The best part about Angel is its drinks – they are said to be of better quality than the usual clubs while still remaining in an acceptable price range.
Another long-established nightclub in Beijing, VICS is one of the first places in town that had giant burgers on its menu – that’s even before the Beijing Burger Festival became a thing. Obviously, VICS is one of the few nightclubs that has good food. Different from other nightclubs that feature only a big dance floor, VICS also provides karaoke boxes for private gatherings.
