The Best Places To Hear Jazz in Beijing

A beautiful hutong bar with an intimate Prohibition-era feel, Modernista provides jazz lovers with an opportunity to dance the night away to a live show every Sunday. With different bands lined up to perform weekly, Modernista is one of Beijing’s most consistently impressive live jazz venues. Sunday night guests can expect an eclectic crowd, delicious cocktails, a swanky atmosphere and, of course, some of the best jazz the city has to offer.

A world-renowned jazz club, Blue Note Beijing is one of the largest, and most traditional jazz venues in the city. Its interior is striking – pine wood flooring and dark blue accents decorate the club. The stage is unusually large, with deep blue velvet curtains acting as its backdrop. Blue Note Beijing’s jazz performances are always top-notch owing to its high-calibre musicians. As well as internationally established performers, the club also showcases exciting up-and-comers.

To locals, Dusk Dawn Club is simply known as DDC. Tucked away between hutongs, Dusk Dawn Club’s atmosphere is always warm and friendly. Jazz lovers flock to the club for its excellent performances and lively dancefloor.

East Shore Live Jazz Café is an authentic jazz venue tucked away in an unassuming building by Houhai Lake – the word ‘jazz’ bathes the front of the café in a soft yellow hue. The venue is relatively small and cosy, drinks are reasonably priced and the staff welcoming. Guests can expect talented musicians playing some of the city’s best jazz, from Thursday to Sunday.

Located on the 65th floor of the Park Hyatt in Beijing’s Central Business District, the views from the China Bar are extraordinary. Visitors can expect exceptional live music, cocktails, and a fabulous atmosphere. With an interior of polished wood and boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s difficult not to feel pretty ritzy as you enjoy the evening at this venue.

With a warm glow, and a beautiful speakeasy vibe, Parlor is one of Beijing’s best-kept secrets. The bar itself is gorgeous; wooden panels and exposed brick line the walls, while mosaic tea lights line the venue’s tabletops. With weekly live shows rather than nightly performances, jazz enthusiasts at Parlor can swing the night away while enjoying smooth tunes and the bar’s one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Everything about Frank by Ala House oozes chic. The decor is fittingly Art Deco, with geometric carvings on the wooden walls, shelves of whiskey, and inviting chairs in muted tones. But what really establishes this bar as a speakeasy is its live jazz – the quality and energy of the performers at the club are top-notch, creating an atmosphere that evokes the roaring ’20s. For top-shelf whiskey, high-quality cigars, an amazing crowd and some of the best jazz in Beijing, Frank by Ala House is a must-visit.