Beijing's New Nightlife Scene

The heart of expat nightlife is the centrally located Sanlitun Village, where newcomer Apothecary (drinks for two, $22) is shaking up local cocktail culture with creative concoctions and house-made mixers. Try the "secret Earl Grey," Beefeater gin finished off with pomelo-lavender bitters.
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81 Sanlitun Bei Rd.
Nali Patio, 3rd floor, D302
011-86-10-5208-6040
apothecary@gmail.com

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 6pm - 1am

A five-minute stroll south will lead you to D. Lounge (drinks for two $50), a brick-walled gallery that, come night, morphs into a gathering spot for fashion designers and media types. The most creative drink: "emperor's whiskers," made with tea-infused vermouth.
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4 Gongti Beilu
011-86-10-6593-7710
warrenpang@dlounge.cn

Hours: Opens at 8pm

Across town in the Central Business District, well-heeled urbanites take in live jazz over Moët champagne, crispy prawn fritters and Cohiba cigars at Park Hyatt Beijing's Xiu (drinks for two, $22). The rooftop lounge has five interconnected pavilions inspired by Song Dynasty architecture and an outdoor patio with 360-degree views of the city.
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2 Jianguomenwai St.
Beijing Yintai Centre, Building 8, 6th floor
011-86-10-8567-1838
info@xiubeijing.com

For something more subdued, head to Ichikura (drinks for two, $20), which has a 12-seat Japanese whiskey bar stocked with a selection of rare vanilla- and cherry-scented whiskeys.
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36 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu
011-86-10-6507-1107

Hours: Mon- Sat 6pm - 1:30am

Don't be fooled by the fading paint and dusty velvet banquettes at D-22 (drinks for two, $10). The best young Chinese indie bands can be found cutting their teeth at this respected rock bar in the university district.
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242 Chengfu Lu
011-86-10-6265-3177

Hours: Tues-Sun 7pm - 2am