Sprawling across a territory larger than the state of Connecticut and pulsing with creative energy, Beijing may not have the same fashion-driven glamour as Shanghai, but it is home to some of China’s most provocative artists, writers, activists and filmmakers. Many residents and visitors argue it’s one of the most captivating cities in the world. When the workday ends, Beijing comes alive with dining, nightlife, culture and late‑night discoveries.
Begin an evening with a drink at one of the city’s stylish hotel bars. The Park Hyatt Beijing remains a magnet for business and social gatherings, and its XIU bar draws crowds to the outdoor terraces for cocktails. Another popular spot is Atmosphere at the China World Summit Wing Hotel, known as the highest bar in the city and prized for its skyline views.
Rather than gravitating to the overcrowded, recently redeveloped Houhai, head to Sanlitun—Beijing’s lively nightlife district stocked with clubs, restaurants and bars. Highlights include Apothecary, where patrons enjoy handcrafted cocktails at a long wood-grained bar, and Mesh Bar and Lounge at The Opposite House, which offers plush maroon seating and an extensive wine list.
No visit to Beijing is complete without trying Peking duck. Locals often recommend DaDong, especially its upscale Jinbao Jie location, and Duck de Chine remains a fashionable alternative. The Grand Hyatt’s Made in China is another favorite among residents and expatriates for its well-executed duck. For a different dining experience, the airy Temple Restaurant—housed in a renovated TV factory and located within a hotel complex that includes a Buddhist temple—serves contemporary European cuisine in a striking setting. For adventurous eaters, the Wangfujing night food market offers a dense array of stalls serving regional specialties and unusual bites for those curious to sample local delicacies.
Evening shopping in Beijing can be as engaging as its restaurants and bars. Explore the hutong-inspired gardens, courtyards and alleys of Sanlitun Village shopping mall. Sanlitun South tends to house popular global brands like Esprit, Puma and Lacoste, while Sanlitun North is the place to find luxury names such as Armani, Versace and Lanvin. In the mall’s lower levels, seek out contemporary local labels and boutiques where emerging Chinese designers and streetwear brands appear first.
Architectural and cultural highlights are also available after sundown. Don’t miss the National Centre for the Performing Arts—the distinctive ellipsoid “Bird’s Egg” opera house a short walk west of Tiananmen Square. Even if you don’t attend a performance, stop by one of its cafés or walk through the main entrance to experience the building’s interplay of glass, metal and surrounding water; its sunken entry hall and reflective pond create a memorable atmosphere. For high-energy spectacle, the Tiandi Acrobatic Theatre showcases acrobatics and theatrical performances in a visually dramatic presentation.
Although galleries in the 798 Art District generally close in the evening, the neighborhood still offers options for dinner and late-night conversation; Yi House in the Grace Hotel provides modern bistro fare for visitors exploring the area. For a serene, uniquely Beijing night, consider Aman at Summer Palace. Set within a group of restored pavilions that once hosted guests of the empress dowager, the hotel provides a private gate for guests to enter the Summer Palace grounds after hours. As dusk falls, enjoy a quiet drink while listening to traditional melodies played on the Chinese flute—an evocative way to experience the city’s blend of history and contemporary hospitality.