Sanlitun Bar Street

三里屯酒吧街

Where is the place with the richest nightlife in Beijing? The answer must be Sanlitun. This is the favorite nightlife gathering place for the most fashionable men and women. Because it is close to the embassy area, it is natural that foreigners have become the most regular customers here. Therefore, this is the second "center of the universe" like Wudaokou. In Sanlitun, pole dancing bars, quiet bars, gay bars, and pure bars, all kinds of bars and nightclubs with different styles, targeting different groups and different preferences can be found. At the same time, this is also the best place to meet big-name stars, and many celebrities have also invested in opening shops here.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China (北京市朝阳区三里屯)

  • History: Sanlitun Bar Street emerged in the 1990s as one of Beijing’s first international nightlife districts. Originally a diplomatic and expat hub, it has evolved into a vibrant entertainment area combining bars, clubs, restaurants, and shopping.
  • Architecture: Modern mixed-use buildings interspersed with pedestrian streets, neon signage, and outdoor patios. Some old-style Hutong alleys are integrated into the district, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary architecture.
  • Cultural Value: Sanlitun represents Beijing’s modern cosmopolitan culture and nightlife. It is a hub for music, art, and social gatherings, attracting both locals and tourists. It also showcases Beijing’s adaptation of global trends in a historic city.
  • Other Information: The area is lively at night with themed bars, live music venues, and international restaurants. Outdoor events and street performances are common on weekends and holidays.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: Most bars and clubs open 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, restaurants 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

  • Contact Number: Varies by establishment; general information: +86 10 6417 1234
  • Ticket Price: Free to enter the street and most bars; cover charges for clubs ¥50–¥200
    Drinks: ¥30–¥150 per drink depending on the venue
  • Best Photo Spots:
    Pedestrian street views with neon lights at night
    Outdoor bar terraces
    Sanlitun Taikoo Li mall exterior with modern architecture
  • Time Reference: Evening/night recommended for nightlife; daytime suitable for shopping and dining

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury:
    NUO Hotel Beijing (北京诺金酒店)
    Opposite House Beijing (北京瑜舍酒店)
  • Mid-range:
    Hilton Beijing Sanlitun (北京三里屯希尔顿酒店)
    Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing (北京王府井帕克广场酒店)
  • Budget & Boutique:
    Beijing Sanlitun Youth Hostel (北京三里屯青年旅舍)
    Hutong guesthouses around Sanlitun (三里屯周边胡同客栈)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes:
    Hot pot (火锅)
    Beijing-style noodles (炸酱面)
    International tapas, cocktails
  • Famous Spots:
    Great Leap Brewing (精酿啤酒厂) – craft beer
    Mercante – Italian cuisine
    Jing-A Brewing Co. (京A精酿) – local craft beer and snacks
    Blue Frog (蓝蛙餐厅) – western fusion dishes

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Sanlitun Taikoo Li branded items
    Local craft beers from Sanlitun microbreweries
    Street fashion and boutique clothing

Transportation

  • By Subway: Line 10 to Tuanjiehu Station (团结湖站) or Line 6 to Dongdaqiao Station (东大桥站), then walk 10–15 min
  • By Bus: Routes 401, 402, 419, 673 stop near Sanlitun (三里屯站)
  • By Taxi/Private Car: Directly to Sanlitun Bar Street (三里屯酒吧街)
  • By Bicycle: Bike lanes and shared bike services available in the area

Nearby Attractions

  • Ritan Park (日坛公园), 1.5 km – walk or take short taxi/subway ride
  • Workers’ Stadium (工人体育场), 1 km – walk or short taxi ride
  • 798 Art Zone (798艺术区), 2 km – taxi or bike ride

Tips for Visitors

  • Evenings are busiest; arrive early for tables at popular bars.
  • Carry ID for entry into clubs and some bars.
  • Dress code may apply in upscale venues.
  • Use mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) or cash; many places now accept both.
  • Check events and live music schedules in advance.
  • Be cautious with traffic; pedestrian streets are crowded at night.

Recommended itineraries

  • Nightlife & Culture Evening:
    D1: Sanlitun Bar Street (三里屯酒吧街) – Ritan Park (日坛公园) walk during sunset
    Transportation: Walk 15 min from park to bar street
  • 1-Day Modern & Art Route:
    D1: Sanlitun Bar Street (三里屯酒吧街) – 798 Art Zone (798艺术区) – Workers’ Stadium (工人体育场)
    Transportation: Taxi or bike between each spot
  • 2-Day East Beijing Culture & Nightlife:
    D1: Ritan Park (日坛公园) – Sanlitun Bar Street (三里屯酒吧街)
    D2: 798 Art Zone (798艺术区) – Chaoyang Park (朝阳公园)
    Transportation: Short taxi or subway rides between locations

User Reviews

By Blue Ocean Breeze No. 1 |

Sanlitun Bar Street is known as the originator of Beijing bar streets. Together with the bright lights of Sanlitun Taikoo Li shopping and sightseeing district, it constitutes the most beautiful scenery line in Chaoyang District, Beijing at night. It is a good place for Beijing citizens and foreign tourists to see the night view of Beijing and experience the night life of old Beijing. Of course, the night view of Houhai Bar Street is also famous in Beijing.
The bars and shops in Sanlitun Bar Street will have folk songs, singers and dancers at night. Representative bars and shops include Milan, Moonlight, Craft Beer No. 36, No. 32, No. 42, No. 56, No. 58, Horizon, Boys and Girls, Wang Feng Folk Songs and other hotels, each with its own style and characteristics. If you want to drink, listen to music and watch the night view at night, this is a very good choice.

By Not Thirsty for You |

Go east from the Workers' Stadium, walk past the China Red Street and the Sanlitun SOHO building, cross the road to the famous Sanlitun Taikoo Li, which has many fashionable shopping and dining places. Continue east to the Sanlitun Bar Street, and go north along the street to see your favorite Moonlight Bar.

By Pat with attitude |

Sanlitun itself represents a kind of humanistic style. It is an activity area that integrates culture, fashion, creativity, lifestyle and other aspects. Everything here is centered on people. In addition to enjoying food, shopping and having fun, people can also create art and lead fashion. It is a unique trend experience. There are not only bars here, but also many exhibitions and sculptures with a very artistic atmosphere. It is also a good place to take pictures and walk with children. At night, the whole street is full of lights and wine, and there are luxury cars and beautiful women. This is also the most fashionable and in-trend street.

By chinadesk1 |

Sanlitun Bar Street starts to get lively after 8pm, and many people come here to have a drink after dinner. There are many bars, each with its own characteristics. Many restaurants and bars have resident singers to liven up the atmosphere. If you pass by during the day, you can only enjoy the scenery.

By 1395445 |

Sanlitun Bar Street, referred to as Sanlitun, is located on the east side of Sanlitun North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, and east of the Workers' Stadium. It is a bar street famous for its numerous bars and characteristics. The first bar was established in 1983. Because it is in the embassy district, it attracts many foreigners to relax here.

By xierita |

A very famous place, it seems nothing during the day, but it is said to be very lively at night. It is now a popular check-in place, with too many fashion elements. I passed by and had a look. The surrounding environment is good and comfortable.

By Amy Jin |

Drink at icemonster. If you are tired of shopping in Sanlitun, you can come here to rest, drink and chat.

By 1590871 |

I don’t know if I didn’t get to visit there, I only saw a few stores. It was afternoon and all the stores were closed, so I didn’t have much of an impression. I’ll come back at night if I have the chance and experience Beijing’s nightlife.

By Soda Cap Sky|

The famous bar street in the capital, where bars gather, each of which has its own characteristics to attract attention. I especially recommend #薪#, which has a good environment and style, and there are many varieties of wine to choose from, and the presentation of each one is very attractive.

By M61152 |

Sanlitun Bar Street, referred to as Sanlitun, is located on the east side of Sanlitun North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, and east of the Workers' Stadium. It is a bar street famous for its numerous and distinctive bars. The first bar was established in 1983.

By AURURA Mumu |

Under the epidemic, this place is also much quieter. There are fewer people soliciting customers on the street. The environment is very good. You need to scan the Beijing health code to register when entering and leaving. The street is also very lively. Every time I come here, I feel that this is a place frequented by rich people.

By Lavender and Sun |

However, in just half a year, all kinds of bars have been connected from the southern edge of Houhai to the northern edge of Qianhai. So far, there are more than 120 bars, and the density is so high that it is even a bit suffocating. It is a very popular place!

By M61152 |

Sanlitun Bar Street is a popular place for young people. The neon lights are very beautiful at night, and it feels like a light show everywhere. Night is also the busiest and most crowded time in the bar street.

By Not Thirsty for You |

In the early autumn when the weather is clear, it is exciting to hang out in Sanlitun bars. I wonder what people think of Sanlitun Bar Street? I only know that it is mysterious, indulgent, cathartic and confused by youth.

By M61152 |

Sanlitun Bar Street can be said to be the most lively and earliest bar street in Beijing. At night, the atmosphere is particularly fashionable, and many young people like to come here to play, relax and have fun.

By elysion7 |

It's very good and worth going. The environment is very good and the fun is very good.

By Dingdang1226 |

Sanlitun Taikoo Li Bar Street meets you in the night

By 依然快樂 |

Before the pandemic, the bars on the street would light up with colorful lights as soon as it got dark! The resident singers would play the piano and sing songs leisurely, and young people would go out together after get off work, drinking a beer and a plate of salad or fries, quietly watching people coming and going on the other side. Now, most of them are closed, and we hope that the pandemic will end and we can resume our old days soon!

By brhu |

Sanlitun Bar Street has undergone tremendous changes over the years. Only the street facing east still retains its original appearance. The street on the west has been demolished and turned into the current Taikoo Li Shopping Center. There are fewer people coming to Sanlitun Bar Street during the day than before. However, there are still many people coming at night, mostly young people. It is still nice to shop and visit the bar street at the same time.

By Southern Silence |

Sanlitun Bar Street, referred to as Sanlitun, is located on the east side of Sanlitun North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, and east of the Workers' Stadium. It is a bar street famous for its numerous bars and characteristics. The business hours of the bar street are from the afternoon to the early morning of the next day.

By caicaiw |

Sanlitun Bar Street is well-known not only in Beijing but also in the whole country. When night falls, it is a place frequented by salaried white-collar workers. After busy work, they go here to release stress, chat and enjoy a different career life.

By Not Thirsty for You |

You must go to Sanlitun Bar Street once in your life, which means you must have experienced youth once in your life. Tempting slogans and posters can be seen everywhere, telling you that this is a world you have never known.

By the cute little one who loves chocolate |

On one side is Taikoo Li, 3.3, and on the other side is the bar street. The famous bars from 20 years ago are still there, such as Boys and Girls and Moonlight. I would come here sometimes when I was in college.

By chenaoao520 |

[Value for money] All the handsome men and beautiful women come here! Great

By M51797 |

A bar street located near East Third Ring Road in Chaoyang District, Beijing, usually attracts friends from all over the country to travel here. Many friends living in Beijing also come here, especially in midsummer.

By Tang Junzihan |

Young people prefer to come here for sightseeing and consumption👍

By 依然快樂 |

In the past, when night fell, the bars on the street were brightly lit and bustling with people. From the floor-to-ceiling windows, you could see the bartenders' various fancy bartending moves and beautiful cocktails, and listen to the passionate performances of unknown singers.

By ZX9's Tea 🍵 |

Forget about going to bars, which have been eliminated for many years. There are only a few bars left at the intersections. Shopping is still possible. There are many brands in the South District and the North District for different consumption needs. There are rich and diverse restaurants, which are very suitable for young and fashionable people.

By cay |

It's my first time here. I came here with the idea of ​​exploring the store. I ordered a special drink and was quite surprised. It deserves praise. For this rare atmosphere and service, I must also give a good review. Thumbs up.

By 依然快樂 |

The colorful lights are turned on, and now each shop has limited the flow of people. It is no longer as lively as before. You can sit quietly, sip a glass of wine and watch people coming and going!

By Mikhail Misha |

This is the place with the highest concentration of nightclubs in the capital Beijing. When night falls and the cold wind blows, the lively life begins. If you want to experience Beijing's nightlife, you can come and have a look.

By 依然快樂 |

Compared with more than 30 years ago, it is more orderly and less lively, and the singers no longer have the drive to fight for their careers. But having two is still good!

By Happiness is Forever |

Sanlitun Bar Street was depressed for a while during the epidemic, but now it has returned to its lively atmosphere. Drink and sing 🎤, enjoy yourself.

By Hello Momo |

It's a place that produces beautiful girls. Even in winter, you can see girls with long legs on the streets. Every time I go there, I swear to lose weight, haha!

By philipzk |

The famous bar street in Beijing and even in China, of course, in addition to bars and nightclubs, there are also famous shopping malls and various food.

By Wolong Godfather |

The oldest bar street in Beijing. Taikoo Li is now more popular, and the bar street has been integrated into it.

By wgj33813361 |

The old bar street can be said to be the first one to develop by relying on the embassy district. It was quite good in those days, but now it is not as good as before.

By Guotun Wang Laowu|

Beijing's famous bar street is very lively at night. Friends from other places who come to Beijing can try it. It is expensive, so be prepared.

By 123Linlin|

Located in Chaoyang District, Beijing, the whole street is lined with bars of different styles and characteristics.

By zhangtina |

There are a lot of people, young people love to go there, there are also a lot of people during the World Cup, I personally feel it's just average, is it fun to drink and have fun?

By Wolong Godfather |

Sanlitun Bar Street is very famous in Beijing and has been so for many years. Now the Taikoo Li next to it is very popular.

By zhangtina |

There are a lot of young people here now. People are dressed very fashionably. There are many people taking pictures of passers-by outside the store.

By M500416 |

Good place with beautiful scenery...

By PINGPINGPING1013 |

Very interesting, very suitable for experiencing with your partner, unlocking new stores, come again next time when you have time

By M222408 |

Sanlitun's bar street is very famous, with many unique pubs and some of the wines are delicious.

By 123xiaoyu |

Located in Chaoyang District, Beijing, it is a pedestrian street with bars on both sides, each with its own unique name.

By M15577 |

When night falls, the bar street is still very lively.

By wgj33813361 |

It has been a long-established bar street for decades. It is one of the earliest in Beijing. It is quite good.

By mintpaj abc |

Many bars were unable to operate normally before the pandemic, but now a few are open.

By zhangtina |

Nowadays, many people, especially young people, like to go to Sanlitun. In fact, the things here are still quite expensive. I don’t understand why. Everyone likes it here.