For Night Owls

Beijing is as busy and vibrant by night as it is by day. From traditional Beijing Opera to flashy discos, from hole-the-wall watering holes to elegant bars, from teahouses to punk rock clubs, whatever your tastes you're sure to find someplace appealing in Beijing.

The capital's drinking scene is a constant work in progress, but Sanlitun Bar Street is where it all started, and it still draws more Friday night expat funseekers than any other district in Beijing. From hardy perennials like The Tree to tender new shoots like China Doll, there's always something to keep you interested around SLT. Not far away is the Workers' Stadium area (''Gongti''), where Face, Vics and Babyface are three favorites.

A more well-heeled crowd chooses CBD venues like Centro, Lan or Aria. The lake area around Houhai, deserted just a few short years ago, now rivals Sanlitun for the number and variety of its watering-holes, and offers considerably more scenic appeal. Try the East Shore Live Jazz Club, La Baie des Anges or - a pioneer in the area and still one of Beijing's most picturesque bars - No Name. Out in the northwest, the Wudaokou/Haidian area with its student ambience has less flash and dash, but offers some of the best entertainment around. Lush is fun day and night, and D-22 is one of Beijing's best live music bars. (Other contenders in that category are Yugong Yishan, Mao Livehouse and the Stone Boat.)