If you want to go out in Beijing, there are areas not to miss.... 

HOUHAI

Houhai is part of the Shichahai lake area. The lake area was established more than 700 years ago during the Qing Dynasty. However, recent growth of tourism and commerce led to the development of the row of bars and restaurants on Lotus Lane in 2003. Currently, this area on the lake is home to about 100 restaurants, bars and pubs.

Houhai's beautiful waterscape and bright, red lanterns contribute to an airy, sophisticated atmosphere. Visitors seeking refuge from Sanlitun's rowdy pace welcome the lively yet relaxing sites of Houhai.

Most of the medium and upper-scale bars in the Houhai area cater to foreign tastes, offering western menus and imported wines with higher prices to match. However, authentic Beijing-style restaurants and Chinese bistros also populate the area, giving visitors a wide range of gastronomic choices. Street food is a budget-friendly alternative, where fried meats and seafoods are offered at a number of small stalls. Drinking options include specialties like Peking erguotou (China's famous distilled liquor) and a wide variety of both national and imported beers. A meal at Houhai followed by a pint of TsingTao or a bottle of wine enjoyed while looking over the lake is an enjoyable ending to any visitor's day.

Finally, Houhai also has several bars providing a hip, alternative scene. Several gay bars can be found in the area. Boats are available on Houhai Lake for rent by the hour.

NANLUOGUXIANG

Nanluoguxiang is near the Central Academy of Drama in one of Bejing's classical hutong areas. Due to its historical and traditional surroundings, the area retains a special cultural charm which distinguishes it from Beijing's other bar streets.

Currently, Nanluoguxiang is smaller than its sister bar districts, with about thirty bars, as well as restaurants and boutique shops.

Despite its location in the downtown area, Nanluoguxiang is a quieter district where visitors can take in an easy-going atmosphere while mixing with locals on the street. In cafes and lounges, customers range from foreign tourists and expats to local theater students. Many read books, surf the web, hold relaxed business conversations, or enjoy quiet company with small groups of friends.

Several of Nanluoguxiang's bars offer free wireless internet and a variety of inexpensive snacks, such as popcorn or peanuts. Friendly service and a casual atmosphere give customers the feeling of home away from home.

Although Nanluoguxiang Bar Steet is likely to follow in the footsteps of Sanlitun and Houhai, for now it remains a more traditional Pekinese place to rest one's feet.

SANLITUN

Sanlitun Bar Street is located west of Changhong Bridge on the Eastern Third Ring Road. This popular hangout is well-known and frequented by foreign locals and tourists alike. Originally known for its clothing stores and auto repair shops, the area gradually developed into an entertainment hub. Founded in 1989, Sanlitun was the first major bar district in Beijing. 

Sanlitun is quieter during the day, with cafes and boutique shops accounting for the foot traffic. Bars open in the late afternoon, hit full-swing in the late evening, and continue to bustle until early the following morning. Taxis are plentiful and roam the streets at all hours.

Sanlitun is frequented by foreigners and Chinese alike, although caters to and tends to attract a large number of foreigners. Upscale Chinese may take clients or friends to one of its many karaoke bars. Due to its proximity to Beijing's largest embassy district, local white-collar expatriates, English teachers and foreign exchange students also frequent the area, along with a large number of tourists.

In September 2004, Sanlitun began an image overhaul, aimed at transforming the area into a more cultural and artistic district. However, the current face and feel of Sanlitun continues to be loud, festive, and depending on the bar, outright raucous.

WUDAOKOU

Wudaokou is located amongst the most prestigious Beijing universities. Based in the northwestern district of Haidian, this area is not as centered as Houhai, Sanlitun or Nanluoguxiang and bars are more dispatched. But Wudaokou still remains very popular especially amongst Chinese and foreign students, who like cheap prices. Whenever you go to Wudaokou during the week, and preferably on Thursdays, it'll always be lively. Music aficionados will not be disappointed for Wudaokou provides some of the most famous bars in the Rock underground scene.