Entertainment ways in Beijing are as attractive as its rich historical sites. From modern nightclubs to Beijing Opera, Chinese Acrobatics Show and Chinese Kongfu Show in the theaters, travelers can enjoy or relax themselves
thoroughly.

Popular Night Shows
Beijing Opera
Beijing opera, more commonly known as Peking opera to westerners, is deemed the national opera of China. It is widely regarded as the highest expression of the Chinese culture. It is known as one of the three main theatrical systems in the world. Artistically, Beijing Opera is perhaps the most refined form of opera in the world. It has deeply influenced the hearts of the Chinese people. The accompanying music, singing and costumes are all fascinating and artistic. Full of Chinese cultural facts, the opera presents to the audience an encyclopedia of Chinese culture as well as unfolding stories, beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and acrobatic fighting. Since it enjoys a higher reputation than other local operas, almost every province of China has more than one Beijing Opera troupe. This kind of opera is so popular among Chinese people, especially seniors.

Chinese Acrobatics
As early as in the Spring and Autumn Period, the art of acrobatics made its debut in China. The first type of acrobatics developed was strength acrobatics, with warriors whirling heavy wheels with their hands. In the Han Dynasty, acrobatic shows became important amusements frequently enjoyed at palace banquets as well as celebrations of the common people.

Ancient acrobatics was handed down from generation to generation. Performances include such well-known ones as "Jumping Through Hoops," "Diabolos," "Tightrope Walking," "Juggling with the Feet," "Juggling with the Flower Jar," "Plate Spinning," and "A Pagoda of Bowls." After the founding of the PRC in 1949, acrobatics developed rapidly, with the encouragement of the Chinese government. Now, there are nearly 100 acrobatic troupes above the county level, and thousands of non-governmental acrobatic troupes. A large contingent of professional and part-time acrobats has come into being. China has sent hundreds of acrobatic troupes abroad to perform in over 100 countries and regions. From 1981 to 1997, China won gold prizes on 35 occasions, such as the "Prize of the President of the Republic of France," and the top prize at the "Tomorrow and the Future" International Acrobatic Festival held in France. So far, China has won 85 gold prizes at international acrobatic contests. The superb skills of Chinese acrobats have been praised by people all over the world, and China has been recognized as the leading country in the acrobatics field.

Chinese Kongfu Show
Chinese Martial Arts known as Chinese Kung-fu by most westerners is a traditional Chinese physical activity with thousands of years of history. As a precious element of China's cultural heritage, Chinese Kung-fu has also won its name all around the world for its broad and deep meanings and its Oriental features, which cover it with a mysterious veil.

   

The origin of Chinese Kung-fu, according to some historical records and antique discoveries, can be dated back even to prehistoric times. Survival back then meant scrambling to take or protect food from others and animals. Kicking, boxing and blocking were a part of daily life. In the later primitive societies these skills began to appear at ceremonial rituals where they were combined with dance to represent their heroes, thus forming the earliest series of Kong-fu moves and performances.

In modern times, Chinese Kung-fu was first introduced abroad to the United States by Chinese-American Kung-fu master Bruce Lee, whose agile movements in a series of his great movies swept American audiences off their feet. Thanks to the giant influence of the American movie industry, it soon swept across the world. The entire globe was enchanted by the magic act, starting the upsurge of interest in Chinese Kung-fu. From then on, Chinese Kung-fu learners can be found everywhere. Now, Lee's followers, Jacky Chan (Cheng Long) and Jet Lee (Li Lianjie) carry the baton pushing themselves to novel heights.

Coming up to date, Chinese Kung-fu has become something of a necessity in movies and soap operas. In this we can detect human being's deep yearning for heroes, whom, always holding consummate skills, gain victory over their enemies. To further delight audiences, moviemakers add more and more modern techniques into their films exaggerating the effect of Kung-fu. Remember, Kung-fu is a real and powerful movement, but not witchcraft.
The Legend of Chinese Kongfu Show in Beijing is a combination of martial arts, acrobats, music, dancing and modern equipments. The legend tells a monk's growing story in Shaolin Temple. It's very popular among the guests from all over the world.

Pubs and Nightclubs
Sanlitun Pub Street
The old Sanlitun street is near 68 foreign missions in one of Beijing's two main embassy districts and its first pub moved in in 1989 and by 1998 it had been followed by more than 80 pubs. The street became a place where people from around the world as well as young Beijingers could drink, sing, dance and chat.

A new Sanlitun street, covering an area of more than 50,000 square meters, will be established across the street from the pub street. All the buildings on either side of the new street will be four-storied and not higher than 18 meters.

Houhai Pub Street
Houhai was a very elegant contrast to the seedy Sanlitun Bar district. There were many different bars and restaurants that lined the shores of the man made lake. Lots of open air jazz music and restaurants around. A boat house with boats you can rent to paddle. Watch out for the traffic jam on water though.

VICS
Location: in the east inside of the North Entrance of Gongti, Chaoyang District
Opening hours: 20:00 - 03:00
Cost for ticket: 30 Yuan at weekend, 20 Yuan on Wednesday (Lady's night) and women can enjoy cocktail for free at that night (excluding special activities)
Music: Hip-hop, R&B

JJ Bar
Address: A2, Chaibang Hutong, Andingmennei Da Jie, Dongcheng District
Opening hours: for 24 hours
Average cost per person: 20 Yuan - 30 Yuan

Hugo Club
Address: B143, Xiwai Da Jie, Haidian District
Opening hours: from 09:00 until late

Big Easy Bar & Restaurant
Good place for live music & jazz. Celebrate nightly at the New Orleans Experience and enjoy Beijing's best Cajun cuisine, hurricane cocktails and live Blues/Jazz/R&B.
Address: 1 Nongzhanguan Nanlu, South Gate of Chaoyang Park
Tel: 86-10-6508 6776

Boys and Girls
Address: Sanlitun Bar Street, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6416 6776

Nashville
Address: Sanlitun South Bar Street, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6502 4201

Cappuccino Club
Provides French and Italian-style coffee & free wireless Internet.
Address: North end of Sanlitun Bar Street, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6417 7035

CD Cafe
Address: South of Agriculture Exhibition Center, East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6501 8877

Durty Nellie's Irish Pub
Address: B8, Dongsanhuanbei Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6593 5050

Centro
1/F, Kerry Center Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6561 8833, ext.42

Charlie
Address: B1, Jianguo Hote, 5, Jianguomen Wai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6500 2233, ext 8038

Club Banana
Address: Scitech Hotel, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6528 3636

Galleria Jazz Bar
Address:1/F Novotel Xinqiao Beijing, DongCheng District
Tel: 86-10-6513 3366, ext. 2014,15

Havana Cafe
Address: Near the north gate of the Workers ' Stadium, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6586 6166

Hidden Tree
Address: 12 Dongdaqiao Xiejie, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6509 3642

John Bull Pub
Address: 44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6532 5905

Latinos
Beijing's new salsa club! Live music from a Colombian Band and Top Latin DJs, dancers and dance teachers.
Address: Chaoyang Park South Gate, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6507 9898

Suzie Wong
Address: West Gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6593 6049

The Goose & Duck Pub & Restaurant
Address: 1 Greenlake Nanlu, Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6538 1827

The Loft
Address: 4 Gonti Beilu, Chaoyang District
Tel: 86-10-6501 7501

Hou Hai Cafe and Bar
Address:20 South Houhai, Xicheng District
Tel: 86-10-6613 7825

Lotus Blue
Address: Inside Louts Lane, Ping'an street, Xicheng District.
Tel: 86-10-6617 2599

Passby Bar
Address: 108 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District
Tel: 86-10-6406 2243

Tango
Address: 79 Hepingli xXijie, Dongcheng District
Tel: 86-10-6428 2288

The Bridge
Address: Northeast Yindingqiao, Xicheng District
Tel: 86-10-6615 1366

Vanilla
Address: 43 Yandai Xiejie next to Lotus and across from Lotus Root, Xicheng District
Tel: 86-10-6402 6440

8 Gua
Address: 6 C Houhai Ya'er Hutong, Xicheng District
Tel: 86-10-6401 8080