Chaoyang District (Home of Olympic Green)This area of Beijing is known as a financial hub, the world-famous architecture will keep heads looking up, taking in the details and lines of the skyline. This District is also home to many art galleries, embassies and upscale residents, as well as the infinitely long Sanlitun Bar Street, a popular among tourists and local bar-hoppers alike. Don't be surprised if local workers try to lure you into bars along this famous street; a popular marketing approach in Beijing, they’re hired specifically to bring patrons into their establishments.
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Sing, Surf, Drink & Be MerrySing Karaoke (KOK), surf the Internet and play the Nintendo Wii in your private room at Wain Wain. Private room reservations can be secured for less than $15/hour between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. Rooms are even cheaper earlier in the day (less than $10/hour between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.). A reservation is recommended. Wain Wain accepts cash-only.
Wain Wain
Rm. 3512, Bldg A, SOHO New Town, 88 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District
Phone: +86-10-8589-4383
Subway Stop: Line 1 Da Wang Lu, Exit B (Walk straight to traffic light and turn east to see the SOHO Building – Wain Wain is on the 35th Floor)
Book ItNot everything in China is "Made in China." Nearest to the Workers' Stadium and Workers' Indoor Arena, Bookworm is a European restaurant featuring great coffee and the opportunity to buy books. There's even a "kiddies corner" in this bookshop. Rooms are airy, the Internet is free and the coffee is less expensive than Starbucks. As is the case with many venues in Beijing, Bookworm is cash-only.
Bookworm
Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District
Phone: +86-10-6586-9507
Subway Stop: Line 2 Dong Si Shi Tiao, Exit Gongti Bei Lu (10-minute taxi)
When In China, Eat Mexican Food?Travelers craving Hispanic food can enjoy a burrito and some table-made guacamole in Lugas. Beautifully decorated with rustic murals and tapestries on the walls, Lugas is a very intimate restaurant with only two tables and three barstools. As patrons eat, they are entertained by pop and folk music over speakers and/or a big screen TV that often features football games. And, those looking for a pick-me-up are in luck: Lugas offers patrons both free wireless Internet and coffee. Meals are less than $10.
Lugas
41 Sanlitun Bei Jie, Behind Tongli Studios, Chaoyang District
Phone: +86-10-6416-5154
Subway Stop: Line 2 Dong Si Shi Tiao, Exit Gongti Bei Lu (10-minute taxi)
Packaged Entertainment For travelers tired of the DVDs or CDs they brought with them on their vacation, or for those interested in downloading new selections to their iPods, the No. 45 DVD CD Shop is a great local stop. Considered to have the best selection of DVDs in the city, this shop offers cheap entertainment options that will work in all DVD players. This cash-only shop is located next to Lugas.
No. 45 DVD CD Shop
45 Sanlitun Bei Jie, Chaoyang District
Subway Stop: Line 2 Dong Si Shi Tiao, Exit Gongti Bei Lu (10-minute taxi)
Where in the World is Suzie Wong? Resting above the Four Season Japanese Restaurant, near the West Gate of Chaoyang Park and the Beach Volleyball Ground; find drinks and dancing at The World of Suzie Wong. This bar features a small dance floor in the back and a local DJ. Guests range from 20ish to 60ish. This bar accepts major credit cards and boasts Ladies' Night every Wednesday when women drink free from 9 to 11 p.m.
The World of Suzie Wong
1A South Nongzhanguan Lu
West Gate, Chaoyang Park
Phone: +86-10-6500-3377
Shopping Anyone? Two of the most popular shopping stops for tourists in Beijing are the Silk Alley and
Beijing Friendship Store. These shopping "hot spots" sit relatively close to one another and are filled with silk products, art and more, for fair prices. Most of the shop owners on Silk Alley speak English so negotiating a bargain is possible, and recommended.
Silk Alley
No.8 Xiu Shui East Rd., Chaoyang District
Phone: +86-10-51699003
Friends with Money: China's Beloved Retail ChainAs its name implies, the Friendship Store originally developed as a means to foster relationships with foreign visitors. It is no coincidence that the store chain opened at the same time communist China opened itself to the outside world.
Offering a myriad of authentic Chinese goods, from art to silk to antiques, the Friendship Store provided one-stop souvenir shopping—only accepting foreign exchange currencies. The original intent of the stores was to welcome foreigners while also encouraging the spread of Chinese culture, as shoppers shared their souvenirs with loved ones around the world.
In its beginning in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the state-owned chain catered exclusively to diplomats, visiting business people and tourists alike. In the mid-1990s, as the chain continued to grow and develop into large department stores, the Friendship Store opened its doors to Chinese citizens.
Today, this chain embodies the Chinese spirit of innovation through its offerings of the latest in day-to-day products while also honoring the country's heritage through the sale of more traditional items. As the official retail provider of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the Friendship Store's camaraderie with the world will only continue to grow.
Flowers, Food and Furniture, Oh My! For a very locally inspired shopping outing, visit the Don Jiao Pi Fa Wholesale Market near GuangHui Bridge. This market has everything from Chinese porcelain, produce and flowers, to electronics and home furnishings. If you walk past a big red gate, peak inside for more shopping. This is a very local experience, one that tourists usually miss. Goods are paid for with cash-only.
Don Jiao Pi Fa Wholesale Market
A12 Xi Dawang Lu, Chaoyang District
Phone: +86-10-6773-9592
Subway Stop: Line 1 Da Wang Lu, Exit A (Go straight then turn right onto Widawang Lu and walk straight for approximately five minutes)
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