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1ST DEC 2008
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 Beijing has more history unto itself than many nations do. Any students thinking of travelling continue for a great read!
What is today thought of as the center of modern Communism, Beijing (which means Northern Capital) was actually called Beiping (Northern Peace) before the revolution of 1949. A man on a mission could spend everyday for months exploring the history that lies within Beijing. From the Forbidden City to the Beijing Opera, Tian⿿anmen Square to Laoshe Teahouse, the Summer Palace to Beijing University, to say that you have done Beijing justice is a bold statement. What is frequently left out of the accolades of Beijing is the nightlife that blossoms when a city of 12 million embraces all that is modern and chic. Beijing nightlife can hold its own with any of the world⿿s great nightspots.
A man could write multiple volumes simply on Beijing⿿s bar district, Sanlitun, as anyone who has glanced at Lonely Planet Beijing will affirm. Sanlitun is on the near east side of Beijing, a short taxi ride from Tian⿿anmen, or about 30 minutes from the university district, depending on traffic. Sanlitun is a long road, split at one point, along which literally hundreds of bars are located. If you are looking for anything other than some laughs and a few drinks, forget Sanlitun, because it is all bars. Numbered conveniently for the visitor, the road is also split into two sections, Sanlitun-bei and Sanlitun-nan, with bei representing north and nan south. The visitor on any given night is best to get out of the taxi as soon as they hit the road, as forcing the driver to drive down the road will cost more than it is worth.
The hundreds of bars have so much variance that the area is sure to please even the most discerning of nightfolk. From Irish pubs to ultra-chic clubs, Sanlitun has it all. To try to report on all of it would be ridiculous, so I will simply give a few suggestions for evening starters and then highlight the must-see⿿s. A local favorite to start the evening is The Poacher⿿s Inn, which is in Sanlitun-bei, and not far from where many people part with their transport. Poachers draws a university crowd, with many foreigners attracted to the cheap drinks and perpetually hopping atmosphere. For about 40p you can have a half-pint of Yanjing draft and 1£ will fetch any mixed drink you like. An added bonus for western visitors is that tipping is not allowed. If you are starting your night from Sanlitun-nan (the south end), Durty Nellies is a solid choice for a starter. A cool atmosphere with cheap drinks and a friendly crowd attracts Nellies a reasonable following without being packed to the rafters.
Provided by The Student Zone (United Kingdom)
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