As an international metropolis, Beijing is a place never lacking of entertainment options. All the clubs, bars, theatres, cinema halls etc. have enlivened the nightlife to be more colourful; while, the traditional Chinese acrobatics shows, Peking operas and Kung Fu performances will show you the core spirit of Beijing. Sitting in a quaint local teahouse, taking a sip of the aromatic green tea, enjoying the fantastic Peking operas...Even the most trifling things will stop bothering you. Let TOC be your guide of this amazing joy-seeking journey!

"Do as the Romans do"

Peking Operas

With a profound history of over 200 years, Peking opera is regarded as one of the most precious national treasures, just as famous as Great Wall and Terra Cotta Warriors. It was formed on the base of Anhui opera and Han drama, absorbing the essence of Kunqu opera, Qin Melody etc. Now with over half a century of mixture and combination of various kinds of operas, there finally came the present Peking opera, the most influential one in China.

Beijing Opera is mainly about the tales of successive dynasties in regard to important historic and political events. Thus for our beloved overseas friends, if without any knowledge basis of Chinese history, sometimes, it is difficult to follow the stories. The music of Peking Opera can be divided into two major catagories-percussion music and orchestral music, with the latter one being regarded as the soul. Percussion music is in charge of the whole process of singing, dancing, dialogue and acrobatic fighting. While, the orchestral music is responsible for the whole musical environment, giving out graceful and pleasing rhythms to make audience totally immerse in it. Its costumes are extremely elegant and radiant, showing the beauty of traditional Chinese embroidery. What masterpiece of arts and crafts! The facial make-ups have always been a hot topic. The types of facial make-ups are rich, displaying various characters and remarkable images. For a painted role, the different colors of faces depict different characters and personalities. For example, Yellow and white shows cunning; red represents uprightness and loyalty; black depicts valor and wisdom; blue and green stands for the vigorous character of rebellious heroes and gold and silver represent mystic or super-natural things. In a word, it is extremely magnificent with great profundity.

Acrobatics Show

Chinese arcobatics is honored as a miracle of arts in the cradle of Beijing folk cultures, enjoying great popularity among local citizens and distant visitors. It has a rich repertoire, including lion dance, flagpole-waving, Qigong, magic, vocal mimicry, Wushu, circus, beast training etc. Thus when watching an acrobatics show, one would be totally attracted mentally and physically. With a fast development of over 40 years, it has now played a vital role in the cultural exchange between China and other nations. The deafening applause from the esteemed public of more than 100 countries and regions has exactly shown the steady-growing popularity internationally.

There are several famous acrobatic troupes in Beijing, among which the Beijing Acrobatics Troup stays at the top for its awesome innovative performances. With many golden awards at both home and abroad, the 50-year old Troup is honored to stage its shows at Tiaoqiao Acrobatics Theatre, the birth place of modern acrobatics. Show time is from 5:30p.m to 6:30p.m and 7:15p.m to 8:40p.m, thus one can totally enjoy it to his heart content. If you want to add it to your Beijing tours, tell the trip advisors of TOC for customization.

Beijing Kung Fu Show

Chinese Kung Fu started its fame internationally owing to the dedication of Bruce Lee and his widely-known Tae Kwon Do, and laterly contributed by Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Anyone who has watched these classical Chinese Kung Fu movies will surely be crazy about it. Kung Fu, or Wushu, is one of the most important representatives of profound Chinese culture. It is not simply a string of physical actions, but a perfect combination of brain and brawn together. Coupled by a broad and deep meaning as well as unique oriental features, Kung Fu now has become a worldwide sport with a great number of people in different colors learning and using it to attain its inherent benefits. It is a sport that can improve one's health, balance, coordination ect., no longer a simple self-defense act.

The most popular Kung Fu nowadays includes Tai Chi Chuan, Tae Kwon Do,Wing Chun, being learned and practised by millions of people throughout the world, and the number is still on a rise. However, if you really desire to uncover the mysterious veil of Chinese Kung Fu, shows performed by professional Wushu players are excellent choices for you. Our Beijing tour guide will lead you to the most famous Wushu gym so as to fully meet your demands.

Graceful Teahous

Imagine yourself sitting in a quaint local teahouse in�a cloud-less late afternoon, taking a sip of the aromatic grean tea and watching a wonderful sideshow...What a kind of enjoyment! Chinese tea is a real symbol just as reputable as silk and china in the western eyes. While, Chinese teahouse can just be compared to an ancient cafe for the east to get together, chatting, chewing and killing time. Currently, this old tradition seems to be revitalized and become much more popular than before. It is now not just a cosy place for people to sip tea, but also to experience the unique Chinese culture and hold social activities.

The most renowned teahouse in Beijing is Lao She Teahouse, named after the great People's Artist---Lao She. Located to the southeast of Tian'anmen Square, it was built in the year 1988 with a total area of 2600 square meters. Besides, it is also a perfect combination of bookhouse, restaurant and teahouse, quaint and elegant, pervaded by a strong nostalgic atmosphere. Here you can also appreciate a rich repertoire of Peking opera, Quyi, acrobatic show, magic performance etc. A great amusement indeed!

Address: NO.3 building, the west street of Qianmen, Beijing.

Business hours: 11:30 a.m.---9:30 p.m.

Show Time: Peking opera performances at the afternoons of Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Quyi starts at 5:40 p.m.

Price for evening show: from 40 to 130 RMB

Nightlife of Beijing

Recommended clubs and bars

If you desire for an experience of the colourful nightlife in Beijing, bar streets of Sanlitun and Houhai may be the perfect choices for you. Sanlitun can be called as the originator of Beijing nightbars, situated near the biggest legation quarter of the city. Several dozens of bars, standing along the street, show a simple look of elegance in the sparkling neon night. Although time flies just as the wind, the myth of Sanlitun has never changed. While Houhai, the most romantic place of Beijing, is a great mixture of water, cruise ships, bridges and bars. Sitting at the bank of the beautiful lake and regaling ourselves with beers are the most special features of Houhai Bar Street. Although during the day-time it is not so lively, the night of Houhai is a world with unrestrained passion.

Boys & Girls

Address: NO.68, the north street of Sanlitun, Beijing.

Music Styles: Modern popular music.

Reason for Recommendation: Just as its name shows, BOYS & GIRLS is a bar particularly popular among young people. With a total area of 300 square meters, it is well designed in a cozy atmosphere, where one can absolutely unwind himself by immersing in the sweet drinks and wonderful musical rhythms. And the performance by a lot of dynamic bands is the other glaring point of the bar.

Cowboy Bar

Address: NO.8, the north street of Sanlitun, Beijing.

Music Style: hit parade of western music, rock music

Reason for Recommendation: A large transparent French window plus the inside flickering light of candles form the graceful Cowboy Bar. And the soothing American styled music as well as the unique western sparkles pervade everywhere in this not so spacious place. All you should do is to prepare yourself for a real booze-up!

Bu Da Bar

Address: NO.2, Yingding Brifge, Shichahai, Beijing.

Music Style: Jazz

Reason for Recommendation: Comfortable sofa, antique chairs full of nostalgic ideas, the stylish wall decoration and the soothing rhythm of Jazz has made up this Bu Da Bar. Customers can also have a rest around its Beijing-styled patio, chatting, drinking and enjoying.

Wu Ming Bar

Address: NO.3, Haidongyuan, the front of Shichahai, Beijing.

Music Style: Pop music, light music

Reason for Recommendation: The bar coupled by an exquisite corridor is just standing at the bank of Shichahai, an extremely great location for the appreciation of sunrise and sunset.

Recommended Beijing Concert Halls

Beijing Concert Hall

Music is always the theme of entertainment. Either pop, jazz, bule, rock & roll, or the elegant Western style of singing, piano-playing can create ripples in people's mind. Thus if you did not want to be in the noisy bars, Beijing Concert Hall is a perfect choice for you to enjoy the essence of music.

Beijing Concert Hall belongs to China National Symphony Orchestra. It was the Central Cinema before, and was reconstructed to be a concert hall in the year 1960. Beijing Concert Hall is located in the south of Chang'an Street, facing the charming Zhongnanhai in the north as well as lying on the east towards the busy Xidan Commercial Street.

Over the past half century, Beijing Concert Hall has been an ideal stage for a lot of great musicians from both home and abroad, such as Stern, Seiji Ozawa, Ma Youyou, Menuhin, Liu Shikun, Fu Cong etc. to show their talents. As an elegant art center, it has made great contributions for the cultural exchange between China and other nations, dramatically improving the friendships among people all over the world. Besides, being a pure land for our life beautification and spiritual improvement, it has nurtured countless music lovers. After the rebuilt in 2003, it has become an exquisite music box which can accommodate 1024 audience at a time.

Address: NO.1, North Xinhua Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.

Tel: 010-66057006

How to get there: Take bus NO.1, 4, 52, 57, T1 and stop at Xidan.

Editor's words:

After a whole day's visit of the breathtaking sceneries, you deserve to have a comfortable Beijing night. No matter what you choose, taking a sip of green tea, or drinking a cup of wine or appreciating an excellent concert, you will find the city is full of passion, full of colors.

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