3 reviewed party hostels · from €10.73/night · Hostelworld rated
Beijing's nightlife doesn't scream and shout the way Bangkok or Seoul does, but dig a little and you'll find a scene worth staying up for. Sanlitun is the obvious starting point: a strip of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the Chaoyang district that draws expats, locals, and backpackers in roughly equal measure. Nearby Gongti, centred around the Workers' Stadium, is where the bigger clubs operate, and things don't get going until well past midnight. The hutong bar scene around Nanluoguxiang and Gulou offers something quieter but no less enjoyable, with craft beer spots and low-lit courtyard bars tucked into ancient alleyways. Hostel options are spread across a few distinct areas, from the traditional hutong neighbourhoods near the Drum Tower to the more central streets around Wangfujing. Dorm beds typically start around ¥60–¥100 per night, making Beijing one of the more affordable major capitals in the region.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
The Great Wall Box House is a unique hostel nestled in the charming village of Gubeikou, just outside Beijing. With its 100-year-old Si-He-Yuan house and a section of the Great Wall as its east-side wall, this countryside retreat offers an unforgettable experience. The hostel organises daily tea parties and thrilling hikes on the Great Wall, making it a fantastic choice for party enthusiasts seeking adventure. Don't miss out on their diverse Great Wall tour options!
This hostel is located in the center of Beijing, just a few blocks from the famous Forbidden City to the north, and Houhai and Qianhai Lakes to the east. It has a bar, restaurant and cafeteria, very close to all the places of interest in the capital, a nice and cozy place to relax after spending the day in the crowded center of the city
P.Loft Youth Hostel in Beijing’s vibrant hutong district is a party gem, buzzing with social events and a lively bar area. Its historic vibe and prime location near nightlife hotspots spark electric gatherings. With friendly staff hosting game nights and cultural mixers, it’s a gem for an epic, party-packed adventure in the city’s heart.
How Beijing's nightlife zones break down
Sanlitun is Beijing's main expat and nightlife corridor, centred on Sanlitun Lu and the surrounding blocks in Chaoyang district. The Workers' Stadium (Gongti) sits a short walk south and is home to several of the city's larger clubs, which operate well past 2am. This area is pricier for accommodation but puts you closest to the action.
The area around the Drum Tower (Gulou) and the hutong lane of Nanluoguxiang offers a completely different feel: narrow alleyways, courtyard bars, and a younger, artsy crowd. Nanluoguxiang itself runs about 800 metres and is lined with independent cafes, bars, and street food stalls. Most hostels in this area are housed in renovated traditional courtyard buildings.
Sitting just south of Tiananmen Square, Qianmen is a restored pedestrian street that connects old Beijing to the modern centre. Wangfujing, a few blocks northeast, is one of Beijing's main shopping streets and is well connected by subway. The area is more tourist-facing than Gulou but is convenient for first-timers wanting easy access to major sights.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
One of Beijing's longest-running and most popular gay-friendly clubs, Destination draws a mixed crowd of locals and travellers to its dance floors in the Gongti area. House and electronic music dominate, and the place runs until the early hours. Entry is usually free before midnight, with drinks starting around ¥40.
A craft beer pioneer in Beijing, Great Leap operates out of a converted hutong courtyard near Nanluoguxiang. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, making it a solid first stop before heading further out. Pints of their house beers run around ¥50–¥70, and the food is worth ordering too.
A rooftop bar and restaurant perched above the Sanlitun area with good views over the Chaoyang skyline. It draws a well-dressed crowd and leans more cocktail bar than club, but the outdoor terrace gets lively on weekends. Cocktails average around ¥80–¥100.
A reliable live music venue in the Gongti area that hosts indie, punk, and rock acts most weekends. The room is small and gets packed quickly, which gives it a proper gig feel rather than a sterile concert-hall vibe. Beers are affordable at around ¥30–¥40, and entry varies by event, usually ¥50–¥100.
A tucked-away bar in a Gulou hutong that typifies the quieter side of Beijing nightlife. Low lighting, good music, and an easygoing crowd make it a favourite among long-term expats. It's the kind of place you stay longer than planned.
One of the larger clubs operating near the Workers' Stadium, Spark pulls in big DJ bookings and runs late into the morning. The production values are high by Beijing standards, with proper lighting rigs and a serious sound system. Expect entry fees of around ¥100–¥150 on event nights.
A cosy, dimly lit bar in the Qianmen hutong area with a 1920s Parisian feel and a genuinely eclectic crowd. It runs regular jazz and blues nights, and the cocktail list is creative without being overpriced. Drinks hover around ¥60–¥80, and it fills up quickly on weekends.