Nightlife in Beijing - Houhai and Sanlitun Houhai Houhai is Beijing's newly developed old town of funky nightlife. With the glow of lights over the lake Hohai takes on an unreal feeling - this is where Willy Wonka came to party. Each cafe and restaurant (aside from Starbucks) are individually owned and have their own unique style and service. Not to say that they don't copy each other's good ideas. A great place for dinner and then migrate from place to place for drinks. Or a nice stroll with good people watching. A mixture of old Beijing and the modern west, Houhai is worth a look. A great place for people of all ages - you can have drinks, tea or coffee and with so many little places to choose from you can find the right one for you. Sanlitun The nightlife in Houhai is more on the tame side compared to its big brother, Sanlitun which is where the more raucous action happens. There are two areas divided by Gongti Beilu (the northern street along Workers Stadium). The main area on Sanlitun Lu is a row of bars, some with live music, lots of DVD salesmen and lots of other action. Across the Gongti and down Dongdaqiao is a rabbit warren of small venues. Keep your eyes open for the Sanlutun map put out by That's Beijing. Houhai and Sanlitun are aimed at foreigners. There are many other venues around Beijing - there are several publications which will tell you all the latest happenings: Beijing Talk, City Weekend, That's Beijing and Beijing this Month. Houhai More on Houhai from journalist Ron Gluckman