Beijing's nightlife is comprehensive. There are those catering to the high-end, and there are also those featuring cheap drinks and cheerful bar scenes.

Nanjie

The slogan "Shut up, just drink" goes with cheap booze to the sound of British indie tunes. Young and distinctly happy crowd. Daily 5pm- late. Gongti Beilu (opposite the Workers' Stadium north gate), Chaoyang District. 010-64130963.

Bus bar

Two buses gutted out and welded together for your evening of entertainment pleasure. Dirt cheap drinks and scruffy atmosphere appeal to the crowds. Edge of the parking lot across from the north gate of the Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang District.

Bla Bla Bar

Situated inside the BLCU campus, offers cheap booze, and international crowd. Good sports coverage. Daily 2pm-2am. Beijing Language and Culture University, Haidian District. 010-62397033.

Kai Club

A fave for those getting tanked up on the cheap before going elsewhere. Mon-Fri 6pm-2am; Sat-Sun 6pm-4am. Sanlitun Beijie (around the corner from Poachers Inn), Chaoyang District. 010-64166254.

Poachers Inn

With the same tunes every week, Poachers takes full advantage of the transient population but does it well. Young local and expat student favourite. Non-stop dancing. Daily 8pm-late. 43 Bei Sanlitun Lu Chaoyang District. 010-64172632 ext 8506.