On the surface it might seem difficult to crack into Beijing's live music scene as a visitor, but really, there is plenty going on in China's capital city when it comes to live music, and gigs are very accessible.
What makes Beijing's music scene so interesting is that musicians don't only come from Beijing, but many of them come from outlying provinces such as Tibet and Inner Mongolia and bring traditional elements of folk music into the mix. On top of that, there are many international bands, too.
1. Mao Livehouse
Beijing Mao LivehouseProbably the most talked about livehouse in town, Mao Livehouse has had to shut down on the authorities' request many times, but is somehow still going strong in its original location as one of the city's premier live music spots (although during the day it looks shut).
The venue feels like a warehouse both inside and out. Walk past here any night of the week to see music fans standing outside on the street waiting to get in or having a cigarette outside.
- Address: 111 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
- Telephone: 6402 5080
2. DDC
A small Gulou hutong venue, DDC, an abbreviation of Dusk Dawn Club, is known for having a good mix of local Chinese acts, Beijing expat bands and even getting international bands from abroad, which is impressive considering its size. This bar also has a space for art exhibitions, hosting local and often young artists, and is located in a picturesque courtyard for an authentic Beijing feel.
- Address: 14 Sanlao Hutong, Dongcheng District
- Telephone: 186 1173 0692
- 5-Day Beijing Family Tour
- 6-Day Beijing Chinese New Year Tour
- Half-Day Beijing Walking Tour in a Neighborhood
3. Hot Cat Club
Hot Cat Club (熱力猫 bar)Located in Gulou's hutongs, as you'll find most of the city's live music venues are, Music varies from rock to reggae to indie pop to blues.
Hot Cat Club doesn't only have live music but also has weekly comedy nights on every Wednesday starting at 7pm.
Shows here are generally free to enter (as is the comedy) and the venue is cozy. Look out for the blue sign as seen in the photo or you may find yourself wandering past it.
- Address: 46 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng District
- Telephone: 6400 7868
4. Jianghu Bar
Known for hosting many minority musicians from Western provinces, Jianghu Bar is small but its acts still draw a crowd. This place often has Inner Mongolian acts on, and drinks are decent.
Every Tuesday there are jazz jam sessions, and blues sessions are every Sunday (starts at 9.30pm). If you want to check out the local folk music scene, this is the place to be.
- Address: 7 Dongmianhua Hutong, Dongcheng District
- Telephone: 6401 5269
- 4-Day Beijing Private Tour to Visit the Great Wall at Night
- 6-Day Beijing Winter Tour with Skiing in a 2022 Olympic Winter Games Venue
- 1-Day In-Depth Beijing Culture Tour
5. School Bar
Beijing School BarSchool Bar was the place (if a little grimy) to go to catch a gig for foreigners living in Beijing a while ago, and it still is, although it has also grown in popularity with Chinese audiences. You'll usually find alternative music here, and a bunch of international brews in bottles and on tap.
Located on Wudaoying Hutong, just around the corner from the Lama Temple, this live house has since had a facelift of sorts resulting in much less sticky floors. Don't miss the red and cream "SCHOOL" sign as depicted to find the entrance, which doesn't look like much, but it'll be worth it for the music once you're inside.
- Address: 53 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District
- Telephone: 6402 8881
6. Yugong Yishan
This is one of the biggest live music venues in Beijing, and you'll often find big names performing here. While Yugong Yishan doesn't exclusively have metal acts on, this is certainly the place to check if you do want to catch a metal band.
Shows here can easily cost over 100 yuan, making it one of the more expensive venues in town, although perhaps not by international standards.
If you do want to catch a show here, we suggest you check in advance whether tickets are still available by calling ahead or checking online. Yugong Yishan have an English website (unlike most other venues of its kind).
- Address: 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu, Dongcheng District
- Telephone: 6404 2711
Want to Catch a Gig While You're in Beijing?
Have fun in China your way with us.If live music shows are a big part of your life, let us know when you're booking your trip so that we can scope out the events offerings for the dates you're in Beijing.
- We also have lots of helpful guidance on planning a first China trip.
Further Reading
- Most of these venues are located in the hutongs. Want to learn more about the hutongs? Why not take a hutong walking tour.
- Want to learn more about Chinese popular culture? Ten movies to watch before going to China.
- Is coffee an important part of your day? We've listed the best cafes in Beijing for tourists based on their location.
- Would you prefer to have a quiet drink? Check out our suggestions for Beijing's best bars at every budget.
