What to Do in Beijing at Night: Top 8 Picks for 2025

As an international metropolis that combines ancient culture with modern vitality, Beijing offers a rich and diverse nightlife. We'll share with you the must-see nighttime activities in Beijing, helping you easily plan an unforgettable evening. 

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• 1. A Night Walk on Simatai Great Wall
• 2. Catch a Evening Show
• 3. Admire Bird's Nest and Water Cube
• 4. Enjoy Night Views in CBD
• 5. Shop Stylish Wangfujing
• 6. Savor Late-Night Snacks on Guijie
• 7. Relax in Bars around Sanlitun
• 8. Take a Cruise on the Liangma River

1. Experience a Night Walk on Simatai Great Wall

For an extraordinary experience, a night tour of the Great Wall is definitely worth including in your itinerary. This unique activity is available in only a few places in China, so it's something you shouldn't miss when organizing your evenings in Beijing.

We recommend the serene and original Simatai Great Wall. The area open at night stretches between towers 5 and 6. It's not very long, but enough to let you experience an atmosphere completely different from the daytime.

At night, Simatai is illuminated with warm lights along the wall, making it look like a glowing ribbon. You could stroll leisurely, gaze at the valley lights below, admire the stars above, and occasionally hear the chirping of insects. This peaceful and relaxing ambiance is great for those wanting to escape the urban clamor.

Simatai night tour

Driving from Beijing to Simatai takes about 2.5 hours. Returning to Beijing the same night can be tiring, so we recommend staying overnight in the nearby Gubei Water Town.

See our 2-Day Great Wall Mutianyu-Simatai Day-Night Tour.

You could enjoy the night view from the Great Wall, overlook the town's lights and drone shows, then head into the town to watch the water dance show or relax in a riverside bar. Returning to Beijing the next day will be much more relaxed.

If you prefer not to travel far, consider the Badaling Great Wall night tours available from May to September. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from the city center. Although it's more crowded than Simatai, you could still appreciate the beauty of the Great Wall at night.

2. Catch a Evening Show

For culture enthusiasts, attending a night performance is a great way to spend the evening. It offers relaxation and entertainment while also providing insight into Chinese culture.

If you're traveling with kids, consider a martial arts or acrobatics show; they're easy to understand without language barriers.

For unique Chinese kung fu, the Legend of Kung Fu at the Red Theatre is recommended. It tells the story of a young monk growing into a master, blending kung fu, acrobatics, and dance. The action is tense and thrilling, keeping you fully engaged.

The Legend of Kung Fu

For high-difficulty acrobatic performances, Chaoyang Theatre is a great choice. Bicycle acrobatics, hoop diving, contortion acts, and more will leave you amazed. The visual impact is strong and very thrilling.

Acrobatic

If you'd like to experience a performance with historical charm, visit Liyuan Theatre for Peking Opera. The elaborate costumes, intricate face masks, and unique singing style showcase the allure of Chinese opera. English subtitles are provided, so even first-timers could easily follow the plot and enjoy the show.

Peking Opera

We suggest booking tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure good seats for a better experience.

3. Admire Bird's Nest and Water Cube by Night

If you love night views and taking photos, the Bird's Nest and Water Cube are must-see spots.

These iconic landmarks from the 2008 Beijing Olympics offer a stunning combination of modern architecture and light art at night. The Bird's Nest glows with golden lights, like a fiery spectacle, while the Water Cube transforms into a glowing blue and purple "crystal," giving off a dreamy atmosphere.

Though impressive by day, they become even more artistic and romantic at night, perfect for photography.

You could admire them from different angles. Standing at the front plaza of the Bird's Nest or the side of the Water Cube, their complete lines are beautifully visible.

The side of the Water Cube

Between the two landmarks, you could photograph both in one shot. By the lake near the Bird's Nest, the buildings reflect stunningly in the water.

The Bird's Nest and its reflection in the water

For a panoramic view, consider visiting the 80th-floor observation deck of the Olympic Tower, where the entire park and Beijing's nightscape unfold before you. It's truly breathtaking.

4. Enjoy Stunning Night Views in Beijing's CBD

If you prefer city nightscapes over the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, we recommend the Guomao CBD, one of Beijing's most bustling areas. In my opinion, it offers the most beautiful night views in the city. The towering CITIC Tower, the uniquely designed CCTV building, and rows of skyscrapers light up at night, giving the city a vibrant feel even after dark.

CCTV night view

For a panoramic shot, you could go to the free observation terrace next to the Blue Frog restaurant on the 6th floor of the China World Mall, which offers a great view.

If you want to try the popular "looking up" perspective on social media, head to the intersection of the three buildings near the CITIC Tower. From the ground, shoot upwards to capture the glass facades and lights together for a stunning effect.

After enjoying the night views, if you're looking to dine, we recommend F Bistronome on the 7th floor of the China World Mall. This classic French restaurant offers delicious food and a romantic atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from above while dining. It's an ideal way to wrap up your day. 

Read more detailed information on Top Beijing Restaurants.

5. Shop Stylish Wangfujing

Wangfujing at night

If you enjoy shopping or want to find unique souvenirs, Wangfujing is highly recommended. It is one of Beijing's most famous commercial areas, featuring both international fashion brands and authentic local shops.

You could visit modern malls like Beijing APM and Wangfujing Central to explore the latest fashion and accessories. Alternatively, head to the century-old Wangfujing Department Store to pick up souvenirs to take home. Items like silk or cloisonné are not only beautiful and high-quality but also let you bring a piece of Beijing back with you.

Read more on Best Beijing Shopping Streets.

6. Savor Late-Night Snacks on Guijie

If you love food or want to experience authentic Beijing nightlife, Gui Street is definitely worth a visit.

It's a popular spot for locals in the evening. From dusk until the early hours, hundreds of restaurants line this bustling street, illuminated by neon lights and signs. The atmosphere is lively with people coming and going. Whether you crave authentic Beijing flavors or snacks from across China, you'll find it here.

Guijie

Gui Street is famous for spicy crayfish. You could head to Huda Restaurant for fresh and plentiful servings.

Spicy crayfish

For barbecue, try Beixinqiao Grilled Squid. Their dishes are crispy on the outside and tender inside. If you want traditional Beijing cuisine, visit Huajia Yiyuan for roast duck in a courtyard setting, or Yaoji Chaogan for a hot bowl of stewed liver with buns.

You could chat with friends while enjoying your meal and savor the night. Restaurants stay open late, so arriving later is no problem. A culinary feast awaits you at any time.

Learn more about Top Beijing Snack Streets.

7. Relax in Bars and Clubs around Sanlitun

If you enjoy relaxing in bars, Sanlitun is the top choice for nightlife in Beijing. It was the first place in Beijing to develop a bar culture, even before Houhai. Close to the embassy area, it attracts people from all over the world, offering a diverse and open atmosphere.

With numerous bars and clubs, whether you want to dance the night away, have a casual drink with friends, or savor a drink alone, there's a spot for you.

The bars in Sanlitun

We recommend two bars popular among local young people and frequented by international guests, helping you quickly immerse yourself in the local nightlife.

If you enjoy an indoor experience, head to La Social. Its retro decor and dim red lighting create a unique aesthetic. The Latin music will make you want to sway along. Uniquely, their signature passion fruit mojito is served in a bowl.

If you prefer open spaces, we recommend the Martini Rooftop Bar. The palm trees here give off a relaxed Los Angeles beach vibe. With the beats of popular Western music, you could also enjoy a view of Sanlitun's modern nightscape.

After 10 PM, the bars here become even more lively, which is the best time to experience the allure of Sanlitun at night.

8. Take a Cruise on the Liangma River

If you want to experience romantic water activities, you could take a boat ride on the Liangma River.

It is Beijing's most international waterfront night scene, close to Sanlitun, the embassy district, and upscale shopping areas. Night cruises run from 19:00 to 23:00, with the last boat departing at 22:20. A 40-50 minute journey offers tranquility and surprise in the bustling city.

Liangma River has two docks and four routes. We recommend the "Blue Harbor to Blue Harbor" loop to see all the highlights.

As you pass under Good Luck Bridge, look up to see the "purple starry sky" light effect, bringing you close to the "stars." At the Platinum Palace lock, enjoy a 3D light show featuring galloping horses, ancient printing, and scenes of Beijing's development. It's a novel and stunning experience.

Before setting off, you could have dinner at an international restaurant in Sanlitun or the embassy area. Options include French, Italian, or Thai cuisine. After the cruise, there are many open-air cafes and bars along the river, great for continuing your night out.

Experience Beijing's Best Nightlife with Us

Why miss the golden opportunities in Beijing's evening? No matter who you are, you'll find something unique and worth seeing, discovering the beauty and charm of Beijing at night!

China Highlights can help you tailor-make a Beijing tour that includes a night itinerary. Contact us to start planning your Beijing trip based on your ideas.