The best jazz bars in Beijing

Swing into these groovin' joints

Whether or not you're feeling bluesy, these bars offer up some of the the best live jazz in Beijing.

East Shore Live Jazz Café (东岸爵士)

A diamond in the neon rough of Houhai's shores, East Shore was opened by Cui Jian's former sax player, Liu Yuan. It's free entry most nights, and the super view over the lake backs up the hyper-proficiency of the mostly local musicians onstage.

2 Qianhai Nanyan, Xicheng district

Jianghu Bar (江湖酒吧)

Just off Nanluoguxiang, this intimate courtyard bar holds jam nights every Tuesday – usually a smooth to swingy affair. Other bookings up the tempo a little, though folk's big here too. A charming choice for a date night.

27 Dongmianhua Hutong, Jiaodaokou Nan Dajie, Dongcheng district

Blue Note

Admission and fare ain't coming cheap here, but if you care about your A-grade jazz, quality's guaranteed. Acts to pass through since opening last year include star saxophonist Kamasi Washington and 22-time Grammy-winner Chick Corea.

23 Qianmen Dong Dajie, Dongcheng district

The Bricks

Leather chairs, low lighting and waiters in bowties – The Bricks toys with the romantic tropes of a classic US jazz joint, though the resident band seem briefed to provide hotel bar-style jazz rather than brass-parping explorations. An enjoyable experience amidst the Sanlitun jungle nonetheless.

B1-007, North area of Shoukai Bojun, Sanlitun, Chaoyang district

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