China Gay力: Beijing’s Top LGBTQ-Friendly Bars
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Between
Beijing's changing landscape and the mercurial nature of the
authorities, options for the capital's LGBTQI community can at times
seem rather elusive. There are however a number of long-running bars who
have helped lead the way in providing safe spaces, as well as some
newer venues hoping to help establish Beijing as a queer-friendly city.
The bars listed below are welcoming to everyone, especially the LGBTQI
community.
Located on the
Sanlitun Bar Street, Adam's has a cozy interior and a great rooftop and
terrace for the warmer months. Opened in 2015, the bar immediately found
a following, creating a positive hub for locals, expats, and visitors
to sip on cocktails and mingle in the heart of the city's shopping and
nightlife district.
Daily 11am-late
54 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路54号
184 0178 9772
Another cute and
discrete LGBT-friendly bar close to Sanlitun is Anchor in Yoolee Plaza.
The bar hosts drag parties every other Thursday from 8pm with performances
usually beginning at around 10pm. Even if you don't attend decked out in
your finest drag, get into the spirit with their LipSync battle, a
favorite among regular patrons.
Mon-Fri 10am-2am, Sat-Sun 10am-4am
21 North Workers' Road, Yoolee Plaza, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体北路21号永利国际购物中心一层北侧
(010) 5801 0515
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Chill Bar, located
just west of Andingmen, is an LGBT-friendly venue that also happens to
have one of the best remaining courtyards in the area. If you're looking
to meet new people, head over to partake in LES BOOZE every first
Friday of the month, organized by LGBTQI group Q-space. It's open to
everyone, but as you may have guessed from the name, is especially good
for the ladies.
Daily 3pm-2am
2 Andingmen Xidajie, Chaoyang District
东城区安定门西大街2号
(010) 6405 9575
The newest venue
on this list, CUE recently opened on the third floor of Liangmaqiao's Grand Summit building. A simple yet stylish venue that has
a sizeable terrace and serves Southeast Asian cuisine, they have also
added a regular Tuesday night party titled "Love Gets Blessed Tonight at
Cue," starting from 7pm to late. Similar to Chill Bar above, Cue is not
exclusively an LGBTQ venue, however, it is one of many venues now
aiming to promote diversity and inclusion within Beijing's social scene.
Daily 6pm-2am
Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东三环亮马桥官舍南区3层F306号
158 0213 1448
Although largely
patronized by men in the evenings, Destination has repositioned itself
over the past year as a multicultural center and arts space. As such,
the iconic LGBTQI-friendly venue now hosts a wide array of events, day
and night for everyone to enjoy. However, that doesn't mean that they've
completely done away with what put them on the map in the first place,
with Destination remaining one of, if not the best, LGBTQI bars to dance
until the sun comes up. They also have a fabulous restaurant called
DESLINK should you want a bite to eat before your big night out (or after).
Sun-Thu 8pm-2am, Fri-Sat 8pm-late
7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体西路7号
(010) 6552 8180
Another fun and
funky LGBTQI-friendly venue is Red Dog in the south section of Sanlitun
Soho. Decked out in psychedelic wallpaper and neon lights, the bar hosts
a different event almost every night of the week, meaning that it has
something for everyone. The LGBTQI community heads to Red Dog on LGBT
Thursdays with karaoke starting from 9-10pm before their resident DJ
takes over till late.
Daily 6pm-2am
B1-538, Bldg 5, Sanlitun Soho, Chaoyang District
朝阳区 工体北路8号院 三里屯SOHO
(010) 8425218
Ginger, in
Sanlitun north, is operated by the same management as Red Dog and
strikes a more dive bar-style aesthetic. That means similarly
well-priced cheap (but potent) cocktails and beer options in an eclectic
and fun space.
Daily 7pm-2am
Rm 110, 1/F, Bldg 10, Xindong Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路10号楼一层110室（逸盛阁）
If you're looking
for more places to bump and grind to the beat, then Kai bar is what you
want. Located right next door to Destination, Kai is for both the young
and the young at heart, and one of our favorite spots to get down and
dirty, and dance like nobody's looking.
Daily 6pm-late
6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体西路6号糖果街区负一层
Located next to Q
Mex in Courtyard 4, The Rabbit Bar is another popular LGBTQ hangout.
Although the patrons are mostly male, this venue is welcoming to anyone
who wants to have a nice drink and conversation.
Daily 8pm-2.30am
2-3/F, Bldg 81, Courtyard 4, Chaoyang District (upstairs of Fukubuku Sake Bar & Lounge, across from Q Mex)
朝阳区机电院4号院81号楼2-3层（福福居酒屋楼上）
Images courtesy of the venues, Uni You
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