178 Best Nightlife in China

When you're finally done with the casinos and ready to look down on the rest of the world, hop over to Taipa and take the Altira Macau elevator straight up the to this lofty spot. Sip cocktails under the stars on the outdoor terrace, where tapas are served from 2 pm to 2 am. Indoors, a live band plays from 9 pm to 2 am most evenings.

Inside an impressive curvaceous skyscraper, this very cool bar sits on the mezzanine level of the top floor. The high ceilings and glass walls offer up unrivaled views of Hong Kong and the surrounding harbor filled with ferries and ships. Tables are placed in front of the windows so you never have to crane your neck to see the skyline.

Around for more than a decade, dragon-i has lost none of its popularity, which is rare for a nightclub in Hong Kong. Have a drink on the deck, or step inside the vivid red playroom, which doubles as a Chinese restaurant earlier in the day. It's the domain of the city's young, rich, and beautiful (if not necessarily classy) crowd, and attracts a busy roster of international acts and DJs.

High up in the Peninsula Hong Kong, this bar is immensely popular with visitors. It not only has a brilliant view of the island, but the dramatic interiors are by the visionary designer Philippe Starck. Another memorable feature: tthe women’s bathroom overlooks the harbor, while the men’s has great city views.

At Beijing's first proper microbrewery, the beers are made with ingredients such as tea and Sichuan peppercorns. Don't miss the bar peanuts—spicy and salty, they'll keep you going back to the bar for just one more brew. This place has been so successful, in fact, that the owners have since opened a much-larger flagship in Liangmaqiao, which also serves food.

For a refined night out, head to the southeastern edge of West Lake and visit this well-established jazz club with a cultured clientele. The large three-story spot is known for its steady stream of talented jazz and blues performers, plus it has one of the city's best wine and whiskey lists.

Housed in a bright pink building with pine-green shutters, this lively wine bar is just steps away from the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral. The two British expats who manage the place have assembled a wine list that includes more than 430 Portuguese varieties, and there's a fine selection of whiskeys available as well. On the food front, look for British cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and many homemade offerings (desserts among them). Live after-dinner music plays on select dates—particularly Fridays, depending on the season. It’s best to call ahead for details.

A revamped industrial space with, cool studios, and shops, the leafy OCT Loft promenade is peppered with trendy alfresco cafés that are popular for evening drinks. For a relaxed night out, look for La Patisserie or LSD Party, which is an Italian café-cum-gallery (not a drug den). Bettet yet, for a memorable musical experience, time your visit with the annual Jazz Festival, usually in October.

Hidden behind an unmarked red door is one of the coolest bars in up-and-coming Sai Ying Pun. Converted from an old table-tennis parlor, the basement space serves gin and tonics in authentic Spanish G&T balloon glasses and features works by local artists on the walls. It also offers an array of Spanish-inspired snacks.

Jiangsu's high-flyers toast their bottom line over classy cocktails on the 78th floor of the Zifeng Tower, China's third-tallest building. Nestled atop the InterContinental Nanjing, the bar boasts the city's best wine selection, with a good number available by the glass. Smog permitting, there are stunning city views across Xuanwu Lake to the leafy mound of Zhongshan Park.

In a trendy SoHo space, this British-expat hangout evokes the feel of southwest London. The owner is a beer fanatic, and the place has one of Hong Kong's best selections of local and international craft brews. It's a fun and convivial spot, with a mix of ages and a pretty even split between expats and locals. You can book the sectioned-off "Lounge" to watch broadcasts of the World Series, Super Bowl, Rubgy Sevens, World Cup soccer, or other sporting events with a group of friends.

The sleek lobby bar at Wuhan's chicest hotel wouldn't look out of place in New York. The bar takes its name from long wooden counters that run the length of the lobby and doubles as reception desk and watering hole. It's a beautiful space, with a blond-wood floor, a wall of books, and light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Nearly anything you could want to drink is available here. In summer, cool off with the bar's signature cocktail PuYu Sparkles, made with sparkling wine, rye whiskey, lemon and pineapple juices, ginger, and a little bit of sugar. The Long Bar has a small menu of savory and sweet snacks (think chicken and lamb satay or churros with lemon curd and chocolate) and also serves afternoon tea (Y188 per set, includes two hot drinks). For our money, we recommend The Long Pour happy hour (6–8), when most beers and cocktails (which run about Y65 each) are two-for-one.

This Bavarian-themed bar is known for its decent selection of imported wheat beers, ale (there are about a dozen), and beverages like Champagne, wine, and cocktails that are best enjoyed on the lovely, spacious outdoor patio. The atmosphere inside is chic but cozy, with a long bar and warm lighting.

One of Hong Kong's favorite after-work watering hole, 208 sits in the middle of trendy Sheung Wan, The place serves up spot-on classic cocktails alongside authentic antipasti. Sit outside and enjoy a cocktail or three with a mostly local crowd.

Tucked inside a tiny hutong near the western end of Houhai, 4Corners has a working fireplace in the winter and a breezy patio in the summer. There's inventive, pan-Asian cuisine from its Vietnamese-Canadian chef-owner, delicious cocktails, and refreshing beer such as Vedett White on tap.

Home to nostalgia-fueled theme nights, including 80s and disco, Alfa is a hopping little dance spot that's particularly popular with local gay men.

This Knutsford Terrace staple hosts a talented Filipino cover band that mainly works hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Drinks are a little overpriced, but there's an impressive sound system that prompts a loud sing-along from the crowd. Spanish-style artwork adorns the red-and-yellow walls.

The Armani brand has made its mark on Chater House, bringing a taste of Milan to Hong Kong. The big draw here is a wide, gorgeous deck with skyscraper views, chic outdoor seating, and an impressive—if pricey—list of cocktails. Go into the bar and turn right up the stairs.

On Wan Chai's trendy Ship Street, the dimly lit Back Bar is the place for top-of-the-line cocktails and delicious Spanish-influenced bar snacks. It gets very crowded, so come early.

One of the town's oldest establishments, this is Dali's most popular watering hole. In addition to an extensive bar, Bad Monkey brews its own beer, with every batch selling out quickly. Drinks aside, the kitchen stays open until early morning and cooks up decent fish-and-chips and pizzas. There's live music almost every night.

Also known as Bandu Music, this unpretentious café and bar in the M50 art compound sells hard-to-find CDs and occasionally holds concerts of traditional Chinese folk music. When touring the M50 galleries, this is a nice place for a break.

This funky, eclectic bar has live music most evenings, attracting a mix of young locals and expats. It's conveniently located among a row of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean restaurants that are very lively at night.