Until rather recently, nightlife in Beijing was defined more by billowing red ceremonial lanterns than flashing neon and disco balls. That's another way of saying things were pretty darn tame and traditional in Beijing after dark until the easing of government restrictions on nocturnal revelry that only came around just after the turn of the century. Sure, you could find grimy expat dominated places (especially around Sanlitun, the neighborhood where expats were "quarantined" in the early days of China's "Opening and Reform" period), but the city didn't exactly boast a range of nightlife diversity.

Today, it's a totally different story, as the assortment of nightlife options is a reflection of Beijing's arrival on the "world-class city" scene. Like any good party town worth its salt, Beijing now has its share of smooth, upscale lounges along with loveable dives, romantic jazz dens, and all-out dance extravaganzas. Best of all, they're scattered throughout the city, and expats are no longer relegated to the confines of Sanlitun (though this 'hood is still a hopping stop on the nightlife map).

Yet because it's a rather recent player on the world nightlife stage, Beijing club culture tends to be more laidback than that of nightlife divas like New York and Tokyo. Closing time is pretty lax (and late)...last call is anywhere from 2:00am 'til dawn. Door policies really don't exist here–gaggles of guys can get into the coolest places, even dressed in tennies or flip-flops! Yep, you guessed it: no need to break out hardcore clubbing attire–anything goes really. At some of the sceniest spots, you may see some women decked out in togs of the tight-and-sparkly variety, but relaxed duds are more the norm (though obviously being the stylish gal you are, we know your ensemble will still be kickin'!).

On the sleek side of things, there are few sips cooler than a scotch on the rocks at Glen, where impressive whiskey offerings are served up with handcrafted sculpted ice and power players sink into the deep suede armchairs for contemplative conversation. Take things a notch higher at XIU, a sexy rooftop lounge where you'll float amid Central Business District skyscrapers–the perfect perch to drink in the city lights or groove to live bands. Surprisingly, some of the swankiest scenes can be found at hotel bars like Centro and Redmoon, where the mood music (live jazz or a string quartet, respectively), jetsetting minglers, and top-shelf booze are anything but "lobby bar neutral."

But if a disco ball is what you're after, Beijing is happy to oblige, especially around the Workers' Stadium club complex. Get your party-'til-dawn dance on at Vics, where the hip hop is pumping and young-and-hip things go glam-tastic (don't miss the wildly popular Wednesday Ladies Nights). Perpetually packed, super fun gay club Destination gets our vote for disco, Euro-pop, and bouncing ’80s and ’90s remixes.

If you prefer to chill things out a little, start the party at The Tree, a convivial Sanlitun pub where groups of friends kick back with Belgian brews and wood-fired pizzas before heading on to the area's many late-night lounges and clubs. You may want to wrap up the evening in bed...no, not your own bed, we mean Bed Tapas and Bar. This lounge set in a siheyuan (traditional courtyard home) is filled with cushion-laden antique opium beds for your reclining (and cocktailing) pleasure. Disco balls and neon now have their place in Beijing's nightscape, but Bed is a reminder that even in soft candlelight, the night can be blazing.

Photo of Bed Tapas and Bar courtesy of Bed Tapas and Bar