Sanlitun is located in the central-western part of Chaoyang District and is named for being three miles from Beijing’s inner city. As a regional name, it broadly refers to the area encompassing Zuojiazhuang, Chaoyang Outer Street, Hujialou, and Maizidian. After the founding of New China, the Sanlitun area began developing as an embassy district and gradually became an important community for foreign diplomats, shopping, and hosting diplomatic events. Today, Sanlitun has become a landmark for fashion and trendy lifestyle in Beijing. Its renowned bar street and nightclubs are major destinations for nightlife entertainment among young people. The growing shopping centers and trendy brand stores have further established it as a leading fashion hotspot in the capital.
Travel Information about Sanlitun
Ticket and Opening Hours
- Ticket: No ticket required.
- Opening Hours: Open all day.
Getting There
- Location: East side of Sanlitun North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.
- Subway: Take Line 10 to Tuanjiehu Station, then walk to reach the area.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural: ★★★
- Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★
Highlights of Sanlitun
Sanlitun Bar Street
Sanlitun Bar Street, located on the east side of Sanlitun North Road and to the east of Worker’s Stadium in Chaoyang District, is famous for its numerous bars. It was once one of Beijing’s most vibrant nightlife areas, with its dazzling lights reflecting the bustling energy of the city and creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Currently undergoing renovation and upgrades, the area will soon introduce new concepts such as light meals and coffee shops.
Sanlitun Ginkgo Avenue
Sanlitun Ginkgo Avenue, located in the embassy district, is lined with embassies from various countries, including Argentina, Portugal, Pakistan, Switzerland, Denmark, Mexico, and Nigeria. Stretching for several hundred meters, this street is a serene spot despite its proximity to the bustling East Third Ring Road. Due to the strict security in the embassy area, it is less frequented compared to areas like Diaoyutai, Peking University, and Tsinghua University. In autumn, the avenue transforms into a fairytale-like scene with its rows of ginkgo trees turning golden.
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Every November, Sanlitun Ginkgo Avenue is ablaze with the brilliant yellow of its tall, lush ginkgo trees. The golden leaves drape from the branches and blanket the ground, creating a picturesque scene. Coupled with the exotic embassy buildings and the armed police in olive-green uniforms, it becomes a stunning visual treat that attracts numerous photographers. It’s important to note that this is an embassy area with strict security. While photography is allowed on the Ginkgo Avenue, taking photos of the embassies and the armed police at their posts is prohibited.
Taikoo Li
Taikoo Li is undoubtedly a stylish landmark in Beijing, blending individuality with charm and offering a vibrant and popular leisure destination.
Taikoo Li, a signature building in Sanlitun, was designed by architect Kengo Kuma among others. It features 19 low-density contemporary buildings divided into two zones, North and South. Each building boasts bold colors and irregular geometric shapes, making every structure unique. The South Zone highlights fashion and vibrancy with its bright, daring colors and a hutong-style layout that creates a fluid and dynamic pathway, allowing visitors to wander through its intricate, changing spaces with ease.
In contrast, the North Zone embodies understated luxury with its simple diamond-shaped buildings that complement the elegance of international brands. Its open courtyard-style layout, inspired by Beijing’s traditional siheyuan courtyards, presents an inclusive and metropolitan atmosphere.
Visitor Guide for Sanlitun
Food
Sanlitun and its surrounding areas are teeming with entertainment venues, and Taikoo Li is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, dessert shops, and bars offering a variety of global cuisines. Additionally, there are many popular “trendy” stores, making it a fun activity to visit and explore these spots with friends.
Quan Duck Season Restaurant (No. 1949, Gongti North Road, Sanlitun) is nestled in an artistic and tranquil courtyard, housed in two connected, repurposed red brick factories. At Quan Duck Season, the highlight is undoubtedly the Peking duck, but the appetizers are also exceptional. The mustard duck feet are flavorful, and the tofu duck soup is rich and worth trying.
Zero Point (SOHO F1, Sanlitun) features a master baker who prepares European-style soft bread daily on-site. The bread is not only nutritious and delicious but also visually appealing. Combined with the store’s drinks, it makes for a delightful eating and drinking experience. If you’re lucky, you might even get to enjoy some special breads that are rare elsewhere.
Entertainment
Within a 3-kilometer radius of Sanlitun, numerous bars create a lively atmosphere, making Sanlitun one of the most bustling nightlife spots in Beijing.
Tongli Night Market is located at No. 43, North Street, Sanlitun, in the Tongli Building. This narrow street, less than 100 meters long, is lined with dozens of bars, restaurants, and various quirky shops.
Bar · Blu (No. 12, Xindong Road, Shoukai Platinum South District, B1-1-030) features live performances by the Mint Band from the Philippines every night at 10 PM, offering a mix of blues and jazz with a highly engaging live atmosphere. Bar · Blu also regularly hosts performances by well-known bands. The bar’s second floor includes multiple LCD TVs and a large projection screen, allowing guests to watch live sports events until late at night.
Shopping
Sanlitun’s open-air shopping center, Taikoo Li, features 19 contemporary buildings packed with a range of shops, from flagship stores and concept stores to boutiques. It also includes Beijing’s first store, China’s largest store, and global brand centers. Some of the trendy boutiques here are particularly noteworthy.
Fopcon General Store (South District, S8-16, 17) is a popular streetwear shop from Hong Kong, known across Asia. It offers a range of street fashion brands from Europe and America, as well as shoes.
JUICE (South District, S8-15) is a trendy store with a green courtyard theme. The interior features a massive plant wall and uses a lot of wooden textures and potted plants to create a cozy shopping environment. It primarily sells trendy clothing, hats, bags, and designer toys from young designers, embodying street culture.
MADNE55 (South District, S6-21b) by actor and designer Yu Wenle is a brand that has gained significant popularity in recent years. The only physical store in the world is located in Sanlitun. The shop features an industrial style, from the wooden door to the wardrobes and glass display cabinets, with a fashion-forward and unique clothing line.
Page One (South District, S2-14a) is prominently located and specializes in books. It offers a wide range of book genres, covering almost every type you can imagine, and features a minimalist and comfortable interior design.
Accommodation
Sanlitun offers a variety of distinctive hotels, many with unique and stylish architectural designs and decor. Spending a night here can be a great way to experience the vibrant nightlife and enjoy a stay at one of these notable hotels.
The Opposite House (11 Sanlitun Road, Building 1) is the most renowned boutique hotel in Sanlitun. The rooms feature a minimalist and modern design, complemented by touches of classic Chinese elements. This blend creates a comfortable and refined ambiance for guests.