Your
Guide to Wudaokou: Beijing’s coolest neighbourhood
If
you’re after arty bars and cheap beers, then Wudaokou is
undoubtedly the neighbourhood for you. Situated in the Haidian
District of north western Beijing, Wudaokou (or “the Wu” as it’s
affectionately known to its residents) is home to a plethora of
universities, meaning that it’s a cultural mecca for students and
young people from all over the world.
By
day, the area teams with street buskers, café culture and
second-hand book stores. By night, the eclectic mix of nationalities
means that there’s a restaurant, bar or club to cater for every
taste. Here are some of our favourites.
Bars
Lush –
Voted as the best student hangout for five years running by The
Beijinger magazine, Lush plays home to a whole host of cool events
such as film nights, live music and open mic opportunities. The fact
that it’s open 24 hours a day – as well as serving all day
breakfast – makes it the default option for a great night out.
2/F, Bldg
1, Huaqing Jiayuan, Chengfu Lu
Helen’s
café – Your typical backpacker-café style hangout, Helen’s
café offers the mecca of every student: alcohol by the bucket.
Perilously popular and often heaving with students, it tends to
get pretty busy – especially at weekends – so get there early to
secure yourself a table.
100m north
of the east gate of Huaqing `Jiayuan
Cafes
The
Bridge café – This European inspired café is simply
unmissable for whiling away an afternoon with a pastry or two. With
three stories, a roof terrace and charming French music, there’s a
plethora of couches to recline on and even a piano in the corner.
It’s even open 24 hours for a caffeine hit at any time of the day –
or night.
1, Bldg
12, Huaqingjiayuan, Chengfu Lu
The
Bean Tree café – If it’s the cute and kitsch factor you’re
after, then The Bean Tree café is the place to head. Renowned for
its delicious waffles and its cheap pots of tea, this budget-friendly
hangout with its banana toast and fruit smoothies is the perfect
antidote for the morning after the night before.
2/F, Bldg
6, Wudaokou Huaqingjiayuan North Gate
Clubs
Propaganda
– A little bit rough around the edges, Propaganda is your classic
party style club, always packed to the rafters with those out for a
good night of carefree dancing. Fun? Yes! But classy it will never
be.
100m north
of the east gate of Huaqing jiayuan
Sensation
– The only way to describe Sensation is LOUD! For crazy,
college-esque parties, it’s the place to head for sure. Grab a
booth in the ground-floor bar and send someone to the basement
dancefloor to order the cocktails. Get ready to enjoy a wild time in
an underground atmosphere to a heady soundtrack of R’n’b.
Huaqingjiayuan
East Gate
Restaurants
La
Bamba – Probably not the most authentic Mexican food you’ll
ever eat but the huge portions and low prices help to make La Bamba
an undisputed student favourite. The relaxed atmosphere and
afterhours party vibes mean that this is a place you’ll come for
lunch and end up staying all afternoon.
ChengFu Lu
HuaQingJiaYuan DongMen Bei
Grandma’s
Kitchen – A little bit of the West hidden in the midst of the
East, Grandma’s kitchen is the ultimate in comfort food that’ll
satisfy all your yearnings for a home cooked meal. Prepare yourself
for some classic American fare – from sizzling burgers to crispy
potato skins. Delicious!
Fifth
floor, Wudaokou U-Center, No.28, Chengfu Road
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