Visual artists, musicians and writers from around China—and, increasingly, from around the world—are drawn to Beijing for the same reason European artists flocked to Paris or Americans to New York in the past. The scene is established, but it still has a way to go, as the government continues to loosen restrictions that previously made things like rock shows, experimental theater and poetry punishable offenses. Part of the joy of Beijing today is being in the midst of what may emerge as a cultural boom every bit as impressive as China's economic boom.

Clubs & Bars

There's something for everybody in today's Beijing. You can find dives and literary salons, sports bars and gay bars and elegant lounges. Try one of the Houhai bars or cafes for a lakeside drink, or pub crawl Sanlitun Lu, known to locals as Jiuba Jie (Bar Street), for its dance clubs, sports bars, pubs, cocktail lounges and karaoke bars. If the main drag is a drag, chill in classier locales along nearby Sanlitun Nan Lu or head down to Chaoyang Park. If you're in the mood for music, you can find rock from roots to punk to metal at The Star Club, the New Get Lucky Bar or D22. Jazz fans should check out the San Wei Bookstore on Friday night, the Big Easy or the CD Jazz Café. Many clubs feature special nights for reggae, R&B, Latin, 80s pop, world music—you name it. Try Jiangjinjiu Bar for folk jams bringing the richness of China's ethnic minorities to the stage. The dance scene draws international DJs—check out the Tang Club in Chaoyang for a taste of over-the-top glitz, Tango and Mango's multiple dance floors and KTV rooms, Alfa's theme nights or the glamour of China Doll. For a taste of the latest in Beijing decadence, try the distended opulence of the Philippe Stark-designed Club Lan.

Museums & Galleries

Chinese art is popular as ever and galleries all over town complement the city's fine museums in bringing the goods to a hungry public. Contemporary art gets a lot of press, but Beijing is, of course, also home to priceless ancient artifacts. View ancient Shang Dynasty bronzes at the National Museum of China and classic Chinese painting and calligraphy at the Beijing Art Museum. For contemporary art, check out the 798 Art District located in an old factory complex, the Wan Fung Art Gallery, Creation Gallery, Courtyard Gallery and a growing number of other galleries scattered throughout the city. Beijing's museums cover a vast range of cultural, scientific and historical subjects from the fossils of China Palaeozoological Hall to the Ethnic Museum, featuring exhibits focusing on China's 56 designated minority groups.

Performing Arts

Experience Beijing Opera at the old Huguang Guildhall Theater, Chang'an Theater, Lao She Teahouse or any number of other venues. Theatrical offerings range from traditional folk dramas and music to contemporary Chinese theater. Catch the Kung Fu show at The Red Theater or acrobatic extravaganza at Chaoyang Theatre. Western and classical Chinese music are both on the schedule at the Beijing Concert Hall, while Century Theatre focuses more on smaller chamber performances and the occasional ballet. The Forbidden City Concert Hall is the perfect venue for traditional Chinese music, while the Poly Plaza International Theatre features a mix of dance, opera and classical music performances.

Festivals & Events

Beijing is developing a reputation for big events—witness the 2008 Olympics—and its events calendar seems to be growing as fast as the rest of the city. Traditional festivals fall on dates determined by the lunar calendar, while modern holidays and festivals follow the Western calendar. Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival are occasions for colorful temple fairs around the city. The rest of the year features all the traditional and religious celebrations—the Lantern Festival, Guanyin's Birthday, Tomb Sweeping Day, and the Moon Festival among them—as well as modern state observances such as Labor Day and National Day. Finally, in recent years cultural events and festivals, such as the Beijing Music Festival, the MIDI Music Festival and Art Beijing have all added contemporary verve.