China Gay力: Beijing’s Top LGBTQ-Friendly Bars

Located on the Sanlitun Bar Street, Adam's has a cozy interior and a great rooftop and terrace for the warmer months. Opened in 2015, the bar immediately found a following, creating a positive hub for locals, expats, and visitors to sip on cocktails and mingle in the heart of the city's shopping and nightlife district.

Daily 11am-late

54 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路54号

184 0178 9772

Another cute and discrete LGBT-friendly bar close to Sanlitun is Anchor in Yoolee Plaza. The bar hosts drag parties every other Thursday from 8pm with performances usually beginning at around 10pm. Even if you don't attend decked out in your finest drag, get into the spirit with their LipSync battle, a favorite among regular patrons.

Mon-Fri 10am-2am, Sat-Sun 10am-4am

21 North Workers' Road, Yoolee Plaza, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体北路21号永利国际购物中心一层北侧

(010) 5801 0515

Chill Bar, located just west of Andingmen, is an LGBT-friendly venue that also happens to have one of the best remaining courtyards in the area. If you're looking to meet new people, head over to partake in LES BOOZE every first Friday of the month, organized by LGBTQI group Q-space. It's open to everyone, but as you may have guessed from the name, is especially good for the ladies.

Daily 3pm-2am

2 Andingmen Xidajie, Chaoyang District
东城区安定门西大街2号

(010) 6405 9575

The newest venue on this list, CUE recently opened on the third floor of Liangmaqiao's Grand Summit building. A simple yet stylish venue that has a sizeable terrace and serves Southeast Asian cuisine, they have also added a regular Tuesday night party titled "Love Gets Blessed Tonight at Cue," starting from 7pm to late. Similar to Chill Bar above, Cue is not exclusively an LGBTQ venue, however, it is one of many venues now aiming to promote diversity and inclusion within Beijing's social scene.

Daily 6pm-2am

Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东三环亮马桥官舍南区3层F306号

158 0213 1448

Although largely patronized by men in the evenings, Destination has repositioned itself over the past year as a multicultural center and arts space. As such, the iconic LGBTQI-friendly venue now hosts a wide array of events, day and night for everyone to enjoy. However, that doesn't mean that they've completely done away with what put them on the map in the first place, with Destination remaining one of, if not the best, LGBTQI bars to dance until the sun comes up. They also have a fabulous restaurant called DESLINK should you want a bite to eat before your big night out (or after).

Sun-Thu 8pm-2am, Fri-Sat 8pm-late

7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体西路7号

(010) 6552 8180

Another fun and funky LGBTQI-friendly venue is Red Dog in the south section of Sanlitun Soho. Decked out in psychedelic wallpaper and neon lights, the bar hosts a different event almost every night of the week, meaning that it has something for everyone. The LGBTQI community heads to Red Dog on LGBT Thursdays with karaoke starting from 9-10pm before their resident DJ takes over till late.

Daily 6pm-2am

B1-538, Bldg 5, Sanlitun Soho, Chaoyang District
朝阳区 工体北路8号院 三里屯SOHO

(010) 8425218

Ginger, in Sanlitun north, is operated by the same management as Red Dog and strikes a more dive bar-style aesthetic. That means similarly well-priced cheap (but potent) cocktails and beer options in an eclectic and fun space.

Daily 7pm-2am

Rm 110, 1/F, Bldg 10, Xindong Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路10号楼一层110室（逸盛阁）

If you're looking for more places to bump and grind to the beat, then Kai bar is what you want. Located right next door to Destination, Kai is for both the young and the young at heart, and one of our favorite spots to get down and dirty, and dance like nobody's looking.

Daily 6pm-late

6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工体西路6号糖果街区负一层

Located next to Q Mex in Courtyard 4, The Rabbit Bar is another popular LGBTQ hangout. Although the patrons are mostly male, this venue is welcoming to anyone who wants to have a nice drink and conversation.

Daily 8pm-2.30am

2-3/F, Bldg 81, Courtyard 4, Chaoyang District (upstairs of Fukubuku Sake Bar & Lounge, across from Q Mex)
朝阳区机电院4号院81号楼2-3层（福福居酒屋楼上）