Sanlitun in Beijing is a top entertainment hub, known for trendy shopping, international dining, and vibrant nightlife.
While now boasting a dazzling atmosphere created by main areas like Taikoo Li, SOHO, and bar street, this lively district was once a small village located about three li (around 1.5 kilometers) outside Dongzhimen, one of the city’s historic gates.
Sanlitun offers an easy way to unveil Beijing’s modern appearance and contemporary urban culture.
Fast Facts:
- ChineseName: 三里屯 Sānlǐtún
- Location: Sanlitun, Chaoyang District
- Highlights: nightlife in the bar street, shopping, and beautiful night views
- Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3hours
- Best For: people who catch Beijing’s fashion trends, enjoy nightlife, and shopping malls
Content Preview
- Why Visit Sanlitun
- Top Things to Do
- Shopping Guide
- Best Sanlitun Hotels
- How to Get to Sanlitun
- Travel Tips
- Nearby Attractions
- Plan Your Sanlitun Beijing Trip with China Xian Tour
Why Visit Sanlitun
- Fashion & Retail: Main shopping areas like Taikoo Li Sanlitun and Sanlitun SOHO gather international brands, designer boutiques, and trendy lifestyle stores. They show a different side of Beijing, which is creative, fashionable and constantly changing
- Global Food Scene: Besides Beijing’s local foods, restaurants in Sanlitun serve cuisines from China and around the world, from Peking duck to Italian, Vietnamese, and Mexican food.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Sanlitun is one of the most energetic nightlife hubs in Beijing. Sanlitun has rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, live music venues, and late-night dining, making it one of the best places to experience Beijing after sunset.
- International Atmosphere: Sanlitun is one of Beijing’s three legation quarters. The neighborhood is popular among young professionals and international travelers. Moreover, we can say it’s one of the most foreigner-friendly areas in Beijing and you may be surprised at how intensively English is used here.
Top Things to Do in Sanlitun Beijing
Before we move further, here is a quick overview of what to experience in Sanlitun and where to find it:
What You Want to Experience |
Best Area in Sanlitun |
Highlights |
Budget & Trendy Shopping |
Taikoo Li South Zone, 3.3 Building |
Streetwear brands, popular fashion brands, and shops selling daily casual outfits and trendy daily necessities |
Luxury & High-End Shopping |
Taikoo Li North Zone, Nali Patio |
Global luxury flagships, exclusive designer brands, high-end accessories, and avant-garde fashion for premium shopping lovers. |
Casual Dining & Coffee Break |
Taikoo Li South Zone, Sanlitun SOHO |
Various international fast food, trendy dessert shops, specialty cafes, and casual bistros for daytime relaxation. |
Modern Nightlife & Gathering |
Renewed Sanlitun Bar Street |
Rooftop bars, stylish lounges, and ambient restaurants. |
Photo & Architecture Sightseeing |
Sanlitun SOHO, Taikoo Li North Zone |
Futuristic modern architecture, clean street views, and iconic Beijing fashion check-in spots for photography enthusiasts. |
Explore Sanlitun Taikoo Li — The Iconic Shopping Complex
Sanlitun Taikoo Li is the most iconic open-air shopping complex in Beijing, with an impressively stylish and artistic atmosphere.
It is divided into the South Zone and the North Zone, each offering a different experience, with the South Zone comprising 19 iconic modern buildings.
Taikoo Li South Zone is loved by younger visitors for its relaxed atmosphere and fashion culture. Instead of simply shopping in stores, people also come to Sanlitun Taikoo Li to experience a trendy lifestyle.
While exploring the top spots like Pop Mart, Acne Studios, and Gentle Monster, and enjoying food in the casual but chic restaurants, you’ll see how people never stop embracing creativity in their lives.
Taikoo Li North Zone features luxury brands and designer boutiques, presenting a more premium side of Sanlitun. There are international designer boutiques, luxury flagship stores, and high-end lifestyle brands, including DIOR, Balmain, and Givenchy.
The north zone of Taikoo Li is a shopping paradise for people into contemporary fashion and global brands
- Visitor Tips: Keeping up with the latest news posted on official social media accounts before visiting, as pop-up stores, exhibitions, and brand events are often held here.
Experience China's most iconic destinations from Beijing's Great Wall to Shanghai's futuristic skyline, with a scenic Yangtze River cruise connecting ancient capitals.
Walk through Sanlitun Bar Street — Beijing’s Vibrant Nightlife Hub
Sanlitun has long been associated with Beijing’s nightlife, being recognized as the earliest bar community in Beijing.
Whenever talking about bars in Sanlitun, locals will naturally think of the classic bar street located on the northeast side of Sanlitun Road, whereas it has now developed into a cluster combining restaurants, cafés, entertainment venues, and outdoor spaces.
Today, this 260-meter-long street not only serves as the origin of Beijing’s bar culture, it also attracts people to visit during the day to grab a coffee, meet up with friends, or just relax in the outdoor spaces.
- Top bars and clubs to visit: IMPERIO, HERBAL, DUANG BAR, PAPER Planes
- Tips for foreigners enjoying the nightlife safely:
- Make sure to carry your passport.ID checks are required.
- For smaller bars around the old Bar Street area, check drink prices before ordering.
- Only choose the licensed and reputable venues.
Explore 7-Day Beijing and Guilin Tour: Imperial History Meets Rural Landscapes with a private guide and comfortable transfers.
Taste Sanlitun’s Global Food Scene — From Cafés to Fine Dining
Sanlitun is one of Beijing’s best areas to hunt for international cuisines. You can find flavors from around the world without leaving this area: Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Vietnamese, and other global cuisines.
The neighborhood is also immersed in a strong café culture. International coffee chains are ideal, but the true highlight still lies in the independent cafés. You can find plenty of places to take a break during sightseeing or a shopping adventure in Sanlitun.
- Popular Restaurants: Springpatio, Spanish Table, TRIBE GARDEN
- Popular cafés: Postpost Coffee, Da GIULIANO, NiNiNi Coffee House
- Visitor Tips:
- Popular restaurants can be crowded during lunch and dinner hours. If there’s one you’re particularly interested in, get areservation when possible.
- Restaurants accept mobile payments, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. Some restaurants also accept international bank cards; however, this needs to be confirmed with them on-site.
A family-oriented nine-day journey covering China Golden Triangle cities of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai with kid-friendly activities and cultural discoveries.
Stroll Around Sanlitun SOHO — A Modern Urban Space
Sanlitun SOHO is a contemporary complex combining offices, restaurants, cafés, and public spaces. There are five malls (Mall 1, 2, 3, 5, 6) in this commercial area. While Sanlitun Taikoo Li is more luxurious with plenty of brand stores, SOHO feels more casual and has a stronger sense of everyday urban life.
- Visitor Tip:
- Late afternoon and evening bring better lighting for photography.
- Weekday lunchtime can be busy since there will be many office workers.
Shopping Guide — What to Buy in Sanlitun
Sanlitun satisfies people with all different shopping preferences, from luxury brands, international fashion, to special souvenirs.
Sanlitun’s Best Shopping Spots
- Sanlitun Taikoo Li
Brands: Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Moncler, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Maison Margiela, Hollister, Diptyque, Aesop, Lululemon, Sephora.
- 3.3 Building Sanlitun
A trendy fashion building featuring vintage stores, designer boutiques, and unique fashion finds.
Brands: Mega Vintage, 1964 Vintage, Tiger Vintage Store, Luxeswatches (pre-owned luxury watches), Blank (Korean fashion select shop)
- Nali Patio
A stylish lifestyle complex with boutique stores, international restaurants, cafés, and a European-style atmosphere.
Brands: Dong Liang (Chinese designer multi-brand store), Anyshopstyle (fashion & lifestyle select shop), Rowe Candle Co
Local vs International Brands
Sanlitun brings together both global luxury brands and emerging Chinese designers.
The north zone of Sanlitun Taikoo Li features high-end international brands, while the south zone, Nali Patio, and 3.3 Mansion are great places to discover local fashion brands with Chinese-inspired designs.
If you want to give some unique souvenirs to your family members and friends, take a stroll in creative stores around Sanlitun. Page One Bookstore offers designer home decorations and cultural products. To Summer (观夏) takes you to enjoy an adventure through fragrances inspired by Chinese aesthetics.
Where to Stay: Best Sanlitun Hotels
Below are two of the most popular accommodation options near Sanlitun:
InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun
- Location: 1 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- Rating: Five-star hotel
- Price range:1,600 to 3,000 RMB per night (about USD 220 to 420 per night)
- Highlight: It is situated in the center of Sanlitun, with a convenient location for shopping, dining, and enjoying the nightlife. It provides high-end facilities and considerate service, being one of the top choices for business trips and upscale leisure stays.
CHAO Hotel Sanlitun
- Location: 6 Workers’ Stadium East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- Rating: Five-star hotel
- Price range: 1,200 to 2,500 RMB per night(about USD 170 to 350 per night)
- Highlight: This hotel is more like a “Life Club”. Staying here is not just about comfort, which is certainly guaranteed; it’s also a good place to experience art and culture. The interiors have an industrial-style, which is preferred by a lot of creative and artistic people
How to Get to Sanlitun
By Metro
The nearest metro stations are Tuanjiehu Station (Line 10) and Dongdaqiao Station (Line 6).
If you arrive at Tuanjiehu Station, take Exit C, then walk south or southeast along Chaoyang North Road or Nongzhanguan South Road for about 5–10 minutes. Then you’ll see the site.
If the metro takes you to the Dongdaqiao Station, use Exit A or B. Walk north along Dongdaqiao Road or Workers’ Stadium East Road for around 10–15 minutes.
Other recommended stations include Worker’s Stadium Station (Line 17). For more information, please see: Beijing Metro.
By Taxi or Didi
Travel From |
Distance |
Estimated Time |
Estimated Taxi Fare |
Wangfujing |
6–8 km |
20–30 min |
RMB 25–40 (≈ USD 3.50–5.50) |
Beijing South Railway Station |
About 15 km |
40–60 min |
RMB 45–65 (≈ USD 6–9) |
How to Get to Sanlitun from Beijing Capital Airport
Options |
Estimated Time |
Estimated Taxi Fares |
Notice |
Airport Express + Metro |
50–65 min |
RMB 25–30 (≈ USD 3.50–4) |
Take the Airport Express to Sanyuanqiao Station. Transfer to Subway Line 10 and get off at Tuanjiehu Station. |
Taxi |
45–75 min |
RMB 80–120 (≈ USD 11–17) |
Confirm with the driver that it’s charged by the meter |
Airport Bus |
70–90 min |
RMB 20–30 (≈ USD 3–4) |
Arriving at the downtown stop first. Transfer to the subway or a taxi. |
Travel Tips for Tourists Visiting Sanlitun Beijing
- Best Time to Visit Sanlitun
Sanlitun can be visited both day and night. Daytime is suitable for shopping and unwinding with a cup of coffee. Nighttime allows you to explore the district’s dazzling bar and music culture.
Besides, Sanlitun hosts various seasonal events throughout the year. For example, the “Flowing Summer” project features art installations and jazz performances. Information is available on social media.
- Is Sanlitun Safe for Tourists?
Sanlitun is a well-developed and prosperous commercial area, so it is generally safe to visit at any time of the day. However, basic precautions are still needed:
- Choose reputable venues: If you’re exploring the district at night, only visit licensed bars and restaurants.
- Protect your belongings: Keep an eye on your phone and wallet when going through crowded areas.
- Emergency number: Call 110 for police assistance in China.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Sanlitun Trip
Chaoyang Park
Distance from Sanlitun: 2km
It is one of the biggest city parks in Beijing. The park has beautiful scenery in all seasons; it’ll be quite rewarding to take a walk here after exploring the busy commercial districts. Boat cruises are also available.
Worker’s Stadium
Distance from Sanlitun: nearby (10-minute-walk)
This stadium is the major sports and entertainment hub in Beijing. Many football games and concerts are held here.
CCTV Headquarters Building
Distance from Sanlitun: 3km
CCTV Headquarters Building is an iconic modern landmark of Beijing, a perfect spot for enjoying the city views and photographing.
798 Art Zone
Distance from Sanlitun: 6k
798 Art Zone is surrounded by old factories with a strong artistic atmosphere. It’s a place to explore galleries, design shops, and cafes.
Plan Your Sanlitun Beijing Trip with China Xian Tour
Whether you are attracted by the fashion of Taikoo Li or have a strong desire for global flavors, exploring Sanlitun is definitely unforgettable. For a deep exploration, you can choose to travel with China Xian Tour. We have a professional team designing personalized itineraries to fit your interests. Contact us today to start planning your perfect visit to Sanlitun in a Beijing Tour.
