Many expatriates are enchanted by life in Beijing partly because of the great variety of food here. Chinese food is famous throughout the world. In Haidian, like in other parts of Beijing, every local Chinese cuisine is available. You can easily find Cantonese, Shandong, and spicy Sichuan cuisine, to name just a few. Korean, Russian, Mexican, Thai, Italian, Arabian, and American restaurants can also be found in Haidian, attracting numerous custormers. Large foreign-based international restaurant chains, like Pizza Hut and KFC, are also springing up all over the district.

In Haidian, several areas have been specially planned to become “the paradise of gourmets”, where restaurants of all types have been set up in concentration. For example, there are more than ten “local flavor” restaurants on East Huayuan Street and many luxurious restaurants and hotels on Fushi Street. The fifth floor of the Golden Resources Shopping Mall, the world’s largest shopping center under one roof, has quickly become the first choice of many residents when they decide to eat out with their families, or meet friends or business partners.

The expression and concept of night life was unknown to many people in Beijing 20 years ago. But nowadays, it is very common, especially for young people, to spend their night at cinemas, theatres, nightclubs, song and dance halls, Karaoke clubs, restaurant or bars. Compared to people in south China, Beijing people are more conservative. Most of them, married people in particular, like to stay at home watching TV or chatting with friends, which is why the streets are quite deserted after nine o'clock at night after most of the shops are closed.

However, almost every four- or five-star hotel has facilities for entertainment that are available until very late at night. Apart from hotels, places for night life are mostly in the downtown area, where you can watch Peking Opera, acrobatics, dramas, local ballad singing, song and dance performances, attend a music concert, or drop in at a roadside disco.

A few years ago, for a sit and a drink, an overpriced hotel bar was the only place to go. But now, Beijing is practically bristling with all types of bars and clubs including many foreign theme pubs, new exotic bars and locally-run techno-clubs, which attract foreign residents and tourists as well as young Chinese. The admission is usually about 50-80 yuan and the beer is priced at 15-20 yuan. 

Nightclubs are ideal places to go for business people after a busy tiring day. The interior of the clubs is usually lavishly decorated, and guests can relax with live music and refreshing drinks. Some nightclubs are, however, exclusive to members.

Recently, teahouses have staged a big comeback in Beijing and other parts of the country. It is now quite fashionable to go to a traditional teahouse, which is characterized by the tranquil atmosphere and elegant furnishings. Some teahouses have performances of Peking Opera or traditional Chinese musical instruments. To spend the night, the teahouse is a good relaxing place to go.