Beijing’s gay and lesbian scene has been rapidly growing and with it, the selection of pink venues and organizations catering to Chinese and foreigners alike. The following is a selection of places and organizers that proudly fly the rainbow flag.

The Bear Den 壹酷
Catering towards the “bear community” – the mature, masculine and often hairy – The Bear Den offers variety to the alternative lifestyle set. While the patrons tend to be mostly local Chinese, foreigners are a common sight. With karaoke, a lounge, and a dance stage all on the first floor there is something for everyone to enjoy. When the bar gets crowded on Fridays and Saturdays regulars head to the second floor balcony seating. Daily 8pm-late.
12 Yumin Lu, Inside China International Science and Technology Center, 20 meters east of Yuanchenxin Hotel, Chaoyang District. (8225 0548) 朝阳区马甸桥北裕民路12号中国国际科技会展中心院内元辰鑫酒店大门东侧20米

The Boat 船吧
This gay-friendly bar is just what it says it is: a double-decked club-on-water, with live bands on the upper deck playing rock, jazz and disco, while DJs in the cabin below spin electronica, funk and more. Having recently made the transition to a full-time pink establishment, The Boat offers a relaxed environment for those tired of the dance club scene and hosts queer film festivals and discussions.
Daily 11am-late. 8 Liangmahe Nanlu (west of Sanlitun Beijie), Chaoyang District. (6460 5512) www.myspace.com/theboatbeijing 朝阳区亮马河南路8号（三里屯北街西边）

Destination 目的地
This Gongti Xilu club has recently undergone an architectural facelift, adding a second floor and expanding the dance floor. Patrons can regularly find DJs spinning the latest hits with international guest DJs headlining on the weekends. The place is so popular, even the RMB 60+ cover charge doesn’t diminish the crowds.
Daily 8pm-late. Opposite Worker’s Stadium west gate, 7 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6551 5138, 6552 8180) www.bjdestination.com 朝阳区工体西路7号

Gayographic
This independent blog and events organizer is the preeminent authority on the gay scene in Beijing. Since its inception, Gayographic has helped to establish the gay movement in Beijing with the aim of creating an open and accepting community. An active event organizer, it sponsors both special events and regular weekly parties, and its regularly updated English and Chinese language blog details events and opportunities around the city. (6551 9180, info@gayographic.org) www.gayographic.org

LAN Club 兰会所
LAN Club, with the help of local blog Gayographic.org, has recently reserved Friday night as its official gay night. Guests can dance the night away amongst Lan’s restaurant, lounge with live entertainment and DJs most nights, cocktail bar, cigar room and 45 private VIP rooms. Matching the location’s grandeur is the vast choice of cocktails, beers and an extensive wine list, all of which are half-price on Friday.
Daily 11am-3am. 4/F LG Twin Towers, 12B Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (5109 6012/13) www.lanbeijing.com 朝阳区建国门外大街乙12号LG双子座4层

Paw Paw Bar
Located on the ground floor of the Beijing City Hotel, Paw Paw holds one of Beijing’s longest running and best-known lesbian nights. Saturday nights see large crowds of expat lalas partying on the dance floor. Men are not unwelcome in this ladies-preferred establishment, but may feel out of place.
Saturday 8pm-late. Beijing City Hotel, First Floor, 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6500 7827) 朝阳区工体东路4号城市宾馆一层

Seven Colors 七色吧
One can never predict what one will find at Seven Colors. This KTV-disco-bar will satisfy every guilty pleasure. KTV lounges, a performance stage and disco add to the environment. Nightly performances begin at 10.30pm and feature acts ranging from traditional Chinese opera to fashion shows. Seven Colors keeps things lively by regularly planning surprise events, requiring audience participation and interaction.
Daily 2pm-6am. Bldg A-88, Andingmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District. (8424 2206, 6426 2419) 东城区安定门外大街甲88-1号

Ten Bar 十吧
Variety from the typical nightlife scene is what is being offered up at this chic KTV lounge. With over 15 private karaoke rooms Ten Bar caters to a mostly local Chinese crowd. Weekend guests can come to expect dance performances and drag shows beginning around 11pm. In addition to the shows, there is a large drink selection with a specific focus on wine and high-end spirits. With wine only available by the bottle and soft drinks starting at RMB 15, Ten Bar leans towards the expensive.
Daily 8pm-2am. Aihua Hotel West Gate, 48 Tiantan Dongli Yi Section, Chongwen District. (5120 5588/66) www.bjtenbar.com 崇文区天坛东里乙48号爱华宾馆西门