Beijing and Shanghai
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Where to Play and Stay in Beijing
Beijing has a less-developed gay scene than Shanghai, but there are plenty of GLBT locals, expats, and tourists - if you look around a bit. The city has one particularly appealing, stylish gay bar, called Destination, which is near the West Gate of Worker's Stadium, a popular and increasingly trendy area that's within walking distance of many restaurants and mainstream but gay-friendly bars and lounges. This is a darkly lit little club with a friendly staff, lively dance floor, great music, and affordable drinks.

Destination is definitely your best bet for socializing with gay locals. But in Beijing, you're at least as likely to meet "family" in mainstream places, such as the bars and restaurants of major hotels. Just about any of the see-and-be-seen restaurants along the entertainment strips near Worker's Stadium, such as Sanlitun Bar Street, have at least a nominal gay scene - the neighborhood is known as the Chaoyang District. Two excellent dining-social options here are the Brazilian-inspired Alameda, and the romantic Spanish tapas restaurant, Mare. Of course, Western culture - and franchises - continue to make inroads throughout Beijing, and it's no shock that the Starbucks near Sanlitun Bar Street is also a popular social spot for upwardly mobile types, including plenty of gays and lesbians.

Beijing has no gay-specific accommodations; however, the major international chains are all quite gay-friendly, especially the Ritz-Carlton, a sleek and contemporary property in west Beijing's newly developed Financial Street District. This isn't the most charming of neighborhoods, as it's mostly a haven of banks and office towers, but the staff at the Ritz is top-notch and can help you get anywhere you're going. The facilities - including a spa and two restaurants, Qi (Chinese) and Cepe (mod-Italian) - are simply not to be missed. The Ritz is also developing a second property, in the bustling Chaoyang District, to open in late 2007.

Closer to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Chaoyang District, the outstanding Grand Hyatt Beijing has sumptuous and contemporary rooms as well as arguably the best restaurant (called Made in China) in the city to sample authentic Peking duck and "beggar's chicken." The gay-friendly Hyatt chain is also busily readying a new Beijing property, the ultra-luxe Park Hyatt, which will open in the Chaoyang District later in 2007. If you're looking to save a little money but still enjoy a comfortable room and a super-central Chaoyang District location, try the Comfort Inn & Suites Beijing, a reliable and well-run option with extremely low rates.
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