Beijing Neighbourhood Guide: Sanlitun

Stately Beijing may be known for its iconic Imperial City and historic hutongs, but the city also offers the odd glimpse of sparkling modernity. Here’s where to eat, shop and play in Beijing’s fashion-forward neighbourhood, Sanlitun.

Eat

Hunan restaurants abound in Beijing but – it being Sanlitun – Yanshe takes Xiang fare to new heights via its fashionable salon setting, punctuated by rows of abstract blond-wood tree cutouts and tufted denim banquettes. The contemporary vibe, paired with vibrant hot n’ spicy mouthfuls like stinky tofu and beef noodles, makes Yanshe a tough table to score, be sure to book ahead!

Vintage vixens should make straight for Cinker Pictures, a seductive retro-inspired bar-restaurant and boutique film theatre. Kick-off the evening with a cinematically themed tipple (think The Big Lebowski’s White Russian), before retiring to your pre-booked table in the ritzy dining area for Euro-tinged eats like steak tartare. Finally, sink into a plush oversized leather armchair to catch a classic flick with cocktails on call.

Or, if you’re simply looking for a leisurely lunch/brunch pause mid-shopathon, The Rug is the vibey terrace flop for you. Choose from an indulgent spread of over-stuffed bagels, soups, curries, white wine mussels, burgers and pizzas, plus a number of waistline-friendly organic salads.

Drink

Glam up for some of the city’s slinkiest drinkers. Darkly dapper Glen is a favourite with suits and whiskey buffs for its old-world atmos, tuxedoed barmen and an enviable collection of single malts. Oddly juxtaposed busts of Communist leaders and a mural of Jesus Christ vie for space with liquor-quaffing partygoers at one-of-a-kind La Social. Arrive early to bag a coveted, sumptuous velvet Chesterfield inside the vaulted brick archways of D Lounge – the place to socialise with the pretty people.

Shop

Beijing-based Madrileña Paloma Sanchez designs stunning, artwork-like jewellery using unique, natural stones and top-notch metals. There’s a selection of spiffy cufflinks, too.

Milliner extraordinaire Elisabeth Koch makes off-the-wall, reworked vintage hats for actors, VIPs, magazine shoots… and now you. Make an appointment at her showroom to browse her high-fashion creations that span the divine to the bizarre.

If your trailing partner has lost the will to shop, deposit them at Singaporean stalwart Page One. Alongside the extensive selection of English lit, coffee-table tomes and travel books is a cafe (with WiFi, natch) offering sustenance and stimulation.

Yanshe / 3F / Topwin Center / Sanlitun Nan Lu / +86 10 5780 9032

Cinker Pictures / N4-40B / Taikoo Li Sanlitun North / +86 10 6409 4577 / screenings: 5.30pm & 8pm, restaurant: 3-10pm, bar: 3pm-1am daily / @CINKERPICTURES

The Rug / Bldg 4 / Lishui Jiayuan / Gongyuan Nan Lu / +86 10 8550 2722 / 7.30am-10.30pm daily

Glen / 16 Sanlitun Nan Lu / +86 10 6591 1191 / 6.30pm-2am daily

La Social / 3/F / Nali Patio / 81 Sanlitun Lu / +86 10 5208 6030 / until late daily

D Lounge / 4 Gongti Bei Lu / +86 10 6593 7710 / 7pm-late daily / dlounge.com

Elisabeth Koch / Glory Gardens Club House / Xingfucun Zhong Lu / +86 139 1043 1832 / by appt only / @ElisabethKochMillinery

Paloma Sanchez / Room A115 / Nali Patio / 81 Sanlitun Lu / +86 10 5208 6050 / 10.30am-8.30pm daily / palomasanchez.com

Page One / 2/F / Taikoo Li Sanlitun South / +86 10 6417 6626 / 10am-10pm daily / @pageonebeijing