The Sanlitun area of Beijing is commonly thought of as the city’s bar and nightlife district by travelers. However, over the last few years the area has developed into a trendy shopping and restaurant scene. Complete with foreign high-end brand names as well as local Chinese brands, the main open-air shopping complex is now named the Village at Sanlitun. For Beijing visitors who are looking for a taste of home or are curious about American-style restaurants in the big city, The China Guide, Beijing-based travel experts, (http://www.TheChinaGuide.com ) are recommending a stroll through the Sanlitun Village.

New restaurants, cafes and luxury names are constantly popping up in the area. There is an unlimited selection of all kinds of cuisine, with tastes from around the globe. Sanlitun Village is the best place for travelers to see the cosmopolitan side of the city as well as the global influence. The area is easy to spot with its colorful glass buildings that were created by famed architects from around the world. In the afternoons, there may be performances or displays, and keeping with the current winter season, the Village has just opened an outdoor skating rink.

“The open-air shopping complex is great to stroll around in the afternoon or evening. Visitors can window-shop, people watch or pop into any one of the great restaurants for a quality coffee or cocktail,” says Judy Huang, Travel Manager of The China Guide. “Now that the Village has added outdoor skating, it’s a great way to entertain the kids while doing a bit of shopping or just relaxing. We know that travelers to China love the culture and food, but they still appreciate a good western meal or Starbucks coffee. And that’s why we recommend a visit to the Village.”

The Sanlitun district offers a wide variety of prices and styles, depending what travelers are looking for. Visitors can find upscale establishments in the Village or still experience the lively local bar scene that the area has been known for. There are restaurants with top international chefs as well as local vendors grilling meat and vegetables on the side street. This Beijing district has the most bars and restaurants available all in one area.