In Beijing, you will find an eclectic music scene that is a mix of centuries-old tradition, thoroughly modern experimentation and cheesy pop culture. We’ve rounded up where you can check out these three styles of music in the city:

Traditional Peking Opera is alive and well, with its colorful costumes and elaborate makeup. Accompanied by a crescendo of instruments, the unique sound of Chinese opera is different from any other in the world. The opera was extremely popular in the Qing Dynasty court and has come to be regarded as one of the cultural treasures of China. The singing is usually accompanied by live instrumentals, dancing, acrobatic stunts and even fight scenes, and the opera is played out much the same as it has been done since its origination in the late 18th century.

Most operas are either comedies or tragedies, and many historical events in Chinese history have been adapted into operatic plays with elaborate costumes and makeup. As with most opera, the stylized movements and dramatic emotions make it easy to follow the stories, even without understanding the words. The most authentic place to see a performance is at 340-year-old Zhengyici Theatre, the oldest wooden theater in Beijing and most authentic Peking Opera venue.

Zhengyici Theatre
152 Meishi St., Xuanwu District, Beijing
Arrive by taxi, or take subway line 2, to the Hepingmen station exit C1. The theatre is just behind the Quan Ju De Peking Duck restaurant.
Phone: 86-10-6303-6233

Beijing’s experimental music scene defines the entire contemporary musical sound of the country. The city has a thriving punk-rock counterculture that has been likened to that of New York City in the 1970s. Young artists are creating their own innovative sounds in different styles including post-punk, noise rock and alternative folk. In a world where everyone is continually waiting for the next big thing, it seems Beijing is creating just that. Two of the hottest punk bands are P.K. 14 and Carsick Cars, often playing at Beijing’s premier club, D-22, often called the Chinese CBGB. D-22 is dedicated to identifying and supporting talented young musicians and artists in Beijing, and they frequently invite leading experimental artists from the US, Japan, Europe and elsewhere to perform with local musicians. The club is operated as a not-for-profit enterprise, and all revenues earned by the club are used to support the local music scene.

Club D-22
242 Chengfu Lu, WuDaoKou
Located in the Haidian district.
Phone: 86-10-6265-3177

In most Asian countries, karaoke is a staple of the social fabric. To most westerners, it’s a befuddling pastime that we usually only engage in while drunk. But when in China, you would be remiss not to take part in this revelry. The 24-hour Cash Box Party World is one of the city’s top spots with more than 100 rooms, but karaoke venues are plentiful and you can find them in most hotels and seemingly along every street. The protocol is that you check in and pay for a specified amount of time at the front desk, and then are escorted to a private room equipped with audio-visual equipment, microphones, a TV and couches. You can order drinks and sometimes food. This is an excellent way to see a side of your friends that you have likely never witnessed before, giving you the added advantage of growing closer while sharing a new cultural experience. Karaoke bars are also called KTV, so watch for that on signs.

Cash Box Party World
Teng Da Plaza, 168 Xiwai Dajie
Haidian District
Phone: 86-10-8857-6588

Listing of Beijing karaoke venues.

Summer is both a time for making new memories and reflecting on those from years past. We want you to share your Best Summer Travel Story (in 100 words or less) with us for the chance to win a free $250 (USD) Visa gift card. Click here for full contest rules and to find out how to enter.

____________________________

Photo credits: Photo 1: Peking Opera

Original photo by Shelley Seale