4 Best Nightlife in Beijing to Shanghai, China

Jiangsu's high-flyers toast their bottom line over classy cocktails on the 78th floor of the Zifeng Tower, China's third-tallest building. Nestled atop the InterContinental Nanjing, the bar boasts the city's best wine selection, with a good number available by the glass. Smog permitting, there are stunning city views across Xuanwu Lake to the leafy mound of Zhongshan Park.

Sandwiched between glitzy nightclubs, Blue Marlin is the place to kick off a night out. Big, brash, and commercial, it caters to all tastes with imported beers, decent cocktails, and finger food. Evenings bring televised sports and live music from a house band.

Depending on which of the two owners pours your pint of Guinness or dram of Glenfiddich, expect a proper Irish or Scottish welcome at this beautifully designed pub. Get chatting, and you may well move on to one (or another) of the 70-odd whiskeys, best enjoyed by the fireplace in the upstairs lounge. An extensive menu includes Irish stew and the "ultimate" Dublin fried breakfast. There's live Celtic music most nights.

This dark and cozy bar has the look and feel of a neighborhood jazz joint—sadly, it lacks a jazz band most of the time, opting for a bored-looking singer who warbles along to a backing track. It does, however, have a friendly atmosphere and the city's most eclectic selection of bottled beers.