travel with purpose
COLLiDE Travel is an interactive collection of city guides curated by local bands, artists and tastemakers. Spanning the globe, hundreds of creatives have shared their favorite local hangs, from the underground to the upscale, and everything in between. So choose a city and start exploring!
Nova Heart
Helen Feng is a former MTV VJ and the brains behind Nova Heart. She’s been called both the “Queen of Beijing rock” and the “Blondie of China.” The band, which also includes Bo Xuan and Shi Lu, has toured five continents and has played multiple international festivals. Feng also founded the record label FAKE Music Media in Beijing along with Philipp Grefer.
city guide:
Beijing, CN
bar
Mai Bar
A cozy bar with an extensive cocktail menu and old-school jazz playing in the background. A popular mainstay in the Gulou neighborhood, Mai also features bar snacks (and free refills).
40 Bei Luo Gu Xiang, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100009
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bar
Slow Boat Brewery
Founded in 2001, and counted among one of Beijing's first craft breweries, Slow Boat brews all year-round and has a wide selection of IPAs and ales to choose from.
56 Dong Si Ba Tiao, DongSi, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100007
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bar
Jing-A Brewing Co.
Microbrewery founded in 2012. Jing-A offers seasonal and experimental beers, as well as pub fare and weekend brunch.
Chaoyang, Beijing, China
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coffee
Zarah Cafe
Inviting cafe, restaurant, event space, lounge, and art gallery with a beautiful courtyard and terrace located in the centre of Beijing. Try their unbeatable coffee and european and Chinese inspired bites. Locals are particularly fond of their European brunch offerings.
42 Gu Lou Dong Da Jie, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100007
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outdoors
Jingshan Park
Formerly a private imperial garden attached to the grounds of the Forbidden City until the early 1900's. The artificial hill Jingshan, is the highest point in Beijing, and at its peak offers breathtaking views of the Forbidden City directly north.
44 Jing Shan Xi Jie, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100009
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venue
SOTX
SOTX (Sound of the Xity) is China's answer to SXSW in Austin, Texas. Week-long festival and international music industry expo.
3 Zhang Zi Zhong Lu, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100007
Recommended by
bar
Yugong Yishan
Bar with Beijing's most rock and roll bathroom. Showcasing local and international acts in genres as diverse as punk (Gang of Four) and hip-hop (Madlib).
Dongcheng, Beijing, China
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