China's scenic spots and places of historical interest are no doubt its biggest attractions to travelers from both home and abroad. But the many and diverse nightlife venues are also becoming must-try experiences for visitors who really want to feel the country's unique culture.

If you visit Beijing, the downtown Wangfujing Street is probably a place that you won't miss. And many visitors enjoy making a tour around this bustling business center during the nighttime after a day's sightseeing. Neon lights, shops, outdoor entertainment, a mixture of historic and modern construction, care-free kids trying skate-boarding. All this makes the place attractive and crowded, even on a freezing winter night.

For many visitors, Wangfujing might be a good choice to spend the nighttime in Beijing.

An American tourist said, "So far I've only been here for 2 days. And it's my first time out at night. But it seems very nice. I'm impressed. The city is modern from what I've ever seen it so far. It seemed to be a good mix of business and different activities to do. I really enjoy it."

Some tourists say, to wander around at night gives them a good picture of the life in China, when people finish their day's work and go looking for relaxation. A businessman from Iran said he brought his wife and child out after the dark to experience all sorts of entertainments that they haven't experienced in other countries. He feels very at ease with the safety of taking his family out at night in China.

Twenty years ago, nightlife was unknown to many Chinese, and the word wasn't even used. Travelers had nowhere to go but their hotel rooms at night, and maybe watch TV. Nowadays, after the sun goes down, you can go out and have fun until way past bed time.

The booming bar scene is one reflection of the changes going on. International cafes and bars can be found in Beijing where hutong areas teem with small, atmospheric places that make you feel as if you're in Greenwich Village.

You also have a good chance to attend a concert or maybe a traditional opera, as long as you chase up the nighttime cultural activities schedule or check them from the Internet, and book early.

Nighttime snack food street is definitely a place worth visiting. Diversified appetizing snacks that are really cheap to buy will introduce you to the highlights of China's food.

A snack food vendor told the reporter, "The snack street opens late until midnight. Most customers are visitors. Because it is characterized by varieties of snacks from around China, it's become a tourist destination during the nighttime. "

Nighttime activities in Beijing are a good choice for travelers to shake off the exhaustion resulting from the non-stop sightseeing during the day. And on top of that, the great variety of nightlife here provides the best opportunity to get a real feel, for real life - in China.

(CCTV.com October 23, 2003)