Although mention of its name would likely draw a blank in any Western country, Xiamen stands out as one of China's most foreigner-friendly cities. A well-known seaside retreat for residents of surrounding Fujian province, Xiamen draws growing numbers of long-term expatriates, leading to the development of a lively nightlife scene.

The Night-Shanghai Pub
Enjoy the class and elegance of pre-war Shanghai without the cost of drinking on the Bund. The swanky Night-Shanghai pub has you covered, serving up a large selection of classic cocktails to complement its old-fashioned ambiance. Sure, pictures of regal colonial architecture can't compare with the real thing, but once you've thrown back a couple martinis, you won't know the difference.

The Night-Shanghai Pub

121 Binlang Road

Siming District, Xiamen

86-0592-5323483

NASA
There's nothing space-related about this pumping nightclub, but you'll find a number of Americans moving and shaking on its roomy dance floor, NASA's main draw. The contemporary music played here serves as a nice accompaniment to the service, which blends traditional Chinese hospitality with a studied, Western approach to mixology.

NASA

133 Middle Hubing Road

Bailuzhou District, Xiamen

86-0592-5323333

Cleopatra Bar
As historical tributes go, Cleopatra Bar channels more Liz Taylor than National Geographic--a huge part of why people love it as much as they do. Kitschy pyramids and fake Roman coins adorn earth tone interiors that hearken back more to the 1970s than any pre-Christian time.

Cleopatra Bar

5-19 Lianyi Square, Binlang Road

Siming District, Xiamen

86-0592-5325398

Tianlai Bar
The city started growing only when selected as one of China's "Special Economic Zones" by Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s, making the title of "Xiamen's oldest bar" a relative one at best. Tianlai opened barely more than a decade ago, but try not to fixate too much on its age. Instead, sit back and experience why it's outlasted all its competitors.

Tianlai Bar

128 Houdaixi Road

Siming District, Xiamen

86-0592-5151458

Elite
Elite--as upscale as its name suggests--boasts modern sound equipment and a full bar, complete with top-shelf liquors. One thing might come as a surprise to visitors: That's live music pumping through its new speakers and amps, played by Filipino bands that pass through Xiamen.

Elite

14 Jianye Lu, Block B

Siming District, Xiamen

86-0592- 5335888