As the winter nights draw in and those infamous Beijing winds start cutting you to the bone, everyone starts looking for ways to keep warm. So why not put on your dancing shoes and enjoy some tropical rhythms this winter. Beijing’s hiphop and r’n’b scenes are well documented, often being the first choice for people when thinking about partying. One choice that is often overlooked is the thriving Latin music scene.

Salsa , samba, tango and reggaeton are not only strong but positively thriving in the capital, thanks to the city’s large Latin ex-pat community hailing from North America and Europe, and, of course, South America. Indeed, Beijing boasts a scene which any cosmopolitan city would be proud of. Here are some of the best places to join in.

Club Juicy Spot View In Map
A fairly recent addition to Beijing night life is the somewhat provocatively named Club Juicy Spot at Chaoyang park’s West gate, a few doors down from the famous Suzie Wong’s (which, as a matter of fact, also hosts its own salsa event every Tuesday night).

Going that extra mile to provide revellers with a truly bona fide authentic Latin flavour, Juicy Spot employs South American bar staff and a Latin resident DJ, all of whom are more than happy to join in the dancing mayhem and show the locals a trick or two when they are not attending to their respective duties. The club has a friendly atmosphere best enjoyed on Friday nights, when music alternates between traditional tango music and up to date Latin hits, mixed in with recent rump-shaking chart toppers. Anybody who has been to Juicy Spot on a packed out night can confirm that the Spanish and Portuguese speaking faction of the ex-pat community sure know how to party.

Add: 1-3 Chaoyang Park WestGate ( Near No.8 Apartmen), Beijing
北京市朝阳区朝阳公园西门1—3号（八号公馆南侧50米）
Tel: 010 6593 0610
Hours: 18:00 - late 

Salsa Caribe Latin Club 莎莎卡利宾俱乐部View In Map
More well-established is the Beijing favourite Salsa Caribe, to be found on Sanlitun South Street. When Salsa Caribe’s crowd gets moving there is no stopping them, the level of dancing skill on display is most impressive. Amongst the regulars is one stand out individual; a sharply dressed south American gentleman who would not have looked out of place in The Buena Vista Social Club, and is probably of the right age to have starred in it. This elderly gentleman has young ladies queuing up to do dance with him, and is one of Beijing’s night life personalities, warranting a visit to Salsa Caribe just to see him lay his silky moves on the dance floor. Also worthy of note at the club are mojitos, and an extremely proficient and lively house band.

Add: 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
北京朝阳区工体北路4号
Tel: 010 6507 7821
Hours: 18:30 - late

Kokomo Bar & RestaurantView In Map
As is if that is not enough, Tong Li Studios very own Kokomo is home to some of the most bumping reggaeton beats to be heard in the city. In the thick of Sanlitun’s bar district, high up on the rooftop, the thatched-roofed, latin-themed Kokomo is probably the most relaxing place to soak up some tropical flavour. If your dancing skills are not quite up to scratch then the barbequed Caribbean food makes a comforting and tasty distraction. And that Spanish classic, Sangria, is also available by the jug for the very reasonable price of 98 RMB.

Add: Sanlitun Backstreet, Tongli Building, South Entrance, 4 F, Chaoyang District, Beijing
北京朝阳区三里屯后街同里4楼
Tel: 010 6413 1019
Hours: 18.00 – late
Website: www.kokomobeijing.com

And, if it’s lessons you’re after, why not try Dancing Heaven Dance School (Rm. 2002, 20F, Bldg. 9, Jianwai Soho; [建外SOHO9号楼2002室]; 133 813 89029; www.5678move.com).

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