Sanlitun (Chinese:三里屯) is one of the best know and most popular bar streets in Beijing. Sanlitun, which is also used to refer to the general area, is located in Eastern Beijing in the Chaoyang District and forms part of the Gongti nightlife area . Despite several threats of closure, it remains fashionable with the expat community, foreign travelers and younger locals.
The area is currently being redeveloped as part of the preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. Until 2005, bars ran from the northern street through a very busy crossing with Gongti North Road (Gongti Bei Lu) to a southern street, which had fewer bars and was more relaxed.
The area, which has a reputation for trade in illegal drugs and prostitution, has had security cameras installed to suppress criminal activities. Police have been observed to conduct violent raids, rounding up black men suspected of drug dealing.
The Yaxiu ( ) clothing market, a popular shopping destination for locals and foreigners alike, is situated alongside this street.
