ALTHOUGH IT LACKS ANY REAL HISTORICAL OR aesthetic interest, both its south and west gates have over the last five years or so been developed as entertainment and dining venues, with varying success. These days, Chaoyang Park soth and west gate has all the atmosphere of a happy town. New bars and restaurants have joined old favourites and the arrival of the Mega Club, D-Power, means that the party now goes on well into the next moring Here’s the definitive street guide to help you get the most of yor big night ourt. The exceptions to this are the two bars that sit either side of the complex entrance. Latinos was setup and ranby a group of Lation dance and music enthusiasts and is probably the most authentic of its kink in the Cing . Great music, no entrance fee and regular dance classes are just part of the Lations menu. Acoross from Lations. Big Easy is a two-storey building that looks like it has been transported from New Orleans . With jazz and bules performances from local and international artists, as well as highly regarded Cajun menu. Big Easy offers up agreat evening’s entertainment.

In comparison to the south gate, Chaoyang Park ’s West Gate is a much more interesting option. Basically one long block of bars, restaurants and convenience stores, with a few straglers located nearby, the West Gate is at its best when night falls and the party crowd begins to arrive. Beginning ate he south end of the street, the first place of interest is the World of Suzie Wong, a bar with two floors of east meets west interior design and a handy roof garden that overlooks the park. In its history, Suzie Wong’s has become the standard for the West Gate, and as such gets very busy most nights. Next up is Annie’s Café, a mid-priced Italian restaurant that does great pizzas and has a very fast and convenient delivery service. Just up from Annie’s is the Black Sun Bar, an accommodating venue with cheap drinks and a very casual, laid back feel. The bar tends to attact a younger, predominantly expatriate crowd, and its outdoor patio was popular in the summer months until local authorities built a two-meter high wall tha blocked out the park views, Next door to the Black Sun Bar is Gisa, and Italian restaurant whose strong menu has made it a favorite with the Italian expatriate community. Prices are a little higher than at Annie’s but then the food is far superior. A little further along the block is Cantonese restaurant named Richang (still operating under the sing of ‘Shiller’s who was the previous tenant). The food and atmosphere here are extremely authentic and prices are very affordable. You may need to wait a short while for a lunchtime table, as the restaurant can get very busy. The final venue of note at the restaurant can get very busy. The final venue of note at the west gate is the Goose and Duch Pub, on the opposite side of the road to Richang. The Goose and Duck is open 24 hours and is extremely popular with the expatrate crowd, who crowd in for regular televised sports and the weekly darts nights.

New buildings and luxury apartments are quite popular in this area. Park Avenue and The Palm Springs are the most famous ones. The Marriott Executive Apartemnts opened in 2005 shows the heat of the property in this area.

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