Cultural cafe-cum-bookstore that's a second home for Beijing's expats

Noteworthy for: With over 16,000 books in various languages, if you can't find the tome you're looking for here, you probably won't find it anywhere in the city.

Word to the wise: In summer, head to the upstairs terrace for lively aperitifs.

Much more than a cafe, this multi-faceted cultural haven has become somewhat of an institution amongst expats and literary buffs alike. Floor to ceiling bookshelves contain thousands of tomes which you can enjoy from an armchair, rent out, or buy in the well-stocked shop. Let yourself be enlightened in one of their literary and music events, or put the world's wrongs to right in a stimulating debate evening.

You can also choose from a seasonal menu of healthy and hearty Western fare and freshly made smoothies whilst you check your emails in the luminous front room. If it's quality relaxation you're looking for, their famed whisky bar is sure to have something appealing.