Mao Livehouse

Steps away from Beijing's Drum Tower, hundreds of sweaty students gather behind an industrial iron door and hold out the sign of horns a few nights a week. This is the side of Beijing you rarely see on tourist posters. It's young, energetic, edgy and totally wild. Mao Livehouse is the main hangout for Beijing's undergound music lovers. Chinese indie acts and international touring bands put up a variety of concerts here every week, including mental, punk, rock, folk and occasionally pop. Backed by Japanese record label Bad News Records, the space features state-of-art sound equipment and wallet-friendly drinks at the bar.