True Blue: Gulou's Latest Music Cafe

Did Gulou need another music venue? Blue Stream manager Slash and his team are convinced the answer is “Yes,” and they hope to be the ones who deliver the goods. This venue has been steadily building up a following since it opened last September.

It’s hard to not notice the similarities with Jiang Hu, the venue a few blocks southeast where the team earned their street cred. The resemblance is merely cosmetic, though. Blue Stream focuses on folk music, the kind that shines through its solid sound system, and hosts performances just about every day. Bigger names are slowly gravitating there for weekend shows, while weekdays have become a breeding ground for the next generation of folksters.

The place also serves as a comfortable, unpretentious pit stop for a midday coffee or a good read. The biggest asset, yet to be utilized, is a 200sqm rooftop overlooking Gulou. I can picture myself spending a lovely afternoon up there sipping on a refreshing beverage. See you there?

Good for: Soaking up folk tunes, chilling on a rooftop

Also try: Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar, Gulou 121

Blue Stream 蓝溪酒吧 Daily 10am-1am. 183 Jiugulou Dajie (intersection with Gulou Xidajie), Dongcheng District (6403 2597) 东城区旧鼓楼大街183号（旧鼓楼大街和鼓楼西大街路口）

Click here to see the May issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photos: Nature Zhang