Smack dab in the middle of Gulou area, Mao Livehouse is the ground zero for live music in Beijing. The venue is the quintessential medium-sized live music venue (fits about 600 or so but feels fine with 50), with a the majority of the space a one-room stage and audience area. The space offer bright lights and big sound, but is still intimate enough to create some intense live music experiences.

In addition to that, there's a front area with a bar -- nothing special going on there -- standard beers and mixes at market prices -- and a small little lounge area. Graffiti and band stickers fill every single wall in the venue -- it's one of those kinds of places -- and the venue is roundly recognized as one of the top three venues to see a rock show in Beijing.

Musicwise, it's basically all rock, pop, metal, punk, and folk from a largely local pool of bands and musicians. In response to the sheer abundance of bands in Beijing, the club frequently hosts genre showcase nights, with six or seven bands sharing a bill. Lots of student bands, lots of up-and-comers, lots of metal. The venue also hosts medium-draw international artists as well, so look out for those.

The venue is open whenever there is a show -- check the events listings for concert details.