This place is so cool because it's made to bring people close together, unlike the other places in China that just make the gap between Chinese people and foreigners even bigger. There you don't feel alienated. Furthermore all the bars are linked so you don't need to take a taxi. I recommend visiting "Salsa Caribe" , where fans of Latino music must come and learn how to dance "Salsa".
In addition, after the party is over,as you walk out of the "China Dolls" right there on the street you will run across people selling the most delicious Chinese delicacy "the big pancake". Don't be misled by its outlook. Believe me it's worth trying it!!! mmmmm:)))

Sanlitun has the good and the bad.

The lighted bar street is the overpriced tourist infected place where everyone tries their best to separate you from your money.

The back alleys contain some of the better places where Beijing living foreigners often find themselves. I'd definitively recommend a bar's like Bar Blu, Kokomo, 1st floor and the likes.

Also shopping opportunities are good in Sanlitun, the Village boasts brand shops in top quality shopping mall. 3.3 is the more local flavor shopping mall with cheaper prices and ability to bargain.

San Li Tun is a the infamous bar district of Beijing. There's lots of great bars, and if you walk a little further down the street, you'll find some good clubs there as well. My favorite clubs were Vics and China Doll. And like the rest of Beijing, don't forget to bargain for the price of beers before you go in.

Gorgeous (and affordable :) place to party till early in the morning.