Camera Stylo, the Hutong Bar Shaping Our Beijing Lives

Ana Padilla Fornieles | Nov 9, 2021 3:44 pm | Add a comment | 656 reads

I think we can all agree that it is no small feat to stay put for long in Beijing. Take Camera Stylo at 64 Dongsishiyitiao, for example. This quaint space near Zhangzizhong Road was once a meetup point for indie film fans and has since survived many waves of urban transformation to become a significant backdrop to a tight-knit community.

From vintage markets to silent mixers, writing meet ups and monthly Spittoon events, if those maroon walls with their vintage film posters and shelves full of tchotchkes could talk, the stories would flow.

Unfortunately, walls have yet to become sentient. That’s why some of the loyal patrons at Camera Stylo have gathered in this article to share their testimonials on how this bar has shaped their life in Beijing. If I may say, their voices resonate with my own thoughts — Camera Stylo is most aptly described as the welcoming house of a whimsical friend who’s kept the doors perennially open for us vagrant souls to mingle and feel a bit more at home here. Never been there? Seems like you’re well due for a visit.

"It’s a reassuring presence. It was one of the few bars that remained open through 2020, and it’s where we’ve held our weekly events for the last year-plus. We’ve grown comfortable inside it, and in turn, the wonderful people there have grown comfortable with us. The familial environment is very important. It’s not just comfortable, but comforting." Anthony Tao, poet and Beijing coordinator for Spittoon Collective

"Camera Stylo has been a literary haven for me on account of being the host of the wonderful Spittoon events! Thursday evenings entering that door in the corner with its welcoming energy; ordering a hot toddy; and heading upstairs to the intimate room with its stage and seeing writers, poets, musicians, creatives bring their art alive...there’s no place quite like it in Beijing!" Rianka M., writer and Spittoon member

"Camera Stylo is my favourite shelter on winter days or after a stressful work day. It always has different events on weekdays thanks to its community members and the great hospitality of its owner and the drinks, including non-alcoholic ones, are delicious!" Tania O., student

"Camera Stylo will always be for me. The bar where I used to watch a lot of interesting movies, Chinese and international alike, and met a community of film lovers. I spend a lot of time there, so much so that my girlfriend laughs at me and says "CS is your second home". I’ve celebrated a couple of birthdays and even hosted the launch party there when I founded my own cultural company." Aladin Farré, creative producer

"Stylo's one of the last outposts of what was cool about Beijing back before the Bricking Up. As the city's old culture scenes have dried up, the film circles, the roof drinking, even Johnny —who was bartender at Amilal in the old days— have all trickled down to this one bar on Dongsi Shiyitiao. Here's to refusing to change." David Cohen, lately of Beijing

"Camera Stylo has changed my life in Beijing. Thanks to this place I have watched many movies and met many film directors and friends. For me, it is a meeting place of sorts where I can breathe and feel like myself. I think many of us feel that way and would be saddened if this place ever disappeared." Guille Bravo, writer