Beijing's Best Bars with a View
Beijing’s bar scene has no shortage of anything. In this Thanksgiving season we give thanks not just for the drinks that will keep us warm this winter, but for the beautiful surroundings that we can enjoy them in. In its November 18 issue, Agenda conferred with the experts and put together a list of bars with the best views in Beijing.
Atmosphere Bar
With views overlooking the city, single malts and over 300 cocktails prepared by master mixologist Serhan “Charly” Kusagsizoglu, there is no way in the world that the highest bar in the city would fall short of what its name promises. Come for the view, and stay for live music and a wine, list created by former Maison Boulud sommelier Koen Masschelein. Mon-Fri noon-2am, Sat and Sun noon-4am. 80/F, China World Summit Wing, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6505 2299 ext 6433) 朝阳区光华路国贸3期80层（中国大饭店北侧）
Capital M
Voted “Outstanding for Impressing Visitors” in the Beijinger’s 2010 Reader Restaurant Awards, Capital M’s terrace, which overlooks the historic Qianmen area, affords one of the most impressive views in the city, while the ornate dining room, with its signature parquet flooring and elegant lighting, is a suitably opulent setting for European culinary indulgence. A range of fine wines and classic cocktails are on offer at the bar. Mon-Fri 11am-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am-5pm, 6-10.30pm. 3/F, 2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street (southeast of Qianmen), Chongwen District (6702 2727) 崇文区前门步行街2号3层
China Bar
Perched on the 65th floor of the Park Hyatt, China Bar serves a stunning view of the city alongside its finely mixed and reasonable cocktails and 400 label wine collection. The atmosphere is dark, minimalist and comfortable. Sun-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am 65/F, Park Hyatt, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (8567 1268) 朝阳区建国门外大街2号柏悦酒店65层
Drum and Bell
Overlooking the courtyard between the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower, this cafe is infused with the history of Beijing. Coal- burning stoves inside the quadrangle garden create warmth during the winter, while the rooftop patio is a great place to catch some sunshine during the summer. Daily 1pm-2am, 41 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District (8403 3600) 东城区钟楼湾胡同41号
Happiness Lounge
Decadent is the word that best describes this bar, situated in the city’s only seven-star hotel. Decorated with marble, sumptuous furniture and Chinese touches, this luxury-lined haven overlooks the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest, and is the perfect place to escape from the grit and grime of the city streets. Daily 3pm-2am. 20/F, Pangu 7 Star Hotel, 27 Beisihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (5906 7888) 朝阳区北四环中路 27号
Q Bar
The “Q Boxes” on Q Bar’s outdoor terrace promise to keep you nice and warm while you sip cocktails, listen to your own music, and enjoy the view. Daily 5pm-2am. Top floor of Eastern Inn Hotel, 6 Baijiazhuang Lu (the south end of Sanlitun Nanlu), Chaoyang District (6595 9239) 朝阳区百家庄6号（朝阳门医院北门东100米）三里屯南路逸羽连锁酒店顶楼
Siif
If you can make it past the seemingly precarious glass floors, there is a sweet reward awaiting you at the top, where you can enjoy the calm views of Houhai’s hutongs from above. A great place to hide from the crowds. Daily 1pm-2am. 67 Beiluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District (6406 9496) 东城区鼓楼东大街北锣鼓巷67号
Wain Wain
The cool younger brother of the CBD’s other high-altitude bars like China Bar and Atmosphere sports private rooms sport karaoke machines, video games, and snacks. Daily 11am-2.30am. Rm 3512, Bldg A, Soho New Town, 88 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (8589 4383) 朝阳区建国路88号Soho现代城A座3512室
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