Bali Bliss: New Terrace Bar in Sanlitun

First it was Zhongyu Hanging Garden, then Miss Saigon. Each time, the reviews raved about the central location and the idyllic ambiance, predicting it would become one of Beijing’s most popular rooftop bars. Each time, the venues failed to find a loyal following. This time, will the outcome be any different?

Like Q Bar, this rooftop spot requires a trip through a dingy lobby. The rebranded Bali Courtyard Bar is tucked away on the seventh floor of a nondescript building that all of us have walked by, and few have entered.

Instead of its predecessor’s fishponds and gazebos, Bali has straw hut rooftops and shallow pools of water. Sadly, the lush grass has been done away with, but the plentiful banana leaf trees and quaint footbridges remain.

Once you’ve taken in the panoramic view of the city, sit down and order yourself a mojito (RMB 60). If you’re with a group, then opt for the discounted bottles of Grey Goose.

The indisputably stunning space has stuck closely to its original formula, making only a few marked adjustments. Perhaps the former garden theme, while picturesque, was too tame to tantalize the hedonistic Sanlitun crowd. But a tropical getaway just might do the trick.

Good for: After-work drinks or whiling away a lazy afternoon
Also try: Kokomo, Migas

Bali Courtyard Bar 巴厘空中海滩酒吧
Daily 10am-2am. 7/F, Zhongyu Plaza (north of The Bookworm), corner of Gongti Beilu and Sanlitun Nanlu, Chaoyang District (5975 2688)
朝阳区工体北路甲6号中宇大厦7层(近三里屯Village)

Photos: Courtesy of Bali Courtyard Bar