Sip Charming Cocktails at This New Rooftop Bar: Shang Bar

Beijing’s new Emperor Hotel branch in Qianmen is all about getting wet. The space is thematically saturated with waterfalls and topped with its latest introduction just in time for summer: a rooftop pool. The 84sqm basin is one of the few of its kind in Beijing, set far away from the madness that is Qianmen’s commercial district and hovering above a bed of grey roofs.

Tucked underneath the pool are tiny tiles the color of Dreamsicles complemented by a turquoise wall. It’s all part of appropriately named Shang Bar, which services a spacious terrace and an equally hefty array of cocktails, wines and spirits. Shang Bar’s cocktail list was devised under the guidance of the former Ritz Carlton UK Vice President, and we guess he must have loved martinis – sour apple, ginger pineapple, and chocolate are among the options. House cocktails span four pages. The inspiration for most? You guessed it: Water.

In a split decision, we tried the “Water,” a decidedly sweet choice for summer with its transparent mix of Dita Lychee Liqueur and peach vodka. If you like romantic stories, then you may enjoy the Beauty in the Golden House – a twirl of white rum, raspberry syrup and lemon juice dedicated to assumedly shuai Han Dynasty Emperor Wu who begged his mother to help him woo his cousin A’Jiao. Dare we say it, she later became empress.

In fact, you could say Shang Bar is suitable for a hot date – the pool is open late and anyone can access it for RMB 258 for three hours. Trying to decide between a dip and Quanjude next time you’re in Qianmen? Ask yourself, what would Wu do?

Shang Bar
Daily 10am-midnight. Emperor Hotel Qianmen, 87 Xianyukou Hutong, Dongcheng District (6701 7790)
东城区鲜鱼胡同口87号
400m west of Qianmen station (Line 2)

Also try: Yun Bar, Purple Jade Country Club

Photos: Ken