186 Best Bars in China

Head to Rosewood's DarkSide for aged spirits, cigars, and cocktails, complemented by live jazz every night. Drinks are enjoyed in a dark and velvet-adorned space, perfect for a cozy date.

Inside an impressive curvaceous skyscraper, this very cool bar sits on the mezzanine level of the top floor. The high ceilings and glass walls offer up unrivaled views of Hong Kong and the surrounding harbor filled with ferries and ships. Tables are placed in front of the windows so you never have to crane your neck to see the skyline.

Regularly ranked in the top 10 of Asia’s best bars, Argo in the Four Seasons is known for its highly creative and environmentally conscious approach to mixology, celebrating sustainable ingredients such as cacao husks, bamboo, and coffee flowers. The design scheme features sweeping architectural curves and warm brass accents, best appreciated by taking a seat at the bar.

Awarded first place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, this Italian-run, casual-cool bar is known for its signature \"filthy martini,\" pepped up with a smoked olive and brine for extra oomph. More genteel is the small but perfectly formed mezcal negroni, which goes beautifully with bar snacks like Leone’s best-selling mortadella sandwich—stacked layers of thinly sliced Italian garlic sausage squeezed between crisp home-baked focaccia.

High up in the Peninsula Hong Kong, this bar is immensely popular with visitors. It not only has a brilliant view of the island, but the dramatic interiors are by the visionary designer Philippe Starck. Another memorable feature: tthe women’s bathroom overlooks the harbor, while the men’s has great city views.

At Beijing's first proper microbrewery, the beers are made with ingredients such as tea and Sichuan peppercorns. Don't miss the bar peanuts—spicy and salty, they'll keep you going back to the bar for just one more brew. This place has been so successful, in fact, that the owners have since opened a much-larger flagship in Liangmaqiao, which also serves food.

A hit with the happy hour crowd (5–7 pm, all night long on Wednesday), Honky Tonks is a highly polished SoHo watering hole posing as an American-style dive bar. Classic and signature cocktails, Hong Kong craft beers, and a wide choice of bourbon can be paired with elevated bar snacks like crisp fried chicken and \"big ass\" pizzas—available by the slice for a steal during happy hour.

For a refined night out, head to the southeastern edge of West Lake and visit this well-established jazz club with a cultured clientele. The large three-story spot is known for its steady stream of talented jazz and blues performers, plus it has one of the city's best wine and whiskey lists.

The sleek lobby bar at Wuhan's chicest hotel wouldn't look out of place in New York. The bar takes its name from long wooden counters that run the length of the lobby and doubles as reception desk and watering hole. It's a beautiful space, with a blond-wood floor, a wall of books, and light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Nearly anything you could want to drink is available here. In summer, cool off with the bar's signature cocktail PuYu Sparkles, made with sparkling wine, rye whiskey, lemon and pineapple juices, ginger, and a little bit of sugar. The Long Bar has a small menu of savory and sweet snacks (think chicken and lamb satay or churros with lemon curd and chocolate) and also serves afternoon tea (Y188 per set, includes two hot drinks). For our money, we recommend The Long Pour happy hour (6–8), when most beers and cocktails (which run about Y65 each) are two-for-one.

Housed in a bright pink building with pine-green shutters, this lively wine bar is just steps away from the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The retired British couple who manage the place have assembled a wine list that includes more than 430 Portuguese varieties—many you will only find here—plus a fine selection of whiskey. Pair your port or vinho verde with British cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and homemade desserts. Live after-dinner music plays on select dates, particularly Friday, depending on the season. Be warned: it’s cash-only and closes periodically at the owners’ whims.

A revamped industrial space with, cool studios, and shops, the leafy OCT Loft promenade is peppered with trendy alfresco cafés that are popular for evening drinks. For a relaxed night out, look for La Patisserie or LSD Party, which is an Italian café-cum-gallery (not a drug den). Bettet yet, for a memorable musical experience, time your visit with the annual Jazz Festival, usually in October.

Hidden behind an unmarked red door is one of the coolest bars in Sai Ying Pun. Converted from an old table-tennis parlor, the basement space serves gin and tonic cocktails and features works by local artists on the walls. It also offers an array of Spanish tapas.

Jiangsu's high-flyers toast their bottom line over classy cocktails on the 78th floor of the Zifeng Tower, China's third-tallest building. Nestled atop the InterContinental Nanjing, the bar boasts the city's best wine selection, with a good number available by the glass. Smog permitting, there are stunning city views across Xuanwu Lake to the leafy mound of Zhongshan Park.

Macau’s only entry on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, the St. Regis Bar sets a high standard for cocktails and live entertainment. Inspired by the hotel’s New York heritage, the signature drinks mostly nod to Big Apple history. The Cotton Club, for example, is a whiskey sour that pays tribute to Harlem’s prohibition era jazz. But don’t miss the Macau-inspired Maria do Leste, a bold reimagining of the Bloody Mary with cinnamon, piri piri, and a lobster tart on the side, or the Macao Egg Tart, a boozy ode to the city’s favorite pastry. Both are great drinks to sip as you enjoy the live jazz.

This Bavarian-themed bar is known for its decent selection of imported wheat beers, ale (there are about a dozen), and beverages like Champagne, wine, and cocktails that are best enjoyed on the lovely, spacious outdoor patio. The atmosphere inside is chic but cozy, with a long bar and warm lighting.

One of Hong Kong's favorite after-work watering hole, 208 sits in the middle of trendy Sheung Wan, The place serves up spot-on classic cocktails alongside authentic antipasti. Sit outside and enjoy a cocktail or three with a mostly local crowd.

The Altira’s 38 Lounge stands among the best alfresco rooftops bar in the city, literally and figuratively. Sip cocktails or a glass of champagne under the stars on the outdoor terrace 38 floors above Taipa. Trade high-floor breeze for entertainment inside, where a live band plays until the wee hours most evenings. There’s a large selection of single malt whiskeys to choose from, as well as 45-plus labels of wine from Altira’s sizable cellar—a reason why 38 Lounge is one of the city’s few rated on the Star Wine list.

Tucked inside a tiny hutong near the western end of Houhai, 4Corners has a working fireplace in the winter and a breezy patio in the summer. There's inventive, pan-Asian cuisine from its Vietnamese-Canadian chef-owner, delicious cocktails, and refreshing beer such as Vedett White on tap.

Hidden within the W Hotel’s ground-floor Living Room lounge, A.P.D. is a speakeasy-style haven for mezcal lovers. The smoky, earthy agave spirit is the sole focus here, with a curated selection that includes more than a dozen artisanal labels, from Derrumbes, made from wild agave grown in the San Luis Potosi plateaus, to George Clooney’s new premium brand Casamigos. The space is small and intimate. Go behind the open bar to examine the labels up close and chat with the friendly bartenders.

Home to nostalgia-fueled theme nights, including 80s and disco, Alfa is a hopping little dance spot that's particularly popular with local gay men.

This Knutsford Terrace staple hosts a talented Filipino cover band that mainly works hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Drinks are a little overpriced, but there's an impressive sound system that prompts a loud sing-along from the crowd. Spanish-style artwork adorns the red-and-yellow walls.

The Armani brand has made its mark on Chater House, bringing a taste of Milan to Hong Kong. The big draw here is a wide, gorgeous deck with skyscraper views, chic outdoor seating, and an impressive—if pricey—list of cocktails. Go into the bar and turn right up the stairs.

The friendly staff, live sports on its many screens, and Belgian beers make this lakeside bar a favorite for visitors, expats, and locals. Its owned by David Wilmots who also owns Brussels Beer Garden two doors down. Expect a similarly extensive selection of Belgian beers like Chimay Red, White, and Blue, as well as a few other imported beers like Guinness, and cider. Food will take you right back to the States, with burgers, pizza, and Tex-Mex. There are tables indoors, on a terrace overlooking the lake, and next to the lake itself.

Mondrian Hotel's cocktail bar offers creative, Hong Kong--inspired tipples such as lap yuk (Chinese cured pork belly) old fashioned and mango pomelo colada. Snag a seat by the window for a gorgeous sea view.

On Wan Chai's trendy Ship Street, the dimly lit Back Bar is the place for top-of-the-line cocktails and delicious Spanish-influenced bar snacks. It gets very crowded, so come early.