The true magic of Beijing reveals itself as the sun begins its descent. By day, the city is a sprawling tapestry of ancient history and relentless modernity. But by night, from a certain elevated perspective, it transforms. The Forbidden City’s golden roofs fade into shadow, while the glowing neon of the Central Business District (CBD) ignites, painting a picture of a city that honors its past while racing fearlessly into the future. To experience this duality is to understand Beijing, and there is no better way to do so than from its spectacular rooftop bars. This is your essential map to navigating the heights of China's capital, where cocktails meet culture and the skyline tells a thousand stories.
Before we ascend, it's crucial to understand what you're looking at. Beijing's skyline isn't a single, monolithic cluster of skyscrapers like Shanghai's Pudong. Instead, it's a series of distinct districts, each with its own architectural personality and historical significance.
This is the old soul of Beijing. The view from here is dominated by the vast, low-slung complex of the Forbidden City, with its unmistakable yellow-glazed tile roofs and intricate dougong brackets. To the north, the green mound of Jingshan Park offers a 360-degree panorama, but for a seated, cocktail-in-hand experience, you need a specific vantage point that looks over this ancient palace, not just at it. The color palette here is earthy and majestic: ochre, vermillion, and deep green, all set against the sprawling, grey-tiled hutong neighborhoods.
A stark and breathtaking contrast lies to the east. The CBD is Beijing's statement of intent on the global stage. Here, the China Zun (CITIC Tower), shaped like an ancient Chinese ritual vessel, pierces the sky as the city's tallest building. It's flanked by the unmistakable twin towers of the CCTV Headquarters, nicknamed "The Big Shorts" for its radical looped design. This area is a forest of illuminated glass and steel, a pulsating display of 21st-century ambition and power. The views here are about scale, light, and the awe-inspiring pace of change.
Sandwiched between these giants are the labyrinthine alleyways known as hutongs. From street level, they are a world of communal life, sizzling woks, and hidden courtyards. From above, they reveal their geometric beauty—a seemingly endless, orderly grid of grey-tiled roofs, dotted with the green of courtyard trees. A rooftop view over a hutong offers an intimate, human-scale perspective, a quiet moment above the bustling, ancient heart of the city.
Here is a curated selection of rooftop bars, each offering a unique window into a different facet of Beijing.
The Vibe: Unapologetic opulence and breathtaking scale. This isn't just a bar; it's a statement. The View: Located on the 80th floor of the China World Summit Wing in the Guomao area, this is one of the highest bars in the world. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a commanding, almost aerial, view of the entire CBD. You are eye-level with the top of the China Zun, looking down upon the dramatic architecture of the CCTV building and the endless flow of traffic on the Third Ring Road. At night, it’s a mesmerizing sea of lights. The Experience: Dress to impress. The crowd is a mix of well-heeled locals, expats, and discerning travelers. The cocktail menu is as elevated as the location, featuring creative mixes and top-shelf spirits. The service is impeccable. This is the place for a truly special occasion or to simply marvel at the sheer power of modern Beijing. Pro Tip: Secure a reservation for a window seat, especially around sunset to witness the city's transition from day to night.
The Vibe: Chic, artistic, and effortlessly cool. Located in the trendy Sanlitun area, The Opposite House is an art hotel, and its rooftop bar, MOoD, reflects that creative sensibility. The View: While not as high as Atmosphere, MOoD offers a different kind of charm. It provides a stunning lateral view of the Taikoo Li Sanlitun complex and the worker's stadium, but its real magic is the distant, perfectly framed view of the CBD skyline. From here, the cluster of skyscrapers feels like a glittering monument in the distance, providing a spectacular backdrop for your evening. The Experience: The ambiance is relaxed yet sophisticated. The crowd is stylish and international, often from the creative industries. The bar serves innovative cocktails and a great selection of wines by the glass. The design, with its wooden deck and greenery, feels like a sophisticated urban oasis. Pro Tip: This is a great pre-dinner or late-night spot. Enjoy a cocktail and then dive into the shopping and dining madness of Sanlitun below.
The Vibe: Lively, Mediterranean, and perpetually festive. Migas is a Beijing institution, known for its Spanish restaurant and its sprawling, colorful rooftop. The View: Situated atop the Nali Patio complex in Sanlitun, the view is a vibrant mix of the surrounding low-rise buildings and, again, that iconic CBD skyline in the background. It’s a more integrated view—you feel part of the city's energy rather than detached from it. The Experience: This is where you go for fun. The music is upbeat, the sangria flows freely, and the atmosphere is consistently electric, especially on weekends. It’s a popular spot for the city's expat community and young, fashionable Beijingers. The food, with its Spanish tapas, is a major draw. Pro Tip: Come for a late dinner on a Friday or Saturday night if you want to experience Migas at its most vibrant. Be prepared for a crowd.
The Vibe: Refined, traditional, and offering a completely different perspective. This bar provides the quintessential view of old Beijing. The View: This is the place to gaze upon the Forbidden City. From its terrace, you have a direct, unobstructed view of the palace's southern gates and the ancient watchtowers. As dusk falls and the palace is lit, the scene is nothing short of magical. It’s a powerful reminder of the city's imperial history. The Experience: The atmosphere is quieter and more formal than the CBD spots. It’s a place for conversation and contemplation. The cocktail menu often features twists on classics with Chinese ingredients, and the whiskey selection is notable. Pro Tip: Time your visit for just before sunset. Watching the fading light wash over the ochre walls of the Forbidden City is an experience you won't forget.
A trip to a Beijing rooftop bar is incomplete without capturing the moment. Here’s how to get the best shots for your social media or travel album.
While smartphone cameras are incredibly capable, a camera with manual controls will yield superior results in low light. Use a tripod if possible, as it allows for longer exposures without blur. Shoot in RAW format for greater editing flexibility later. For settings, start with a low ISO (200-400) to reduce noise, a medium aperture (f/8-f/11) for sharpness throughout the scene, and adjust your shutter speed accordingly. A slower shutter speed will create beautiful light trails from the traffic below.
Don't just point and shoot. Use the elements of the bar to frame your shot—a silhouetted cocktail glass in the foreground with the skyline in the background is a classic for a reason. Look for leading lines, like the edge of the rooftop, that draw the viewer's eye into the cityscape. If you're at a bar like Yin, use the traditional architecture of the rooftop to complement the traditional view of the Forbidden City.
The hour before sunset (Golden Hour) bathes the city in a warm, soft light, while the period just after sunset (Blue Hour) provides a deep blue sky that makes the city lights pop brilliantly. Arriving early to secure your spot allows you to capture both phases of this magical transition.
A little planning ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience soaring above Beijing.
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Author: Beijing Travel
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