Higher Ground

Atop the 65th floor of the Park Hyatt Beijing, China Bar stares down at its competitors in the dust of Guomao below. It would be difficult to prepare a drink list or train a waitstaff worthy of such a vista, but China Bar has done both. The drink list includes over 440 wines, the bartenders mix cocktails to perfection, and the service is polite and attentive but never obtrusive. In addition to the 360-degree lookout across the Beijing skyline, China Bar impresses with chic contemporary décor. The bar is made of illuminated, translucent onyx and sits on dark, unvarnished hardwood floors. Luxury, of course, comes with a price. Cocktails are ¥75, Bellinis are ¥150, and beers start at ¥50 (all before the 15 percent surcharge). The impressive wine lists begins at ¥450/bottle for a Terrazas Chardonnay Reserva and reaches heights of ¥60,000 for a 1989 vintage Chateau Haut Brion. We ordered a caipirinha and gin martini with a twist, both of which were mixed to perfection. For those after the best, China Bar is Beijing nightlife at its peak.