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With impressive skylines and architectural history, it's worth exploring China’s coolest cities from above. Leave the chaotic street life behind and put your head in the clouds with a visit to nine of China’s – and thus the world’s – best rooftop bars.
5. Cafe Zarah
When neighbourhood darling Cafe Zarah had a makeover, the German owner and Chinese manager wisely decided to invest in a charming roof terrace. This has long made the place a favourite hangout on lazy weekend days, and even more impossible to leave. The café – which doubles as a restaurant and art gallery – attracts the hutong’s cool crew and MacBook professionals with its perfect coffees and European-style breakfasts. Now you can bring that coffee (or drink) to the terrace while looking down at the charming old-school courtyards of the hutongs.
6. Fu Lu Shou
Most of Hong Kong’s rooftop bars are all glamour and zero grit, but grungy Fu Lu Shou is a welcome departure from that trend. With graffitied walls, comfy couches, swinging chairs and an informal vibe, the rooftop terrace is a hipster haven. The food is a nostalgic take on Western versions of Chinese food – more kitsch than authentic, but tasty nonetheless – and the drinks are as strong as the portions are big. Find the bar tucked away in an old building off Hollywood Road and take the battered lift to the seventh floor.
Fu Lu Shou
7. Kartel
With its many wines, casual vibe and proximity to the former French Concession, it’s no wonder that the wine bar Kartel is a hit with expats in Shanghai. They sip wines and nibble on food as French as the owner of the bar, which offers an alternative view over Shanghai; here it’s all roofs and no skyscrapers. The brick walls, retro furniture, wooden floors and communal tables make the place relaxed despite the lofty culinary and oenophile ambitions.
Kartel Shanghai
