Beijing
Beijing operates two airports — Capital (PEK), the older hub, and Daxing (PKX), the Zaha Hadid-designed mega-airport opened in 2019. PKX has progressively absorbed PEK's traffic and is now the city's primary international gateway. The drinking at both is concentrated in airline lounges. Air China's First Class Lounge at PKX is the premium-cabin play (Star Alliance Gold or Air China First required) and runs a proper baijiu programme alongside the standard Champagne pours — Moutai by the glass for those who can stomach it.
Sanlitun · $$$
Beijing's most awarded cocktail bar.
Sanlitun · $$$$
Japanese-style cocktail bar in a hidden upstairs room.
Gulou · $$
Mexican-influenced cocktail bar in a converted hutong courtyard.
Sanlitun · $$
Tiki bar that takes the genre seriously.
Plays for Beijing Airport: post-security, pre-security, lounges, and the airport-hotel cheat code.
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