Tiao’s al fresco area on the second floor I Photo by Tatum Ancheta
Beijing may not be your typical go-to for bar hopping like the more cosmopolitan Shanghai, but it has its own unique appeal, blending old-world and modern charms with nightlife. During my trip in May, I wandered through the ancient hutongs and cobbled streets, and I was struck by how history and contemporary energy coexist here. Beijing feels like a city that invites you to uncover its centuries-old stories while kicking back with a good drink or two. I still remember the texture of those Chinese crepes, jianbing, and the warm comfort of a hot pot and freshly steamed hot buns after a long day of exploring. Hidden between winding alleyways, you’ll find cozy coffee shops serving artisan brews, trendy boutiques, and bars pouring cocktails that reflect the city’s rich cultural roots.
One spot worth checking out is Tiao cocktail bar at the new Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, located in the historic Caochang Hutong neighborhood. Caochang means “storage of straw,” hence the name, as the area was once the straw yard for official horses during the Ming Dynasty.
Check out the video below for a sneak peek of Tiao and its offerings:
Staying at the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen puts you just a short ride from some of Beijing’s most iconic sites—the Forbidden City, the bustling metropolis area, the Temple of Heaven, and even the Great Wall. It’s a spot that combines luxury with key cultural landmarks, making it perfect for blending sightseeing with relaxation.
Tiao, named after the Chinese words Shi Tiao 十条, meaning ‘Alley Ten,’ references the bar’s original hutong address. This area has a special vibe—preserved alleys, centuries-old architecture, and a proud sense of community. Having just marked its first anniversary in May, Tiao slides right into this scene. It’s where you get top-notch, crafted cocktails, a bit of history, and good music in a cool and stylish setting.
A Sense of Place
At first glance, you might not realize the bar is part of the hotel since you can access it directly from the street. However, by going through a door near the DJ’s booth, you’ll find yourself in the Mandarin’s tea spot, Maple Lounge, and their inviting lobby and courtyard—a snap for the ‘Gram is a must!—where a century-old maple and toon tree stand right in the center.
Staying at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Qianmen doesn’t feel like you’re in a hotel; it feels more like home. Having stayed at multiple Mandarin Oriental hotels across Asia—like Hong Kong, Singapore, Shenzhen, Kuala Lumpur, among others—this one stands out. It’s uniquely built within the historic hutong of around 16 alleys, where generations of Beijingers still reside.
From Alley 3 to 10, instead of typical hotel rooms, you’ll find villas with private courtyards, spacious bathrooms with tubs, and king or twin beds fitted with 530-thread-count sheets for luxurious relaxation. Some even feature their own tea lounges and living rooms. It’s like living inside history, with villas that once belonged to families who called this neighborhood home, featuring courtyards with ancient maple trees that change with the seasons.
Opened in September 2025, shortly after Tiao cocktail bar began operating, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen consists of 42 courtyard villas, offering a true sense of place. The neighborhood was once home to famous figures, such as Beijing opera icon Mei Lanfang, and upper-middle-income families.
Today, around 150 families, totaling roughly 1,000 people, still live in the neighborhood. You can stroll along the alleys and see Beijingers going about their day—sitting under the shade of dangling grapevines, chatting in front of their houses, or biking through the narrow pathways.
The Hutong’s Tale in Every Pour
Even though many hutongs have disappeared with Beijing’s rapid modernization, the alleyways in Caochang Hutong still give you a little taste of the city’s past. And right in the middle of it all is Tiao, a two-story hangout spot with 65 seats, private rooms, and outdoor areas. The music kicks off around 8.30pm with DJs getting the place lively.
The bar attracts a diverse crowd of all ages, from young, stylish, and energetic bar goers to more corporate business travelers.
The drinks program includes a selection of whisky, baijiu, tequila, and mezcal, along with a cocktail menu that offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The cocktails tell the story of what you see and experience along the alleyways. With 17 drinks on the menu, each one offers a little piece of the neighborhood’s history.
Before you start with their cocktails, they offer a welcome drink inspired by the flavors of Beijing yogurt commonly sold on the streets. It’s served in a vessel modeled after a clay pot used for aging Baijiu.
Follow this with Undercurrent, a crowd favorite inspired by the stories at Alley 7, where guild halls once stood—places where merchants, performers, trades, and secret dealings were forged. It’s made with gin, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, black tea, hibiscus tangerine peel shrub, and olive lemonade. It’s floral and vinegary—a great way to start your drink journey—and pairs perfectly with their truffle fries.
For something savory, we love the Green Courtyard. It’s inspired by the lush green foliage you find in Beijing courtyards, and it’s a tequila and mezcal-based concoction with tomato, lime, long pepper, and salted Buddha hand (fingered citron).
Moving on to cocktails inspired by the current alleys and dining venues of Mandarin Oriental, like Vicini, the Italian restaurant, and Yan Garden by Chef Fei. There’s the Walnut, which takes its name from a 60-year-old walnut tree in Yan Garden, growing beneath the eaves. It’s a twist on a sidecar made with Martell Noblige Cognac, pomegranate vinegar, walnuts, lime, and orange bitters. The nutty flavor is balanced with sweetness and sourness, served with sesame crackers that remind Beijingers of nostalgic childhood treats.
Flavors of Italy take center stage on a Vicini-inspired drink, La Dolce Vita, a Negroni twist, with truffle and dark chocolate, smoked with your choice of wood chips.
If you’re into something icy, try the Beijing Sour—a frozen drink made with whisky, Baijiu, ice wine, and lemon. It’s inspired by Old Beijing and the region’s unique Ice Wine grapes cultivated in specific areas of China.
Just like the hotel’s food and beverage offerings, Tiao provides a selection of dishes, from fries and chicken wings to modern takes on Beijing-inspired cuisine like noodles, skewers, and more.
The service is great, and the bartenders are welcoming. If you’re a foreigner visiting the city, just ask their bar team for suggestions on other places to explore for craft cocktails—they’ll happily share their recommendations.
During their anniversary party, the bar hosted some of the best bartenders in Asia, including Ming Liao from Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou (ranked No. 14 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), Jay Khan from Coa in Hong Kong (ranked No. 4 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), and Peter Chua from Night Hawk in Singapore (ranked No. 16 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024). Be sure to follow them on Instagram @tiao_beijing for updates on guest bartender schedules and special events.
Tiao is located in Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, No.1 Caochang Alley 10, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It is open from 6pm to 1am Sunday through Thursday, and from 6pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit mandarinoriental.com.
Follow DrinkCollectiv on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more drink news and all the latest sips and tips!
