Beijing's best outdoor bars

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Make the most of the warmer weather by taking in the views and the fresh air with a drink in hand. Whether you fancy the cosy atmosphere of a hutong courtyard or want somewhere to take in the breathtaking views of Beijing from above, there's a bar for you. Here's our pick of the best spots for al fresco drinking in Beijing.

Sanlitun

Buona Bocca

Critics' pick

A chic Italian wine bar and aperitivo hangout off the main drag in Sanlitun with a great wine list. You're here for the Prosecco and the negronis.

Xingfu Sancun Sixiang Xingdong Lu

Miles Rong Bar

A massive rooftop in a less traffic-stricken corner of Sanlitun slinging cocktails from the notorious bar maestro Mr Ming. Have an old fashioned or a strawberry cooler and watch the sunset over Sanlitun's revellers and the embassy district's diplomats, who are perhaps one and the same.

4-5 Sanlitun Dongsanjie (Changping)

InfraRouge

Tapping into the chic gastrolounge vibes its sister bar in Shanghai is famed for, this sleek venue combines people-watching with date-night perfect views across Taikoo Li.

Sanlitun Lu (Chaoyang, Chaoyang)

Unico

Critics' pick

Unico sits atop the Topwin Centre, and although it’s only on the fifth floor, the south-facing CBD views are still pretty lit, especially at night. Floor to ceiling windows make the most of the urban vista, but what’s especially smashing about this joint is that the views within the bar are stylish to a T.

1 Sanlitun Nan Lu

CBD

Migas Mercado

Migas Mercado is, like everything these days, in China World Mall, offering the requisite awesome views of the surrounding urban vista. It is also something of a vista in itself, being totally freakin’ huge – the sprawling terrace bar itself seems to go on for miles.

1 Jianguomenwai Dajie (Changping)

Blue Frog (CBD)

The newest venue of the popular hamburger joint at China World Mall offers a rooftop terrace and great views of the CCTV tower.

1 Jianguomenwai Avenue

798

O'Bar

A fancy spot at Lido's NUO Hotel with a massive terrace sporting private bungalows and plenty of pretty people. Knock back the delicious cocktails while taking in the views.

2A Jiangtai Lu