Beijing's Most Interesting People 2014: Xiao Ming

The year is drawing to a close, and once again we wanted to look at the people who are helping to shape our lives here in Beijing. So we looked at the artists, the chefs, the entrepreneurs, and a whole lot of other people who are making their mark on the city – and on us and our lifestyle – and put together this look at 10 individuals who are giving it their all. Each one of them is a true Beijinger, regardless of the length of their stay: creative, determined, and hard-working.

Xiao Ming
Serial Bar Owner

One would be forgiven for thinking that Xiao Ming owned the entire stretch of real estate from the northwest corner of Yashow almost to Xindong Lu. That’s because in that area, he operates Revolution, Miles, and members’ club/speakeasy Ming.

Xiao Ming was an early entrant into the cocktail bar scene here, first cutting his teeth at Fubar, and learning there that a well-crafted drink means more to a customer than a big drink list. With three venues in stumbling distance from each other, all with a distinct feeling but the same attention to detail in drinks, Xiao Ming’s venues allow for an entire night out in Sanlitun, all within 200 meters.
Just as three outlets of The Tree grow within a short distance of each other in the same area, Xiao Ming’s cocktail revolution rages all along Sanlitun Houjie.

Photo: Mitchell Pe Masilun/the Beijinger