Sipping Cocktails in a 600-year-old Chinese Temple: Contempio Cafe & Bar

Ever imagined sipping cocktails in a 600-year-old Chinese temple? Here’s your chance. Contempio Temple Bar was previously available only for private events, but this new annex is open to all and sundry.

The old stone entrance leads to a chic modern bar serving brilliantly crafted cocktails like lychee mojitos (RMB 45) made with fresh fruit, and seasonal fruit vodkas (RMB 50). Traditional types can try a classic gin and tonic (RMB 35), or choose from a large selection of imported wines to pair with the cheese, salami, olive and French bread platter (RMB 50).

Now you’re ready for a journey back in time. Continue past the stone waterfall, along the bamboo path, and continue imbibing in a 15th-century Qing-era “lounge,” now furbished with Chinese watercolors and antique-style beds for perching on. Ask nicely, and the staff might allow you a peek at the officially protected temple itself.

Good for: Romantic dates, Zen meditation
Also Try: Bed Bar, Face

Contempio Café & Bar 妙
Daily 9am-1am. Doufuchi Hutong (off Jiugulou Dajie), Xicheng District (6407 6778)
西城区旧鼓楼大街豆腐池胡同

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