Contempio Temple 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 chunks of lychee, 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 Chinese beds for perching on. Ask nicely, and the staff might allow you a peak at the officially-protected temple itself.