VIBE

In Beijing’s current trendy stampede towards all things “fusion,” new venues with “East-meets-West” concepts have tended to flounder in a sea of sameness. Not so with new arrival XIU, a sexy garden lounge that, despite being the new kid on the block, has already managed to corner the upper crust of the city’s jetsetter-barfly market with its cool menagerie of delicate traditional Chinese pavillions balanced gracefully on a slick industrial-chic Central Business District rooftop. Outside, well-coiffed patrons lounge tranquilly among trickling fountains, while inside, there’s a series of intimate spaces where swish traditional décor is tastefully contrasted with edgy contemporary accents like exposed pipework, funky designer bars, and a happening dance floor.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

There’s a strict upscale casual dress code (no flip-flops, torn clothing, or t-shirts allowed), and when it’s busy the door decisions are based on how swell you look. Just to hedge our bets, we’d go with a glam little dress and funky heels. (Though if we’re here on business, we might keep things more sedate with a tailored skirt and a stylish top.)

GO HERE WITH

A date; friends; clients or colleagues

CROWD

An exclusive power scene set, ranging from international jetsetters to Chinese business moguls and film stars.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The design is fabulous, perfect for wowing clients or beaus. Different décors in the various rooms ensure that all guests are happy, regardless of whether you want to dance, chill, converse, etc. And if the rocking architecture of XIU itself isn’t eye candy enough, evening vistas of the twinkling lights of the Central Business District are equally exquisite–this is one of the best perches in town for scoping Beijing’s nightscape. It’s a great spot for a grown-up drink and quiet contemplation of the breathtaking contrast between old and new Beijing. Plus, the gourmet snack food provided (Peking duck, barbecued meats, etc.) keeps our tummies happy as we drink the night away.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Even when it’s quiet, the service can be slow and distracted–at a lounge of this caliber, we shouldn’t need to do jumping jacks to hail our waitress. Also, the live music can be either spot-on or a bit iffy at times.

GOOD TO KNOW

It can be hard to get in after 11:00pm, especially on weekends, so make sure you either get there early or reserve bottle service. Popular events include Thursday evening “Ladies Night” and nightly happy hour 5:00pm-8:00pm.

CLOSEST COMPS

Redmoon (Beijing); Centro (Beijing)