Perched high above the bustling cityscape of Shenzhen on the 79th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, MO Bar Shenzhen is pouring a liquid tribute to Chinese cultural heritage. Via nods to the 24 Solar Terms, Chinese dynastic costume colors, and ancient printing techniques, the aptly dubbed menu, Colours of China, follows the ethos of the 24 Solar Terms (节气) – a calendar divided into 24 periods used to mark the changes in microseasons, climate, and phenology that’s commonly associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine. The 16 handcrafted cocktails are correspondingly split between spring, summer, winter and autumn.

The menu is a visual and tactile experience, featuring interactive acrylic pages. Guests can take in ingredient details alongside the stories that begot them, such as the Lutinus – a savory, tomato-forward sipper beckoning the arrival of spring with housemade tomato vodka and smoky whiskey.

MO Bar’s ethos extends beyond exceptional drinks; it embodies a dedication to self-reinvention and collaboration within the industry. The bar team, led by the accomplished Tiger Chang, continuously pays homage to China’s five-millennia history while embracing the dynamic spirit of contemporary Shenzhen. This commitment is reflected in their seasonal menu rotations, ensuring that guests are always treated to fresh narratives with every visit.

With accolades including DRiNK Award’s Best Hotel Bar in Mainland China in 2024 and Spirit Award Top 10 International Hotel Bar in Asia Pacific 2025, MO Bar stands at the forefront of Shenzhen's cocktail scene, inviting both connoisseurs and curious minds alike to indulge in imaginative techniques – like tea distillation, clarified juices, and edible colour foams – shaken with a dash of cultural exploration and historical relevance. 

MO Bar Shenzhen, 79/F, Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen, 1001 Shennan Boulevard, Futian, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China  

This article was originally published on the Asia's 50 Best Bars website here.