SHENZHEN has emerged as a rising cocktail destination, with two bars ranking among the top 10 on this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, which was unveiled in Macao last week.

MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, in Futian District, ranked No. 5, making it the highest-ranked hotel bar in Asia. Obsidian Bar, atop the Ping An Finance Center, also in Futian, made its debut at No. 10.

Perched on the 79th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen, MO Bar is known for its Chinese-inspired cocktail menu, distinctive retro-industrial design and sweeping skyline views. It debuted on the list last year at No. 21.

Obsidian Bar is part of the Fannou House Group. After ranking No. 51 on last year’s extended list, it made a remarkable leap into this year’s top 10.

Tiger Chang, beverage director and head bartender at MO Bar Shenzhen, said the team was honored by the recognition and would continue bringing Chinese flavors to the global cocktail scene.

“Looking ahead, MO Bar will continue to expand its global perspective, champion Chinese flavors on the international cocktail stage and establish itself as a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts worldwide,” Chang said.

A total of 11 bars from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area made this year’s ranking. Hong Kong led with seven entries, followed by Shenzhen with two, while Guangzhou and Macao each had one. A record seven bars from the Chinese mainland made the list, the highest number ever.

Notably, Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame claimed the No. 1 spot, marking the first time a bar from the Chinese mainland has topped the prestigious regional ranking.

Launched in 2016, Asia’s 50 Best Bars is one of the region’s most influential bar-industry awards. The annual ranking is determined by votes from more than 300 members of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy. The 2026 list featured 50 bars from 22 cities, including 14 new entries.

(SD News)