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Guangzhou-based Hope & Sesame is named The Best Bar in Asia 2026 at the Asia's 50 Best Bars awards ceremony held in Macao. (Photo provided to China Daily)

China's cocktail scene has reached a new milestone as Guangzhou-based Hope & Sesame was named The Best Bar in Asia 2026 at the Asia's 50 Best Bars awards ceremony held in Macao on July 28.

The recognition marks the first time a bar from the Chinese mainland has claimed the top spot of the prestigious regional ranking, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese creativity and cultural storytelling in Asia's rapidly evolving bar industry.

Located in Guangzhou's historical Dongshankou (东山口) district, Hope & Sesame has been a fixture on the Asia's 50 Best Bars list for seven consecutive years. Hidden behind a traditional Cantonese storefront, the bar has gained international attention for its innovative cocktails that reinterpret Chinese flavors, culinary traditions and cultural memories through modern techniques.

Beverage director and head bartender Tiger Chang with the MO Bar Shenzhen team. (Photo provided to China Daily) 

China's strong performance extended beyond the top position. The 2026 ranking featured a record seven Chinese mainland bars, the highest number ever. Shenzhen emerged as a rising cocktail destination, with MO Bar at the city's Mandarin Oriental ranking No. 5, making it the highest-ranked hotel bar in Asia. Obsidian Bar, located atop the Ping An Finance Center, made its debut at No. 10.

Other Chinese mainland entries included Shanghai's Pony Up at No. 19, Chengdu's Ralph's Bar at No. 28, and Beijing's Tiao at No. 50, demonstrating the expanding diversity of China's cocktail landscape.

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

The MO Bar Shenzhen counter (Photo provided to China Daily) 

"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.

The 2026 Asia's 50 Best Bars list included 50 bars from 22 cities, with 14 new entries, reflecting the region's growing creativity and cross-cultural exchange. Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo also maintained strong performances, further cementing Asia's position as one of the world's most dynamic cocktail regions.