China's tippling hub

From hidden speakeasy bars to chic lounges and gastro joints, Shanghai's booming cocktail scene lays claim to being the best in China

It is a manic night at The Union Trading Company and Yao Lu is constantly shuttling back and forth from the bar counter to the fridge to the liquor shelves.

"I have a problem. The customers just don't stop coming," says Yao, the head mixologist and co-founder of the cocktail bar, during a quick breather from service.