Saintly celebrations at the Peninsula

The Peninsula Beijing is, for the first time, holding celebrations to mark St. Patrick's Day, which is observed annually on March 17 to celebrate Ireland's patron saint, Irish culture and heritage.

From March 17-20, the hotel's Jing Bar is hosting evening parties featuring Irish cuisine, whiskey cocktails and traditional music. Jing Bar and the hotel's iconic facade are also lit up in green, a color associated with the holiday.

Guests can raise a toast to the patron saint of Ireland with Irish-themed cocktails: a jasmine tea highball, banana shot and an Irish sour. Each drink is prepared with Jameson Irish whiskey, homemade syrups, bitters and secret ingredients, according to the hotel.

They can also feast on sharing plates of house smoked salmon, pork shoulder rillettes and new potatoes and cream.

The coasters at the parties are also specially made to be shaped like a clover.

Legend has it that St. Patrick used the plant to teach people about the Holy Trinity.

The Irish whiskey cocktails and cuisines are served at Jing Bar from 6 pm. They are priced from 128 yuan ($20) per person, plus a 15 percent surcharge, according to the hotel.