Snack and sip goodbye to summer

Restaurants and cafes across China are marking the end of summer with various refreshing drinks and elegant afternoon tea sets that capture the essence of the late season. From Beijing to Shenzhen in Guangdong province, these new offerings highlight the upcoming autumn's vibrant flavors while offering a stylish seasonal transition.

Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen is introducing an artful twist to its afternoon tea experience by launching the "Symbiosis of Art" themed tea service at its LIAN Lounge. Inspired by artist Wang Yuyang's acclaimed The Moon series, pastry chefs are crafting a selection of exquisite desserts that bring these artistic visions to life.

The pear chocolate tart resembles an elegant crescent moon, with Valrhona chocolate blending seamlessly with pear jelly for a delicate and smooth taste. Vanilla rice pudding transforms the rich colors of The Moon into art through intricate chocolate details mimicking a canvas.

Japanese cuisine restaurant ITO in Beijing is launching new drinks inspired by pears to celebrate autumn. The pear is transformed into a sophisticated drink by juicing it and blending it with gin, osmanthus syrup and lemon juice, then shaking it with pasteurized egg white. The result is a rich, refreshing flavor accented by a sprinkle of golden osmanthus blossoms, adding a touch of elegance.

Roof Cafe in Beijing recently unveiled its autumn-inspired beverage collection. One highlight is the Peach Yeah Yeah, which combines peach jam with coconut water, ice cubes and sparkling soda water. This drink captures the essence of peach, offering a refreshing experience, and bringing a sense of tranquillity.

The Peninsula Beijing's lobby serves a curated selection of "Naturally Peninsula" themed drinks and desserts, reflecting the seasonal change with a touch of nature. Drawing inspiration from honey harvested from the forested peaks of Shaanxi's national nature reserve, the hotel's culinary team has designed a range of creations, including passion fruit honey cake and a series of inventive beverages.

A standout is the "Passion" drink, which combines fresh passion fruit and pineapple juices with honey, enhanced by a hint of dry ginger water. This drink offers a refreshing and distinctive flavor profile, capturing the essence of autumn in every sip.