Bar Pi

Behind the unassuming façade of a retro barber shop in Chengdu’s Jinjiang District lies Bar π — an elegant secret waiting to be revealed. As guests slip into the elevator concealed behind the shop’s back, they are transported into four intimate chambers evoking European train carriages, vintage offices, and mid-century American design. The architecture and interior are by Chinese design studio iZ, and the aesthetic is a mix of reduced scale, compressed ceiling heights, warm woods, moody lighting, and design motifs that echo geometry and the drafting compass. Bar π’s concept fuses the mysterious aura of speakeasies with cerebral symbolism: the name “π” (pi) recurs in drinks and décor, and walls are adorned with compass and geometric references. The menu leans into local creativity: their signature cocktail “π” is said to be crafted from 80 kinds of Chinese herbal materials soaked in three liquors, heated gently, then chilled — an ambitious infusion of tradition and mixology. The drink list is likely dynamic, with thematic nods to mathematics, geometry, and precision. The ambiance is hushed and refined. Loungers, banquette seating, low tables, and soft lighting encourage quiet conversation, while design touches — brass elements, vintage furniture, tapestry and subtle lighting — reinforce the sense of hidden elegance. A VIP room inside offers an even more secluded experience, with its own mini bar. Though small (≈ 135 sqm) across the rooms, every corner feels intentionally crafted to balance privacy and design drama. Operating hours straddle day and night: it opens from the afternoon through evening (e.g. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) before closing briefly, then reopens around 7:00 pm till late (approx. 2:00 am). The bar draws those who appreciate subtlety, sipping under soft jazz or ambient cues, sipping cocktails that demand attention. It’s less about spectacle and more about discovery — finding yourself in a realm of whispering elegance and intellectual allure. In short: Bar π isn’t just a bar — it’s an experience of hidden doors, precision craft, and design poetry in Chengdu’s nightlife scene.