Forget everything you thought you knew about beer in China. While Tsingtao and Yanjing have long been the familiar names associated with Chinese brews, a quiet revolution has been fermenting in the capital’s hutongs and trendy districts. Beijing’s craft beer scene has exploded from a niche interest into a vibrant, essential component of the city's cultural and social tapestry. For the traveler looking to move beyond the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, exploring Beijing’s microbreweries and taprooms offers a uniquely authentic and modern taste of the city. This is your ultimate guide to navigating the sudsy, innovative, and incredibly welcoming world of craft beer in Beijing.
The beauty of Beijing’s craft beer landscape is its staggering diversity. You can find everything from tiny, hidden bars where the owner might be the one pouring your pint, to massive, state-of-the-art production breweries that rival any in the West.
The heart and soul of the scene began in the city’s ancient alleyways, known as hutongs. These establishments are more than just bars; they are community hubs. Often tucked away behind unassuming doors, finding them is an adventure in itself. The atmosphere is typically laid-back, with mismatched furniture, dim lighting, and a strong sense of camaraderie among patrons. This is where you go for conversation, to meet both locals and expats, and to feel the grassroots energy that started it all. Places like Great Leap Brewing’s original #6 location set the standard, brewing beers with Chinese ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns and Yunnan honey, creating a flavor profile that is distinctly local.
As the scene matured, more polished and accessible venues emerged. Located in trendy areas like Sanlitun, Gulou, and Langjia Hutong, these spots often feature a dozen or more taps, showcasing not only their own brews but also guest beers from other Chinese breweries. They attract a diverse crowd of young Beijingers, international visitors, and everyone in between. The design is sleek, the menus are more extensive, and they often host events like quiz nights, live music, and tap takeovers. Jing-A Brewery’s taproom, for instance, is a landmark, known for its creative can art and consistently excellent beers, from their Worker’s Pale Ale to more experimental limited releases.
On the other end of the spectrum are the large-scale production breweries, often located in industrial parks on the city's outskirts. Don’t let the location deter you; these are destinations worth the trip. They offer vast taprooms and impressive facilities, sometimes with full-service restaurants and massive outdoor beer gardens. A visit here is an event. You can take a tour to see the gleaming stainless-steel equipment, understand the brewing process, and then sample a flight of their entire lineup. It’s a testament to how far the scene has come, demonstrating serious commercial ambition and quality.
Ordering a craft beer in Beijing is not just a transaction; it’s a window into modern Chinese culture. It reflects a growing desire for quality, individuality, and creativity among a new generation.
One of the most exciting aspects for any traveling foodie is the use of local ingredients. Chinese brewers are brilliantly incorporating flavors from their culinary heritage. You might find: * Osmanthus Flowers: A fragrant flower used in teas and desserts, lending a delicate, apricot-like aroma to golden ales and lagers. * Longjing Tea: A famous green tea from Hangzhou, often used in IPAs or pale ales to add a refreshing, earthy note that complements hop bitterness. * Sichuan Peppercorns: Not for the faint of heart! These "ma-la" peppercorns provide a unique tingling numbness that can make a stout or sour beer a truly unforgettable experience. * Lychee and Hawthorn: Popular fruits used in wheat beers and sours, adding a sweet and tart complexity that is incredibly refreshing on a hot Beijing summer day.
Trying these beers is like taking a liquid tour of China’s diverse regional cuisines.
In a city of over 21 million people, bars can become a sanctuary for community. The craft beer scene, in particular, is incredibly inclusive. It’s a space where broken English and broken Chinese mix freely, where recommendations are exchanged, and where friendships are forged over a shared appreciation for a well-made brew. For a traveler, striking up a conversation with a fellow beer enthusiast at the bar is one of the easiest ways to get genuine local tips and insights you won’t find in any guidebook.
Most menus in craft beer bars are in both Chinese and English. You’ll typically order by the glass (píjīu - 啤酒) or as a flight (sampler platter). Common styles you’ll see are: * Pale Ale (淡色艾尔) * IPA (印度淡色艾尔) * Stout (世涛) * Wheat Beer (小麦啤酒) * Sour (酸啤酒)
Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for a taste before you commit to a full glass. They are usually passionate and happy to help.
No trip to Beijing is complete without the food, and craft beer is the perfect companion. Ditch the Tsingtao and try these pairings instead: * Peking Duck: The rich, fatty skin and sweet bean sauce cry out for a beer that can cut through the richness. A crisp, German-style Helles lager or a slightly tart Saison works beautifully. * Jiaozi (Dumplings): A malty Amber Ale or a easy-drinking Pilsner complements the savory filling without overpowering it. * Spicy Hot Pot (Huǒguō - 火锅): The intense, numbing spice of Sichuan hot pot is tamed by a low-bitterness, fruity beer. A Hefeweizen or a juicy New England IPA provides a cooling, refreshing contrast. * Chuan’r (Lamb Skewers): The smoky, cumin-spiced street food staple is a perfect match for a robust Porter or a hoppy Pale Ale.
To truly immerse yourself, time your visit with a major event. The Beijing Craft Beer Festival is usually held twice a year (spring and autumn) and is a massive celebration featuring dozens of Chinese and international breweries. It’s a fantastic way to sample a huge variety of beers in one place while enjoying a great party atmosphere.
For those who want a curated experience, several companies offer craft beer tours. These tours take the guesswork out of navigation, provide behind-the-scenes access, and offer guided tastings, making them an excellent option for those short on time or who want deeper context.
From its humble hutong beginnings to its current status as a dynamic and innovative force, Beijing’s craft beer scene is a microcosm of the city itself: deeply respectful of tradition yet fiercely embracing the new. It offers travelers a unique, flavorful, and social pathway to understanding the modern pulse of China’s ancient capital. So, on your next trip, venture beyond the temple and take a pilgrimage to a taproom instead. Your taste buds will thank you.
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Author: Beijing Travel
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