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Pub Crawls in Beijing

If you're planning to hit Beijing's nightlife, pub crawls are an easy way to meet people and sample some local staples without endless searching. A lot of crawls start around Gulou or Sanlitun. These areas pack the best bars within walking distance, from divey backstreet spots to lively craft beer pubs.

Most gatherings kick off late afternoon or early evening so you actually have time to enjoy the city before the drinks flow. Don’t just stick to the crowd’s picks, though,pop into small kegs bars like Jing-A or slow down at some craft cocktail lounges hidden in Hutongs around Dongcheng. And a tip: many crawls include a shot of Baijiu,Beijing’s notorious local firewater,brace yourself.

Crawls vary by season but spring and fall are ideal. Beijing’s summers can scorch, making bar-hopping less fun, and winters? Well, you’ll want to find somewhere with good heating. If you’re curious about the local drinking culture beyond touristy buckets of beer, a crawl can be a great intro. Just pace yourself and enjoy soaking up the local chatter and weird little details you wouldn’t notice alone.
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Tips from a local on pub crawling

If you’re heading out for a pub crawl in Beijing, here’s a little advice I’ve picked up over the years. Start early and choose a crawl that moves at a relaxed pace,some try to shove too many bars in a couple hours and that’s just exhausting. Also, when you’re in bars around Gulou, don’t miss out on trying some craft brews from Beijing-based breweries like Great Leap or Jing-A. They get overlooked but are really worth a try if you want something local that's not just mainstream lager.

One last thing: bring cash even though a lot of places take WeChat Pay or Alipay because sometimes the system glitches and it’s a hassle to sort out later. Trust me, it’s saved me more than once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about pub crawls in Beijing.

Absolutely. I’ve done plenty solo and the groups tend to be friendly and welcoming, especially in areas like Sanlitun or Gulou. Just keep an eye on your stuff and don’t wander off on your own late at night.

It depends. Some popular crawls, especially on weekends, fill up fast so it’s better to book ahead. But if you’re flexible and dropping by bars in the off-season, you can often join last minute.

Most crawls cost between 100-200 RMB and usually cover entry to a few bars and some drink deals. Keep cash handy though, some bars might only accept WeChat or Alipay.

It really varies. Sanlitun attracts a lot of expats and tourists, while Gulou and Dongcheng bars have a more local, mixed crowd if you explore a bit off the main streets.

Casual is fine but avoid flip-flops or gym clothes. Beijing bars aren’t super fancy but you’ll fit in better with neat sneakers, jeans, and layers since the weather can change.

Yep, many crawls include a shot or two of Baijiu,it’s a strong local spirit that’ll hit you hard if you’re not used to it. Don’t feel pressured to take it if you don’t want to.

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