Wine & Beer Experiences in Beijing

Beijing’s beer and wine scene might surprise you. It’s not just about Tsingtao and baijiu here,there’s a growing number of craft breweries and boutique wine bars that locals actually swear by. If you wander over to Sanlitun or the hutongs around Gulou, you’ll find spots like Great Leap Brewing, which started as a tiny operation and now draws beer geeks from all over with their hazy IPAs and experimental batches.

And if you’re into wine, the expat-favored atmosphere of places like the 1919 Wine Bar on Dongzhimen Inner Street is worth checking out. They have a crazy good wine selection, including some lesser-known Chinese vineyards that you won’t find elsewhere. Try to visit during the warmer months and sit outside to soak in the mix of old Beijing feel with modern flavors.

One quick heads up: Beijing’s liquor laws can be a bit confusing and strict,happy hours often end early and some places might insist on IDs or residency cards. Keep cash on you too, because smaller breweries sometimes skip the fancy payment apps. If you’re into pairing, some bars offer delicious snacks alongside the drinks, like cold tofu or spicy peanuts, which really bring out the flavors. Drinking culture here blends Chinese tradition with new world trends, making your experience something a little different every time.