Beijing

Beijing's craft beer scene is one of China's most distinctive, shaped by the city's ancient hutong lane network as much as by its modern bar districts. While Sanlitun offers the most accessible concentration of craft venues in a familiar international-bar-strip format, the real character of Beijing's scene lives in the hutongs — the ancient courtyard alleyways of neighbourhoods like Gulou, Nanluoguxiang and Beixinqiao, where brewpubs and taprooms occupy converted courtyard houses and serve some of Beijing's most interesting locally brewed beers to an eclectic mix of locals and visitors.

Great Leap Brewing, one of China's original craft pioneers, has multiple Beijing locations and remains a must-visit. Slow Boat Brewing, Arrow Factory and Panda Brew have all built strong followings in the years since, and Beijing's craft scene has developed a confident identity distinct from Shanghai's more cosmopolitan offering. Wudaokou serves the student and younger expat market, while Sanlitun covers everyone else. The hutongs are where the most rewarding craft beer exploration happens. Use this directory to find the best craft beer bars, taprooms and brewpubs in Beijing.