Great Leap Brewing

Great Leap Brewing opened in Beijing in late 2010 and is widely credited as the city's first modern craft brewery. Founded by American Carl Setzer and his Chinese wife Liu Fang, Great Leap distinguished itself by using Chinese ingredients — Sichuan pepper, Tieguanyin oolong tea, honey, chrysanthemum — creating a distinctly local flavour identity that Chinese drinkers could connect with. The original No. 6 location at 6 Doujiao Hutong remains the heart of the operation and one of the most charming craft beer settings in Asia. A 100-year-old hutong courtyard house just 200 metres west of the Nanluoguxiang walking street, it is notoriously difficult to find — which only adds to the appeal. The courtyard is dog-friendly and seasonal. No food menu, but staff will help you order delivery from nearby restaurants. Up to 20 house beers rotate across the taps including signatures like Honey Ma Gold (Sichuan pepper honey ale) and Banana Wheat. Pints from RMB 45–55. **Opening Hours** Daily: noon – midnight