So you’re craving a cold craft beer or a taste of the local bar scene during your China trip? You’re in luck! China’s craft beer revolution is booming, and finding great local bars is easier than you think. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are hotspots. Head straight to known brewing districts: Beijing’s Houhai hutongs or Sanlitun, Shanghai’s Yongkang Road (evolving, but nearby streets buzz) or Found 158, Chengdu’s Lan Kwai Fong (Chengdu) area, Guangzhou’s Panyu Road or Zhu Jiang New Town, and Shenzhen’s Shekou or OCT Loft. Dedicated craft beer bars, taprooms attached to breweries, and local breweries themselves are your best bets for quality brews and lively atmospheres.
Where to Explore Craft Beer Havens in Beijing?
Beijing perfectly blends ancient charm with modern buzz in its bar scene. Start in Sanlitun, especially around the Village and Nali Patio – it’s packed with international-style bars and dedicated craft spots like Great Leap Brewing’s original locations. For something unique, wander the Houhai hutongs; hidden amongst traditional courtyard homes are tiny, atmospheric bars where you can sip local IPAs overlooking the lake. Areas like Gulou (Drum and Bell Towers) and Wudaoying Hutong offer a more eclectic mix – find hole-in-the-wall bars rubbing shoulders with hipster craft beer joints. Don’t miss visiting actual Beijing breweries like Jing-A Taproom for the freshest pours.
What’s Brewing in Shanghai’s Craft Beer Bars?
Shanghai boasts arguably China’s most sophisticated craft beer scene. While the famous Yongkang Road bar street has changed, its spirit lives on in nearby streets like Yongjia Road and Xiangyang Road, brimming with diverse bars. Found 158 near South Shaanxi Road metro is an underground complex dedicated almost entirely to dining, drinking, and dancing, housing several excellent craft beer bars and bustling pubs. Head to the French Concession for chic, often speakeasy-style bars and craft beer specialists tucked away in beautiful lanes. Jing’an district also offers upscale bars and dedicated taprooms. Exploring Shanghai’s beer scene means finding everything from tiny experimental taprooms to large, lively brew pubs.
Can Chengdu Satisfy Your Craft Beer Thirst? (Let’s Compare!)
Famous for spice and pandas, Chengdu also has a laid-back, thriving craft beer culture heavily influenced by its local obsession with leisurely teahouse culture and spicy hotpot. The epicenter is undoubtedly the Lan Kwai Fung (Chengdu) area – a massive complex of bars, clubs, and restaurants where you’ll find numerous spots pouring local and international brews, perfect for a lively night out. For brewery taprooms with a more relaxed vibe, check out the Gaoxin district. Chengdu excels at pairing bold local flavors with craft beer, making it a unique destination.
Here’s a quick comparison of Chengdu’s main bar areas:
| Feature | Lan Kwai Fong (Chengdu) Area | Gaoxin District / Brewery Taprooms |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Loud, Lively, Bustling Nightlife Hub | More Relaxed, Focused on the Beer |
| Best For | Big Groups, Partying, Diverse Bar Options | Casual Drinks, Trying Specific Breweries |
| Craft Beer Focus | Mix of Craft Beer Bars & Mainstream Clubs | Primarily Dedicated Craft Taprooms |
| Food Pairing | Wide Variety, Often Spicy Sichuan Pub Grub | Simpler Pub Food, Focus on Beer Match |
| Vibe | Energetic, International Crowd, Late Nights | Local, Conversational, Beer-Centric |
How Do You Order & Enjoy Beer Like a Local?
Ordering and enjoying beer across China is generally straightforward. While Mandarin helps, most craft beer bars in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and other big cities have English menus or staff who speak some English. The key phrase is “Píjiǔ” (beer). When you see the taps or fridges, just point! Craft beer bars often let you sample small pours before committing to a full glass. Common serving sizes are pints or half-pints. Unlike traditional Chinese liquor (baijiu) shots, beer is sipped casually, often alongside food. Don’t be alarmed if you’re offered warm glasses; it’s a custom for some lagers, but craft spots almost always serve cold. Tipping isn’t expected. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the social vibe – clinking glasses and saying “Gānbēi!” (Cheers!) is always appreciated!
Beyond Beer: What Makes Chinese Bars Unique?
While finding great craft beer is our focus, diving into the broader local bar culture is a must. China offers an incredible range beyond just beer pubs:
- “Hotpot Bars” / Chuan Chuan Xiang Spots: Especially popular in Chengdu and Chongqing, these are essentially bars built around ordering skewers of meat and veggies to cook in communal bubbling broth pots – beer flows freely here!
- Live Music Venues: Many bars, particularly in Beijing’s Gulou area or Shanghai’s Found 158, host live bands ranging from rock and jazz to traditional Chinese music.
- Karaoke (KTV) Lounges: While private rooms dominate, some bars have smaller public KTV areas – be prepared for enthusiastic amateur performances!
- Street-side Plastic Stool Bars: As night falls, especially in warmer months, you’ll find incredibly simple, cheap bars pop up on sidewalks – just plastic stools, coolers full of beer, and basic snacks. It’s a super local experience in cities like Guangzhou and Chengdu.
- Themed Bars: From speakeasies hidden behind bookcases in Shanghai to bars built into ancient towers in Beijing, creativity abounds. Keep an eye out!
So, grab your map (or mobile app!), embrace the adventure, and get ready to discover China’s dynamic and delicious craft beer and local bar scenes. From chic Shanghai taprooms to buzzing Chengdu beer halls and hidden Beijing hutongs, your perfect pint awaits! Cheers!
