Beijing’s craft beer scene has exploded in the last decade. What started as a few expats brewing in their basements is now a full-blown culture with taprooms everywhere around the city. πΊπ
Here are 5 breweries worth seeking out:
1. Peiping Machine (εεΉ³ζΊε¨) β The Cool Kid of Hutong Brewing
Neighborhood: Lama Temple/Andingmen
Established: 2016
Peiping Machine opened its first taproom in Fangjia Hutong, inside what used to be Beijing’s biggest tool factory before 1949. The location alone is worth the trip.
What makes them special: They actually use local ingredients. Their best-selling beer, Dragon Well Spring Tea Wheat, contains Longjing tea β expensive, delicate, and distinctly Chinese.
The food is different too. Most taprooms pair beer with pizza or burgers. Peiping Machine puts Peking duck in their jianbing. They’ve also been running a jianbing festival for years.
Overtone is originally from Glasgow, Scotland, founded in 2018 by a Chinese entrepreneur. They made a name for themselves in the UK as one of the top 10 breweries in the “new wave” of British craft beer, specializing in NEIPAs. Their first China taproom opened in Beijing’s Dongsi area in January 2024.
What makes them special: 16 craft brews on tap, with new seasonal beers rotating regularly. Their Beijing-themed Central Axis Hazy West Coast IPA mixes three hops to blend juicy haze with crisp West Coast character. The food is solid too β they grabbed the #13 spot once in Beijing’s Juicy Burger Cup. They also have a beach-vice rooftop!
3. Jing A (δΊ¬A) β The Pioneer with Beijing Attitude
Neighborhood: CBD/Dongsi
Established: 2012
Jing A was founded by two old friends, Kris and Alex, who decided Beijing needed better beer.
What makes them special: Jing A is obsessed with hunting down unexpected flavors β twists on classic styles, collaborations with breweries around the world, and a “damn proud” attitude.
4. Wild Kite (ιι£η) β The Aussie-Style Upstart
Neighborhood: Andingmen
Established: 2021
Wild Kite opened in 2021 in Huayuan Hutong, bringing modern Australian brewing philosophy to Beijing.
What makes them special: Wild Kite actually brews in two countries. They’ve brewed in Australia to take advantage of local hops and malt, and they also have a domestic brewing line in China.
5. Great Leap Brewing (倧θ·ε€ι ) β The Original
Neighborhood: Shichahai/Sanlitun
Established: 2010
Great Leap is the one that started it all β the first craft beer brand in Beijing. Founded by Carl Setzer and Liu Fang, Great Leap opened its doors in 2010 and changed the game.
What makes them special: Their approach has always been about pairing beer with Chinese cuisine. They source ingredients locally and internationally, incorporating Chinese teas, spices, honeys, fruits, and vegetables into their beers.
Want to sip craft beer and eat your way through Beijing’s hutongs? We combine street food discoverywith a brewery route π
For wine lovers, we also offer a street food & wine pairing experience β think local bites with carefully selected wines. π·
FAQ:
1οΈβ£ Do these Beijing breweries have English-speaking staff? Yes, both English-speaking staff and English menu.
2οΈβ£ Can I pay with a foreign credit card at these Beijing breweries? Most prefer Alipay or WeChat Pay (link your foreign card before you go). Credit cards are rarely accepted directly. Cash is fine at all five.
3οΈβ£ Can I buy cans or bottles to take home from these Beijing breweries? Yes. Peiping Machine, Jing A, and Great Leap all sell canned beers for takeaway. Overtone and Wild Kite focus more on draft sales in their taprooms, but may offer growlers β ask the staff.
4οΈβ£ What is the price range for a pint at these Beijing craft breweries? Most craft beers cost between 40 and 70 RMB per pint.Β
5οΈβ£ Are these Beijing breweries family-friendly?
Yes. Most Beijing breweries are family-friendly during daytime and early evening hours.
β¨You’re reading a blog from Our Beijing β¨ We design authentic adventures for travelers who want to dive deeper — cycling through hutongs, tasting Beijing’s favorite snacks, and hiking the wild, unrestored Great Wall.
