China Craft Beer Scene Beijing Shanghai: The Complete 2026 Guide

The first time I truly understood how far China’s beer scene had come was in a tiny taproom in Beijing’s hutong alleys, holding a glass of hazy IPA that smelled like a grapefruit orchard in summer rain. The brewer, a Beijing native who’d learned his craft in Oregon, was explaining to me in a mix of Mandarin and English how he’d sourced the hops from Xinjiang. A group of university students next to me were debating the merits of a local sour ale. I’d been coming to China for years, and this moment felt like a shift. The days of being limited to watery industrial lagers at tourist restaurants are over. The craft beer scene in Beijing and Shanghai has exploded into something genuinely exciting, and it’s one of the most pleasant surprises for any traveler who thinks they’ll be stuck drinking Tsingtao for two weeks.

This guide is the result of seven years of living in Beijing, dozens of trips to Shanghai, and more flights of taster glasses than I can count. I’ve watched taprooms open, close, and evolve. I’ve argued with brewers about hop varieties and sat through entire evenings in venues that felt more like friends’ living rooms than bars. I’m going to give you a specific, opinionated, and practical breakdown of the best places to drink craft beer in both cities, with exact directions, honest prices, and the kind of insider details that make the difference between a good night and a great story.

Quick answer

Beijing and Shanghai both have thriving craft beer scenes with over 50 dedicated taprooms and brewpubs between them. You can expect to pay $6–$9 (CNY 45–65) for a pint of local craft beer, and most venues accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, which you must set up before you arrive. The best time to visit either city for beer is spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) when the weather is pleasant for walking between venues. If you’re visiting under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, you can easily explore both cities’ beer scenes without a full tourist visa.

The Short Version

If you only have 90 seconds: Beijing’s beer scene is more experimental and hutong-based, while Shanghai’s is slicker and more international. In Beijing, don’t miss Jing-A and Great Leap Brewing. In Shanghai, head to Boxing Cat and Liquid Laundry. Download Alipay before you fly, bring a VPN for Google Maps, and be prepared to use a translation app. Most bartenders in craft beer venues speak enough English to get by, but the menu apps are often in Chinese only. Pace yourself, because the beers are stronger than they taste, and the drinking culture is social and late.

How I Picked These

I didn’t pull these venues from a listicle. Every single place here is one I’ve visited personally, most of them multiple times, across different seasons and years. I’ve sat through quiet Tuesday nights and chaotic Saturday crowds. I’ve brought visiting friends from America and Europe, and I’ve watched their reactions. I’ve also talked extensively with brewers, bar owners, and regulars, which is how I know which places are genuinely good and which ones are just well-marketed. I’ve deliberately excluded venues that are overpriced, inconsistent, or that treat foreign visitors like walking wallets. The list reflects a balance of quality, atmosphere, and practicality for someone who doesn’t speak fluent Mandarin.

Comparison Table

Rank	Place	Best For	Approx Cost (USD)	Time Needed	When to Go
1	Jing-A Taproom (Beijing)	Flagship experience, wide range	$6–9 per pint	2–3 hours	Weekday evenings
2	Great Leap Brewing (Beijing)	Classic Beijing craft, hutong vibe	$5–8 per pint	2 hours	Late afternoon to evening
3	Boxing Cat Brewery (Shanghai)	Consistent quality, food pairings	$7–10 per pint	2 hours	Weekend brunch or dinner
4	Liquid Laundry (Shanghai)	Big space, brunch, group outings	$8–12 per pint	2–3 hours	Weekend brunch
5	Slow Boat Brewery (Beijing)	Friendly atmosphere, solid staples	$5–8 per pint	1–2 hours	Any evening
6	Goose Island Brewhouse (Shanghai)	American-style craft, rooftop	$8–11 per pint	2 hours	Sunset, rooftop seating
7	18号酒馆 / No.18 (Shanghai)	Local Chinese craft, hidden gem	$5–7 per pint	1–2 hours	Quiet weeknight
8	Panda Brewpub (Beijing)	Unique Chinese ingredients	$6–9 per pint	1–2 hours	Early evening
9	Stone Brewing Tap Room (Shanghai)	Big international names, food	$9–12 per pint	2 hours	Weekend afternoons
10	Arrow Factory Brewing (Beijing)	Small, local, off the tourist path	$4–7 per pint	1–2 hours	Late afternoon

Jing-A Taproom 鈥?The One That Started It All

I remember my first visit to Jing-A’s original location in a converted factory space near the 798 Art District. The concrete floors, the exposed pipes, the smell of fresh hops. It felt like someone had airlifted a Portland taproom into Beijing and dared it to survive. That was years ago, and Jing-A has only gotten better. They’ve expanded to multiple locations, but the taproom near 798 remains my favorite for the sheer range of what’s on offer.

What makes Jing-A special is their willingness to experiment. They’ve brewed with Sichuan peppercorns, jasmine tea, and even Chinese baijiu barrels. The result is a menu that changes constantly, so every visit feels new. Their core lineup, like the Airpocalypse IPA, is consistently excellent, but the seasonal and one-off brews are where the magic happens. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to let you sample before committing.

📍 Location: 798 Art District area, Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District 🎫 Entry fee: Free (you pay for beer) 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, but check their social media for seasonal changes 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 14 to Jiangtai Station, Exit C, then walk or take a 10-minute taxi ride to the 798 Art District. The taproom is inside the art district, near the main entrance. 📅 When to visit: Weekday evenings are quieter and more relaxed. Weekends get busy with a younger crowd. 💡 Insider tips: Ask about their “secret” barrel-aged beers, which aren’t always on the printed menu. Bring a friend who can read Chinese, because some of the experimental brews have names that don’t translate well. The food menu is solid, especially the burgers. Try the “Airpocalypse” IPA if it’s on tap, it’s a classic for a reason.

I once spent an entire evening here with a brewer from Texas who’d moved to Beijing for love. He told me that the Chinese craft beer scene was “ten years behind America but moving twice as fast,” and watching the crowd that night, I believed him.

Great Leap Brewing 鈥?The Hutong Original

Great Leap Brewing holds a special place in my heart because it was the first craft brewery I visited in Beijing, back when the hutong location was a tiny, almost hidden spot. The original taproom on Doujiao Hutong still has that scrappy, DIY energy, even though they’ve since opened bigger locations. The walls are covered in graffiti and stickers, the furniture is mismatched, and the beer is unpretentious and good.

Their Honey Ma Gold, brewed with Sichuan flower pepper and honey, is the beer that made me realize Chinese craft beer could be its own thing, not just an imitation of Western styles. The staff are friendly and used to foreigners, so you won’t have any trouble ordering in English. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time, chatting with strangers and watching the hutong life go by outside.

📍 Location: Doujiao Hutong, near the Gulou (Drum Tower) area, Dongcheng District 🎫 Entry fee: Free 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, but hours can be irregular on holidays 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station, Exit A, and walk south through the hutongs for about 10 minutes. The taproom is tucked away, so use a map app or follow the smell of hops. 📅 When to visit: Late afternoon on a weekday, when the hutong is quiet and you can grab a seat by the window. 💡 Insider tips: The original location is small, so go early or be prepared to stand. Try the “Honest John” pale ale if you want something easy-drinking. Don’t be afraid to ask for a taster flight, they’re generous with samples. The rooftop seating at their other location is better in summer, but this one has the authentic hutong charm.

I once watched a group of Chinese university students try their first sour beer here. The faces they made were priceless, but by the end of the night, they were ordering another round. That’s the power of a good taproom.

Boxing Cat Brewery 鈥?Shanghai’s Reliable Champion

Boxing Cat was one of the first craft breweries in Shanghai, and it’s still one of the best. The original location on Fuxing West Road has a warm, slightly industrial feel, with brick walls and long communal tables. It’s the kind of place where you can bring a group of friends and everyone will find something they like. The beer list is extensive, covering everything from light lagers to heavy stouts, and the quality is remarkably consistent.

What I appreciate most about Boxing Cat is their commitment to food. The kitchen turns out proper pub grub, and the beer-battered fish and chips is genuinely excellent. It’s a great spot for a relaxed dinner that happens to involve excellent beer. The staff are efficient and speak good English, which makes it an easy choice for first-time visitors to China.

📍 Location: Fuxing West Road, near the Former French Concession, Xuhui District 🎫 Entry fee: Free 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 10 to Shanghai Library Station, Exit 3, and walk about 10 minutes west along Fuxing West Road. The entrance is on the north side of the street. 📅 When to visit: Weekend brunch is popular, but I prefer a weekday dinner when it’s less crowded. 💡 Insider tips: The “Cease Fire” stout is a winter favorite, but their seasonal IPAs are always worth trying. Happy hour, usually 4–7 PM on weekdays, offers decent discounts on select beers. If you’re with a group, book a table in advance, especially on weekends. The outdoor seating is great in autumn.

I brought my parents here during their first trip to China. My dad, a lifelong Budweiser drinker, was skeptical. He left having tried four different beers and asking where he could buy bottles to take home. That’s the Boxing Cat effect.

Liquid Laundry 鈥?Big Space, Big Flavors

Liquid Laundry is what happens when someone takes the craft beer concept and scales it up without losing quality. The space is huge, with high ceilings, exposed brick, and a massive central bar. It’s the kind of place that feels like a warehouse party venue, but with seriously good beer. The name comes from the fact that the building used to house a laundry, and they’ve kept some of the industrial charm.

The beer list is extensive, and they brew a lot of their own stuff alongside guest taps. The food menu is equally ambitious, with wood-fired pizzas and a weekend brunch that draws big crowds. It’s not the most intimate spot, but it’s perfect for groups, celebrations, or when you want a guaranteed good time without any fuss.

📍 Location: 373 Wukang Road, near the Former French Concession, Xuhui District 🎫 Entry fee: Free 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 10 to Shanghai Library Station, Exit 1, and walk about 15 minutes south along Wukang Road. It’s a pleasant walk through some of Shanghai’s nicest streets. 📅 When to visit: Weekend brunch is a scene, but I prefer a Sunday evening when it’s calmer. 💡 Insider tips: The brunch menu includes a bottomless beer option on weekends, which is dangerous and wonderful. Try their “Liquid Lunch” IPA, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The pizzas are excellent, especially the one with spicy salami. If you’re here in summer, the outdoor terrace is the place to be.

I once celebrated a friend’s birthday here, and the staff brought out a dessert with a sparkler in it without us even asking. It’s the kind of place that goes the extra mile.

Slow Boat Brewery 鈥?The Friendly Neighborhood Taproom

Slow Boat Brewery in Beijing feels like the kind of neighborhood bar you wish existed around the corner from your apartment. It’s unpretentious, comfortable, and the beer is consistently good. The original location on Dongsi Wu Tiao is a bit off the main tourist trail, but that’s part of its charm. It’s where locals go when they want a reliable pint without any fuss.

The beer list is solid, with a focus on classic styles done well. Their “Zhaji” IPA is a personal favorite, and the “DunK” dunkel is a great introduction to darker beers. The food menu is simple but satisfying, with burgers and fried chicken that pair perfectly with the beer. The staff are friendly and happy to chat, even if your Mandarin is limited.

📍 Location: Dongsi Wu Tiao, Dongcheng District 🎫 Entry fee: Free 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 5 to Dengshikou Station, Exit B, and walk north for about 10 minutes. The taproom is on a quiet hutong, so keep an eye on your map. 📅 When to visit: Any evening, but Thursday nights have a relaxed, local vibe. 💡 Insider tips: The “DunK” dunkel is a great choice if you’re tired of IPAs. They have board games you can borrow, which is perfect for a lazy afternoon. Happy hour, usually 4–7 PM, offers discounts on select beers. The fried chicken sandwich is dangerously good.

I once came here alone after a long day of meetings and ended up in a two-hour conversation with a retired Chinese engineer who was a regular. He told me about the old Beijing, before the skyscrapers, and we drank Slow Boat’s porter until closing time.

Goose Island Brewhouse 鈥?American Craft, Shanghai Style

Goose Island is an American brand, but their Shanghai brewhouse is something special. Located in the former industrial area of Xuhui, the space is massive, with a rooftop terrace that offers views over the city. It’s a different vibe from the local breweries, more polished and corporate, but the beer quality is excellent and the rooftop is worth the visit alone.

Their Bourbon County Stout, when available, is a rare treat in China, and the regular lineup is solid. The food menu is American-style, with burgers and ribs that are better than most places in the city. It’s a great option if you’re craving a taste of home or if you want to impress someone with a fancy beer experience.

📍 Location: 1/F, 88 West Jianguo Road, Xuhui District 🎫 Entry fee: Free 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 9 to Jiashan Road Station, Exit 2, and walk about 10 minutes east. The brewhouse is in a modern complex, so look for the big Goose Island sign. 📅 When to visit: Sunset on a clear day, when the rooftop views are at their best. 💡 Insider tips: The rooftop is first-come, first-served, so arrive early on weekends. Ask if they have any barrel-aged beers in stock, they’re not always listed. The happy hour deals are decent, but the food is the real draw. Try the smoked wings, they’re excellent.

I watched a thunderstorm roll in over the Shanghai skyline from the rooftop here, beer in hand. It was one of those moments that makes you forget you’re supposed to be working.

18号酒馆 / No.18 鈥?The Hidden Local Gem

No.18, or 18号酒馆 as it’s written in Chinese, is the kind of place you stumble upon and then can’t stop thinking about. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Former French Concession, it’s a small, unassuming bar that focuses on Chinese craft beer. The tap list features breweries from all over China, many of which you won’t find in the bigger, more tourist-friendly venues.

The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, with a few tables and a long bar where you can watch the bartenders work. The staff are passionate about beer and happy to recommend something based on your taste. It’s a great place to try beers from smaller Chinese breweries that don’t have their own taprooms in Shanghai.

📍 Location: 358 Fuxing Middle Road, near the Former French Concession, Huangpu District 🎫 Entry fee: Free 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 10 to Xintiandi Station, Exit 5, and walk about 10 minutes west along Fuxing Middle Road. The bar is easy to miss, so look for the small sign. 📅 When to visit: A quiet weeknight, when you can chat with the staff and get recommendations. 💡 Insider tips: Ask the bartender for a “surprise” pour, they love introducing people to new Chinese breweries. The bar snacks are limited, so eat before you come. If you find a beer you love, ask if they sell bottles to take away. The prices are very reasonable for the quality.

I discovered a fantastic sour ale from a brewery in Chengdu here, and I’ve been trying to find it ever since. The bartender wrote the name down for me in Chinese characters, which I still have in my phone.

Panda Brewpub 鈥?Chinese Ingredients, Beijing Attitude

Panda Brewpub is a Beijing original that embraces Chinese ingredients in a way that feels genuine, not gimmicky. Their beers incorporate things like oolong tea, goji berries, and even Chinese five-spice. The result is a lineup that’s unlike anything you’ll find in the West, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to taste something truly local.

The taproom itself is comfortable and modern, with a friendly, unpretentious vibe. The staff are happy to explain the ingredients in each beer, and they’re used to curious foreigners. It’s a great place to bring someone who thinks they’ve tried everything in the craft beer world.

📍 Location: 4 Gongti West Road, near the Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang District 🎫 Entry fee: Free 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 to Dongsi Shitiao Station, Exit C, and walk south for about 10 minutes. The brewpub is near the Workers’ Stadium, so it’s easy to find. 📅 When to visit: Early evening, before the stadium crowds arrive for events. 💡 Insider tips: Try the “Panda’s Oolong” ale, it’s their signature for a reason. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask about their seasonal experimental brews. The food menu includes some surprisingly good Sichuan-style snacks. This is a great place to bring a group, as the space is large and the staff are accommodating.

I brought a group of skeptical beer snobs here, and the oolong ale converted every single one of them. One of them, a guy who only drinks imperial stouts, ended up buying a bottle to take home.

Stone Brewing Tap Room 鈥?International Heavyweight

Stone Brewing’s Shanghai taproom is a testament to how far the city’s beer scene has come. The American brewery chose Shanghai for its first international location, and the result is a polished, professional space that serves some of the best-known craft beers in the world alongside local collaborations. It’s a different experience from the local breweries, but it’s worth a visit for the sheer quality of the beer.

The food menu is extensive, with a focus on American-style comfort food that pairs well with the hoppy beers. The space is large and modern, with an open kitchen and a long bar. It’s a great option if you’re craving something familiar or if you want to try a beer you’ve heard about but never had the chance to taste.

📍 Location: 888 West Jianguo Road, Xuhui District 🎫 Entry fee: Free 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 9 to Jiashan Road Station, Exit 3, and walk about 5 minutes east. The taproom is in a modern complex, easy to spot. 📅 When to visit: Weekend afternoons, when the atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming. 💡 Insider tips: The “Enjoy By” IPA, when available, is a must-try. The food portions are generous, so share if you’re not starving. Ask about their collaborations with local Chinese breweries, they’re often fascinating. The outdoor seating is great in good weather.

I once had a conversation with a Stone brewer who was visiting from California. He told me that the Shanghai taproom was his favorite of all their locations, because of the energy and the local ingredients they get to experiment with.

Arrow Factory Brewing 鈥?The Off-the-Path Local

Arrow Factory Brewing is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something secret. Tucked away in a quiet hutong in Beijing, it’s a small, unassuming taproom that focuses on simple, well-made beer. No gimmicks, no experimental brews, just solid, honest craft beer at very reasonable prices.

The taproom is tiny, with a few tables and a small bar. It’s the kind of place where you’ll likely end up talking to the person next to you, because there’s nowhere else to look. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the regulars are a mix of locals and expats who’ve found this hidden gem.

📍 Location: 45 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng District 🎫 Entry fee: Free 🕒 Opening hours: Daily, approximately 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM 🚕 How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 to Andingmen Station, Exit B, and walk south through the hutongs for about 15 minutes. It’s a bit of a walk, but it’s worth it. 📅 When to visit: Late afternoon, when the hutong is quiet and you can grab a seat by the window. 💡 Insider tips: The “Arrow Pale Ale” is a classic, and the prices are some of the best in Beijing. Bring cash, as the card machine sometimes doesn’t work. The hutong it’s in is beautiful, so take some time to explore before you leave. This is a great place to meet locals who are genuinely passionate about beer.

I got lost trying to find this place on my first visit, and a grandmother who was hanging laundry in the hutong pointed me in the right direction. She didn’t speak a word of English, but she knew exactly where I was going.

FAQ summary

Beijing and Shanghai both offer excellent craft beer scenes with pints typically costing $6–$9 (CNY 45–65). The best venues are Jing-A and Great Leap in Beijing, and Boxing Cat and Liquid Laundry in Shanghai. Most taprooms are free to enter, open daily from late morning to midnight, and accessible via the metro. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, as most venues are cashless, and consider getting a VPN if you want to use Google Maps or other Western apps. English is spoken at most craft beer venues, but a translation app is helpful for menus and interactions outside the taprooms.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before visiting craft beer bars in China? A: Yes, absolutely. Most craft beer venues in Beijing and Shanghai are cashless, and some don’t accept international credit cards. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you fly, and link your international card to the app. It takes about 10 minutes and will save you a lot of hassle.

Q: Is the tap water safe to drink at craft beer bars in China? A: No, don’t drink the tap water anywhere in China, including at craft beer bars. Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and widely available, or order a non-alcoholic drink. The beer itself is safe, as it’s brewed with treated water, but be cautious with ice in some places.

Q: Do I need a VPN to use Google Maps and other Western apps in China? A: Yes, Google Maps, Gmail, Instagram, and many other Western apps are blocked in China. Download a reliable VPN before you arrive and test it before you fly. Alternatively, use Chinese apps like Baidu Maps or Amap, which work well but are in Chinese.

Q: Can I visit Beijing and Shanghai’s craft beer bars under the visa-free transit policy? A: Yes, if you’re eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, you can visit both cities. The policy allows stays of up to 10 days for citizens of many countries, provided you’re transiting to a third country. Check the latest requirements before you travel, as rules can change.

Q: What’s the typical cost of a pint of craft beer in Beijing and Shanghai? A: Expect to pay $6–$9 (CNY 45–65) for a standard pint of local craft beer. Imported or special barrel-aged beers can cost more, up to $12–$15 (CNY 85–110). Happy hours, usually 4–7 PM on weekdays, often offer discounts of 10–20%.

Q: Is it safe to drink the beer at small, local taprooms in China? A: Yes, it’s safe. China has strict food safety regulations, and craft breweries are held to high standards. The beer is brewed with treated water and undergoes quality control. I’ve been drinking craft beer in China for years without any issues.

Q: Do I need to speak Mandarin to enjoy the craft beer scene in Beijing and Shanghai? A: No, most craft beer venues in both cities have staff who speak at least basic English. Menus are often bilingual, and many bars have English-speaking bartenders. However, learning a few phrases like “pijiu” (beer) and “xiexie” (thank you) will go a long way.

The Honest Wrap-up

This list is for travelers who want to experience China beyond the tourist trail, who believe that a city’s beer scene tells you something about its soul. It’s not for people who want to drink the same IPA they can get at home, or who expect Western-style service and prices. If you come with an open mind and a willingness to try something new, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most interesting and delicious beers you’ve ever had. My final piece of advice: don’t try to do too much in one night. Pick one or two venues, settle in, and let the evening unfold. The best conversations I’ve had in China have all started with a shared pint at a taproom bar.