Beijing’s Narrow Streets and Breweries

Description

From our meeting point, we will take you on a 10-minute stroll through the old town with its narrow alleys and hutongs (or traditional houses). In a city full of impressive skyscrapers and big industry, it is refreshing to get lost amongst these narrow alleyways – a link to the city’s fascinating past.

Our first stop is tricky to find by yourself, so pat yourself on the back for booking a tour with a local guide! Follow us down a winding alleyway towards an unmarked door. Lying beyond the door is mecca for beer enthusiasts all over China. One of the first microbreweries to open in the city, this trendy converted warehouse offers 20 different brews for your delectation. A great way to kick start our evening!

Our next two stops are very close together but are worlds apart in terms of offer and design. The first is a chic affair, very modern industrial, with concrete floors, massive fermentation tanks and a delightful roof terrace. Down the road is a charming hole in the wall (one of the smallest breweries in town) that just so happens to be producing some of the best craft beer in China.

Next up we will try some local street food. Chuan’r is the most popular street snack amongst Beijingers; it’s a marinated skewer of meat, traditionally lamb but now can be anything (including veggie). This delicious snack is typically spiced with a combination of cumin, sesame, and pepper flakes and then cooked on make-shift grills on the side of the street.

Our final stop will be Beijing’s favorite taproom. The pub boasts a constantly changing and expanding selection of custom-made brews, offering a wide range of flavors. One of our favorites is made with local honey and infused with Sichuan peppercorn.

Once the tour is over you are welcome to stay for another drink (or two!). Have a chat with your fellow tour-goers to find out their top tips for visiting Beijing. Or ask your in-the-know local guide for more advice on how to get the best out of this remarkable city.