Beijing is a city where history, culture, and cuisine collide in the most flavorful ways. Its legendary hutongs—those narrow alleyways filled with local eateries and tiny breweries—make it an ideal place for drinking tours that go beyond the usual pub crawl. Whether you want to sip craft beers in historic courtyard houses, enjoy imperial-style dinners in Qing dynasty palaces, or discover hidden street food stalls, Beijing offers a vibrant mix of experiences. One of our favorites is the Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants. It combines local bites with craft beers in a small-group setting, revealing the city’s culinary soul.
We love how these tours focus on authenticity and local flavor, offering not just drinks but stories and sights you’d miss on your own. From private dinners in ancient palaces to lively pub visits in bustling backstreets, Beijing’s drinking scene is both diverse and deeply rooted in tradition.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of drinking tours in Beijing, each with a unique angle. Some focus on hidden hutong eateries and craft beers, like the Authentic Old Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Private Tour, which takes you through 1000-year-old alleys with up to six food stops. Others, such as the Beijing Imperial Dining Experience at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant, offer a taste of imperial China with a dinner in a Qing-era palace coupled with local performances. For those who prefer a lively pub crawl, the Small-Group Night Walking Tour: Beijing Hutong Discovery Plus Great Leap Brewing Pub Visit combines history with craft beer in illuminated hutongs. Whatever your style, these tours promise authentic flavors and memorable stories.
1. Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants
At number 1, this 5-star tour offers a lively 3.5-hour exploration of Beijing’s iconic hutong alleyways. Your guide takes you on a walk through 1.5 miles of historic streets, visiting tucked-away family restaurants and homes that are usually invisible to travelers. This tour includes food stops for hotpot, noodles, beef buns, and spring pancakes, paired with unlimited beers and a visit to a local brewery. The small group size (12 or fewer) ensures an intimate experience, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves without feeling overwhelmed.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic local eateries and hidden spots—places you’d never find on your own. The hotpot in traditional copper pots offers a flavorful taste of Beijing’s signature cuisine, while the spring pancakes, made fresh and eaten like burritos, symbolize family reunion and spring festivities. The guide, who is knowledgeable and friendly, shares stories about the hutongs’ history, making it as informative as it is tasty. Guests consistently praise the tour as “a fun, lively, and delicious way to experience Beijing beyond the tourist spots.” The price of $75 offers solid value given the variety of food and drinks plus the exclusive access to local places.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and those wanting a relaxed, intimate taste of Beijing’s local nightlife and cuisine.
2. Beijing: Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings
At number 2, this tour offers a 3.5-hour walk through Beijing’s oldest neighborhood, focusing on local, family-run eateries that most travelers miss. For around $75, you’ll sample Beijing’s mutton hotpot, hidden noodle shops, and a special Muslim dish once favored by Cixi, the Qing Empress. The highlight is the chance to taste spring pancakes enjoyed during Chinese New Year, paired with local craft beers. Guided by insightful local experts, this experience combines delicious food with stories that deepen your understanding of the city’s culture.
Guests rave about guide Winnie, who provides a wealth of knowledge about Beijing’s cuisine, society, and history. The tour balances food, culture, and local life, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. The small group size encourages questions and interaction, creating a lively, personal atmosphere. Reviews mention that this is a great way to “discover Beijing’s best hidden food spots” and get a “taste of local life.”
Bottom Line: For those wanting a cultural culinary experience that’s rich in history and flavor, this tour packs a punch with tasty bites and excellent storytelling.
3. Authentic Old Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Private Tour
Number 3 on our list is a private 4-hour tour designed for those seeking a highly personalized experience. It includes visits to up to six food stops in 1,000-year-old hutongs, from Mongolian hotpot to BBQ, paired with local beers and sodas. The focus on private guiding means you’ll enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace, with insider stories about each location.
This tour’s main selling point is the variety of food and the private setting, perfect for couples, families, or small groups wanting a more tailored experience. The guide shares legendary tales of the hutongs, making the stroll both educational and flavorful. Guests say the guide’s knowledgeable nature and the authentic food make it a “must-do” for serious foodies looking to go beyond the typical tourist fare.
While at $80, it’s slightly pricier than group tours, the private nature and personalized service justify the expense. Expect intimate food stops that reveal the true taste of old Beijing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a flexible, private, and deeply immersive food and drink experience in historic hutongs.
4. Beijing Imperial Dining Experience at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant with Houhai Lake Bar Tour
Number 4 is a luxury 4-hour evening experience costing around $268 per person. It combines a dinner in a Qing-era palace, live Chinese opera cameos, and a sightseeing drive around Beijing’s top landmarks, including the Bird’s Nest. The dinner, served at the Bai Jia Da Yuan restaurant—originally a royal palace—features imperial dishes served in traditional style, complete with guides dressed in historic costumes.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on imperial China, blending history, architecture, and cuisine. The performance of Chinese opera adds cultural depth, and the driving tour offers scenic views of Beijing’s illuminated landmarks. The experience is designed for travelers who want a special night out in style, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Guests describe it as “a night to remember,” with some noting the exquisite setting and authentic dishes. The luxurious feel comes at a higher price, but the combination of dinner, culture, and sightseeing offers good value for a memorable evening.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers after an elegant, immersive evening that combines history, food, and entertainment.
5. Beijing Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Private Tour
Number 5 provides a private 3-hour tour focused on Beijing’s lively nightlife. It features visits to local eateries and breweries within hutong neighborhoods, all led by an English-speaking guide. The tour emphasizes cultural discovery and culinary exploration, with stops for local dishes and a visit to a local brewery.
This experience is ideal for those wanting a more relaxed yet lively introduction to Beijing’s night scene. The small group (max six) fosters a cozy atmosphere, making it easy to ask questions and learn about local food and beer culture.
Guests comment on the friendly guide and the opportunity to enjoy authentic local flavors alongside insider stories. The tour’s price of $75 for a small-group experience strikes a good balance for those seeking intimacy and depth.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for travelers eager to combine local food, beer, and cultural insights in a relaxed setting.
6. Beijing Nightlife with a Local Friend Bars Social and Culture
Number 6 is a more casual 3-hour night experience for $69.80, perfect if you want to meet locals and explore Beijing’s bar scene. Guided by a friendly local, you’ll start in a herbal-mixed cocktail bar, then visit a divination bar where a fortune-teller blesses your drink.
The highlight is the chance to socialize with locals and learn about Chinese herbal remedies and divination culture. The tour emphasizes authentic, offbeat venues that most travelers overlook. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers eager for a mix of drinks, stories, and local customs.
Guests praise the warm, friendly guide and the experience of living like a local for the night. It’s a short, fun way to finish a day in Beijing, especially if you’re interested in the city’s quirky side.
Bottom Line: A great choice for curious travelers who want a relaxed, social experience with authentic drinks and local stories.
7. Beijing Private Evening Food Tour with Great Leaping Brewery Taproom Hopping
Number 7 offers a 4-hour private tour for about $108. It combines culinary delights with brewery visits around Yandaixie Street, Gulou, and Nanluoguxiang. Starting at Shichahai, the guide takes you through street food and local specialties, including pancakes, noodle dishes, and Dalian baked buns.
What makes this tour intriguing is its focus on both traditional and western-style breweries, like the Great Leaping Brewery. The mix of food and craft beer provides a well-rounded evening for those interested in both culinary and brewing scenes. Guests note the rich commentary on Beijing’s culinary habits and the local beer culture.
While priced slightly higher, it offers a personalized experience with flexible stops and an insider’s view of Beijing’s modern food and drink culture.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a private, comprehensive look at Beijing’s street food and craft beer scenes in one evening.
$108.00 per person
8. Craft Beer & Street Food Tour in Old Beijing Hutongs
At number 8, this tour emphasizes 3 hours of craft beer and street food, focusing on hidden breweries and local snacks. Although it has just one review, the 4 x 4 craft breweries plus street foods make it a great pick for beer lovers wanting to explore Beijing’s innovative brewing scene in historic neighborhoods.
The tour promises visits to four breweries and sampling local street foods, creating a lively, flavorful experience. The guide’s curated selections aim to introduce travelers to Beijing’s modern brewing culture, paired with authentic Chinese bites.
While still relatively new, this tour is perfect for beer enthusiasts interested in craft brewing and local street cuisine, providing a different side of Beijing’s nightlife.
Bottom Line: Recommended for craft beer fans seeking a lively, small-group experience in historic hutongs.
$122.00 per person
9. Small-Group Night Walking Tour: Beijing Hutong Discovery Plus Great Leap Brewing Pub Visit
Number 9 is a 3-hour evening tour that combines a walk through Nanluoguxiang with a pub visit at Great Leap Brewing. Starting at Nanluoguxiang Station, you’ll explore illuminated courtyard houses, shops, and food stalls, then enjoy a craft beer at Beijing’s first microbrewery.
It’s ideal for travelers looking for a casual, social experience with a focus on local hutong life and craft beer. The guide shares stories about past and present hutong life, making it both educational and fun. Reviewers note the guide’s friendly demeanor and the chance to try local food along the way.
Priced at $89, it’s a good value for a small-group experience emphasizing local culture and beer.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a relaxed evening with a mix of history, local flavor, and craft brews.
$89.00 per person
10. Beijing Shichahai Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Tour
Finally, number 10 combines dinner and beer over a 3-hour walk through Gulou and Shichahai area. It features hot pot, a restaurant run by Mao’s former chef, and street food with interesting stories. The tour ends with a visit to local pubs near Wanning Bridge and Houhai Lake.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive evening of food, drinks, and local lore. The itinerary includes historic bridges, local street food, and craft beer, making it a well-rounded experience. Reviewers mention it as “a fun, cultural, and delicious tour,” especially for those interested in Beijing’s culinary traditions.
Bottom Line: Suitable for food and beer lovers wanting an immersive, story-rich night around historic landmarks.
$89.00 per person
How to Choose Your Drinking Tour in Beijing
When selecting a drinking tour in Beijing, consider your priorities. Want a private experience? The Authentic Old Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Private Tour offers tailored stops and fewer crowds. Looking for luxury and entertainment? The Bai Jia Da Yuan imperial dinner combines history, performances, and scenic drives. If you’re eager to explore local artisan brews and street snacks, the Craft Beer & Street Food Tour is a lively choice.
Budget-minded travelers might prefer the Yhutong food and beer walk or the Nightlife with a Local Friend Bars. For those craving storytelling and scenic views, the Shichahai Hutong Dinner and Beer Tour offers a relaxed, cultural experience.
Final Thoughts
Beijing’s drinking scene seamlessly blends historic charm with modern craft brewing and authentic cuisine. Whether you prefer a private tasting, a lively pub crawl, or a luxurious imperial dinner, options abound. Two standout choices are the Hutong Food and Beer Tour for its intimate setting and local authenticity, and the Imperial Dining Experience for a taste of imperial grandeur.
If you’re planning your visit, consider booking early—these tours fill up fast, especially in peak season. Pick a tour that suits your interests, whether it’s craft beers, historical sights, or local street food, and get ready for a night of unforgettable Beijing flavors.