Beijing is a city that balances the ancient and the modern in a way few other places can match. Its beer scene is no exception, blending traditional flavors with innovative craft brewing. If you’re into local brews and lively street food, the city offers some great options. We especially like the Beijing Private Evening Food Tour with Great Leaping Brewery Taproom Hopping because it combines local culinary delights with a visit to one of Beijing’s leading craft breweries. That mix of traditional and contemporary makes for a really memorable night out. Plus, the tour’s insider perspective helps you understand how Beijing’s evolving beer culture fits into its historic neighborhoods.
For those wanting a taste of old Beijing’s street life along with some craft beer, the city’s brewery tours are a perfect match. Whether you prefer a private evening outing or a small-group walk through lantern-lit hutongs, these tours offer authentic experiences that go beyond just tasting beer—they reveal the city’s soul.
Quick Overview
This list covers three top-rated brewery and food tours in Beijing, each with its own angle:
– A private evening tour combining local bites and a western-style brewery here
– A night food tour with brewery hop through Beijing’s bustling alleyways here
– A small-group night walk exploring hutongs and enjoying a craft beer at Great Leap Brewing here
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail, uncovering what makes them stand out.
1. Beijing Private Evening Food Tour with Great Leaping Brewery Taproom Hopping
At number one, this private 4-hour tour combines Beijing’s nightlife, traditional food, and a visit to a Western-style brewery. It starts in the Houhai lake area, a lively part of town at night, which makes for a scenic walk as the city lights reflect off the water. The tour is tailored to your interests, with your guide sharing local stories and culinary insights. You’ll explore historic streets like Shichahai, Yandaixie Street, Gulou East Street, and Nanluoguxiang—each packed with food stalls, shops, and local character.
What makes this tour truly stand out is the combination of traditional Beijing snacks—like noodles, pancakes, and ‘Tea Soup’—with a visit to Great Leaping Brewery, Beijing’s first microbrewery that offers a taste of modern craft beer. The guide’s expertise ensures you get not only delicious bites but also a sense of how Beijing’s nightlife and food scene have evolved. The price of $108 per person reflects the private, customized experience, making it ideal for couples or small groups who want a comprehensive, insider look at the city after dark.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a flexible, private experience that blends history, street food, and craft beer into one evening. It’s especially suited for travelers who love to explore at a relaxed pace and enjoy engaging guides.
$108.00 per person
2. Beijing Private Night Food Tour with Jing A Brewpub Hopping
Ranking second, this 4-hour private tour focuses on Beijing’s old street food scene plus a visit to the popular Jing A craft brewery here. Starting around 6 PM, your guide will meet you at your hotel and whisk you to Gui Jie, a bustling night-food street famous for its crowds and variety of eateries. Here, you’ll sample over ten types of local snacks—BBQ skewers, pancakes, spicy crayfish (optional), and more—paired with cold local beer, soda, or spirits.
After soaking in the lively street scene, the tour transitions to Sanlitun Bar Street for a more modern craft beer experience at Jing A’s taproom. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and quality brews, Jing A is a favorite among locals and expats alike. The $100 price makes this tour good value, especially considering the mix of street eats and a visit to a top-tier microbrewery. Guests have praised the lively ambiance and variety of flavors, with many noting how the guide’s local tips brought the experience to life.
Bottom line: Ideal for food lovers who want to experience both Beijing’s street food and its burgeoning craft beer scene, this tour is a great mix of old and new.
$100.00 per person
3. Small-Group Night Walking Tour: Beijing Hutong Discovery Plus Great Leap Brewing Pub Visit
This 3-hour tour offers an intimate look into Beijing’s historic hutongs, finishing with a visit to Great Leap Brewing. It’s perfect for travelers who love walking through narrow alleyways and want to learn about local life. Starting at Nanluoguxiang, one of the most famous hutongs, your guide will introduce you to courtyard houses, old shops, and food stalls—illuminated beautifully at night. Along the way, you’ll try at least eight different local street foods, including a Beijing pancake (Jian Bing) and Muslim kebabs.
The highlight is the visit to Great Leap Brewing’s pub, run by Beijing’s first microbrewery, where you can savor a craft beer while soaking in the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere. The tour’s small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace. At $89 per person, it offers excellent value, especially for those interested in historic neighborhoods paired with beer.
Guests comment on how the mix of culture, food, and local beer makes for a memorable evening—perfect if you prefer walking and exploring rather than a large tour bus.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers eager to combine hutong culture with a casual beer experience, ideal for those looking for an authentic, relaxed night out.
$89.00 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a private, customizable experience that includes both street food and a brewery visit, go for the Beijing Private Evening Food Tour with Great Leaping Brewery. If you prefer a lively street-food crawl paired with a craft brewery, the Jing A Brewpub Hopping offers great value. For a more cultural, walk-focused evening with a cozy brewery visit, the Small-Group Hutong Tour is ideal.
Book early, especially during peak travel seasons, as these tours are popular due to their quality and local insights. Think about what kind of experience excites you most—whether it’s the private culinary adventure, street food and brewery combo, or a relaxed hutong walk—and choose accordingly.
In summary, Beijing’s brewery scene offers more than just beer; it’s a gateway into the city’s past, present, and perfect streets. Whether you opt for a private night of gourmet bites and craft brews or prefer a small-group stroll through famous hutongs, these tours provide a genuine taste of Beijing’s diverse flavors. For beer lovers and curious explorers alike, these experiences are worth planning ahead for—so pick your adventure and enjoy a truly local night out.