Exploring Beijing’s historic hutongs is like diving into a lively time capsule, and tucked away in these alleys are some of the coolest (and hidden) bars in the city. Each spot offers creative Beijing-inspired cocktails that add a local twist to your night out. Whether you’re after a vibrant scene or a chill corner, these hidden gems promise great drinks and even better vibes.
Libertango, hidden in Fangjia Hutong, brings a delightful retro vibe with its dark green decor that feels like stepping into an 80s disco. The bar is renowned for its cocktails, each creatively named after indie films, adding a cinematic twist to your drinking experience. Don’t miss the lovely rooftop; it’s a great spot for a mid-week chill, especially on Wednesdays when they screen films. Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for a cool place to hang out, Libertango’s got the perfect mix of drinks, decor, and atmosphere.
Bar Name: Libertango
Address: Fangjia Hutong Branch: No.12, Fangjiahutong. It’s a 10-minute walk from Beixinqiao subway station on line 5, exit A.
What to Put in Your Taxi App: Libertango (方家胡同店)
Opening Hours:
18:00-1:00 Mon-Thu
18:00-2:00 Fri-Sun
What to Order:
My Name Is Red 我的名字叫红
Suzhou River 苏州河
What We Love: Try the Suzhou River cocktail – a sweet and sour blend of gin, jasmine, and orange, inspired by the owner’s Suzhou roots!
TBU Map: Google Map (VPN Required in China) or Chinese Map
Step into Modernista, the ultimate retro European escape in Baochao Hutong! This decade-old gem charms with its vintage décor, black-and-white ballroom floor, and a stage that whisks you back to early 20th-century Europe. As night falls, Beijing’s artsy crowd gathers for themed music performances and eclectic art shows. Picture this: you and your friends savoring Spanish delights like marinated olives and a mouth-watering toast platter, all while sipping on iconic cocktails like the strong and intense Modernista or the tropical Save the Elephants. Live music usually starts at 9:30 pm, so come early and grab a seat at the bar.
Bar Name: Modernista
Address: No. 44, Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng, Beijing
What to Put in Your Taxi App: 宝钞胡同44号
Opening Hours: 18:00-2:00 AM, Tue-Sun
What to Order:
What We Love: Sipping on the tropical Save the Elephants cocktail while soaking in the vintage European ambiance.
Map: Google Map (VPN Required in China) or Chinese Map
Great Leap Brewing, self-proclaimed as Beijing’s first brewery, opened its doors in late 2010 and quickly became a favorite. Founded by an American brewmaster and his Chinese wife (just like our own founders!), this husband-and-wife duo has created something special. Though brewing has moved offsite, their original shop remains a nostalgic gem, where it all began in what was once a residential area.
The name Great Leap comes from a famous Song Dynasty poem, urging the young and bold to take leaps in life because they can bounce back and keep going. This perfectly captures the spirit of the founders, who left prestigious jobs to pursue their passion for craft beer—a rarity in China.
Don’t miss their happy hour from 16:00-19:00, where you can enjoy labeled beers with a fantastic buy-one-get-two deal. Today, their dedication and unique story continues to inspire, making Great Leap Brewing a must-visit for anyone in Beijing.
Bar Name: 大跃啤酒 Great Leap Brewing
Address: 大跃啤酒 Great Leap Brewing, Dou Jiao Hu Tong, Dongcheng, Beijing
What to Put in Your Taxi App: 大跃啤酒（豆角胡同店）
Opening Hours: 12:00-11:30 PM Daily
What to Order:
What We Love: The natural banana flavors and subtle spice in their classic, balanced hefeweizen.
Map: Google Map (VPN Required in China) or Chinese Map
Caterpillar Bar is a hidden gem near Nanluoguxiang, perfect for refreshing seasonal fruit cocktails and diverse gin selections. Their DIY drinks let you start with a fruit, add spices and a base alchohol, with extra ingredients for a small fee. You can also tell the bartender your preferences for a tailored cocktail. Favorites include the Dandelion Gin and Tonic and Prickly Pear Special. Look for the subtle MMC sign by an iron door and step inside to a cozy, stylish space filled with fresh fruits and flowers. Perfect for locals and tourists alike!
Bar Name: 毛毛虫酒吧
Address: No. 140, Jiaodaokou South Street.
What to Put in Your Taxi App: 毛毛虫酒吧 交道口南大街140号
Opening Hours: 17:00-2:00 AM Daily
What to Order:
The DIY cocktail
Prague spring 布拉格之春
What We Love: Mixing our own cocktails and enjoying the cozy, flower-filled atmosphere!
Map: Google Map (VPN Required in China) or Chinese Map
Nestled in an artsy area of the hutongs, Jing A Taproom (Longfusi) combines retro factory vibes with a modern twist, creating an incredibly cozy atmosphere. As one of Beijing’s most popular breweries, it’s always buzzing with activity and innovation. Jing A is known for constantly hunting rare ingredients and experimenting with unexpected flavors, brewing everything from classic styles to inspiring collaborations. If you’re in Beijing, this is a must-visit spot for craft beer enthusiasts!
Bar Name: Jing A Taproom Longfusi
Address: No. 38, Qianliang Hutong.
What to Put in Your Taxi App: 京A 隆福寺店
Opening Hours:
11:00-00:00, Mon-Thu&Sun
11:00-2:00 AM, Fri-Sat
What to Order:
Worker’s pale ale工人淡色艾尔
Black Velvet Vanilla Stout 黑丝绒燕麦香草世涛啤酒
What We Love: The lively, late-night vibe and innovative craft beers in a cozy, artsy hutong setting.
Map: Google Map (VPN Required in China) or Chinese Map
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From Peking duck to the humble dumpling, we have compiled a few of our favorite foreigner-friendly local restaurants in Beijing. Criteria for this list means they have menus with English and/or photos and serve authentic and stupid-delicious fare. This is your meal itinerary if you’re traveling through Beijing. Don’t just pick one, try them all.
Coffee culture isn’t strong (or native) in China, but these cafes in Beijing will have you thinking otherwise. Criteria for our list considered all of the following: good coffee, decent wifi, comfortable vibe, and clean bathrooms.
Exploring Beijing’s parks is like finding pockets of tranquility in the city’s bustling landscape. These green spaces also offer a unique chance to experience local culture and history as they are popular hang-out spots for locals. Whether you’re up for a peaceful walk, a fun picnic, or a heart-beating square dance, Beijing’s parks have something for everyone.
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