Craft beer hasn’t been in China as long as traditional brews, but it has been transforming local palates and making a noticeable mark on the global beer map since the late 2000s. This new wave of flavorful and character-rich beers has gone beyond well-known brands like Tsingtao or Snow, introducing a variety of creative local brews. In Shanghai, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation, the craft beer culture has exploded, fueled by a growing middle class with a taste for gourmet experiences and a desire for more than just the ordinary. Here, the vibrant streets buzz with spots serving both innovative local and curated imported craft brews, attracting not just traditional beer drinkers but also a diverse crowd of young people, making it a paradise for beer enthusiasts.
Loved the beer at the last stop of our Shanghai evening tour? Curious where else you can find standout pints in the city? We’ve done the legwork and tasted our way through Shanghai’s best. Check out our top picks for craft beer spots and start exploring the rich flavors Shanghai has to offer!
Since opening in 2008, Boxing Cat Brewery has become a cornerstone of Shanghai’s craft beer scene. It’s often the first stop for craft beer aficionados in the city. Highlighting their lineup, the TKO IPA packs a punch with its hoppy profile and citrusy undertones, finishing with a crisp bitterness. For those preferring a smoother sip, the Flipping Mango Hazy IPA offers a juicy, creamy experience with a subtle bite. Seasonal brews like strawberry and grape keep the menu fresh and exciting.
The brewery’s cozy outdoor terrace and roomy interiors provide the perfect backdrop for unwinding with friends. Enjoy a game, sip on finely crafted beers, and indulge in their Southern American-style bites for a truly laid-back outing.
Opening Hours: 11:00 to 23:00 Daily
Address: Boxing Cat Brewery (Yong Fu Branch)
Fuxing West Road#82, Xuhui District, Shanghai. The closest metro station is Shanghai Library Subway Station, exit 1.
What to Order:
What We Love: Sip seasonal brews on a lively terrace—perfect for game day or any day.
Show Your Taxi Driver: Boxing Cat Brewery 拳击猫精酿啤酒馆（永福店）
Google map (VPN required in China): Click here
Chinese map: Click here
Webrew stands out in Shanghai’s craft beer scene with 56 taps that include everything from local staples to innovative brews. The Longjing Tea Wheat Beer is a standout, blending revered Chinese tea with traditional brewing to create a beer that’s both familiar and novel. The Guava IPA is another hit, marrying tropical guava’s sweetness with classic IPA bitterness.
The menu at Webrew also celebrates the fusion of Western techniques and Shanghai flavors. The scallion pancake, for instance, gets a luxurious twist with truffle and cheese, turning a simple snack into a rich treat. Located on the fourth floor of Star Plaza, Webrew’s space features sleek industrial design and offers great views of Jing’an Temple, making it a prime spot to enjoy these unique combinations.
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:30 to 2:00
Address: Webrew (Jing’an Temple Branch)
Fourth Floor, Star Plaza, Beijing West Road#1718, Jing’an District, Shanghai. The closest metro station is Jing’an Temple Subway Station, exit 1.
What to Order:
Tap #8 Longjing Tea Wheat Beer 龙井小麦
Tap #23 Guava IPA 小雨来了（芭乐IPA）
Black Truffle and Mushroom Scallion Pancake 黑松露菌菇葱油饼
Average Price: 89 RMB
What We Love: Savor the blend of craft brews and inventive cuisine against Shanghai’s skyline.
Show Your Taxi Driver: 围波精酿餐吧 （静安寺店）
Google Map (Requires VPN in China): Click here
Chinese Map: Click here
Mingri Brewing, which translates to “Tomorrow’s Brew,” embodies the spirit of its slogan, “Drink Today, Brew Tomorrow.” This philosophy is a nod to their small-batch production method, ensuring each beer is fresh and full of character. Founder and head brewmaster Mr. Jin Fan, a decorated brewer with many international awards, is committed to crafting a diverse range of high-quality beers.
Mingri Brewing features standout beers like the Hazy Dream NEIPA, celebrated for its juicy, hazy profile and lush tropical fruit notes. The Plum Gose offers a delightful contrast with its refreshing tartness and fruity plum flavors, enhanced by a subtle hint of sea salt.
Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Suzhou River near Wuzhen Bridge, Mingri Brewery offers a cozy riverside spot to enjoy a pint and unwind with a walk—a favorite local escape.
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 to 2:00
Address: MingRi Brewing
Xinzha Road#356, Huangpu District, Shanghai. The closest metro station is Xinzha Road Subway Station, exit 1.
What to Order:
Average Price: 142 RMB
What We Love: Relax riverside with standout local brews.
Show Your Taxi Driver: 明日酒馆
Google map (VPN required in China): Click here
Chinese map: Click here
Mikkeller, which started in Copenhagen in 2006 without its own brewery, quickly became known as a “Gypsy Brewer” due to its global collaborations. This nomadic spirit contributes to a unique local flair in each new location. In China, it’s affectionately named 美啤乐, translating to “Delightful Beer Happiness,” which captures the essence of what they offer.
Hidden down an alley on Yanping Road in Shanghai’s Jing’an district, the first Chinese Mikkeller feels like a secret. Pass through a nondescript door and a lively lane to discover a space that blends traditional Chinese garden aesthetics with cool Nordic minimalism. The logo whimsically features a Shanghainese auntie dressed in a traditional qipao, adding a playful local touch.
With over 20 taps, the bar showcases unique brews like the rich Preserved Mandarin Belgian Wheat and the crisp Lychee Elderflower Cider. It’s the perfect hideaway to grab a pint, enjoy some board games with friends, or check out the upstairs merch. A cozy spot where the delight of craft beer meets the charm of Shanghai.
Opening Hours: Daily from 12:00 to 24:00
Address: Mikkeller 美啤乐
Yanping Road#98, Jingan District, Shanghai. The closest metro station is Changping Road Subway Station, exit 3.
What to Order:
Preserved Mandarin Belgian Wheat 九制陈皮比利时小麦
Lychee Elderflower Cider 荔枝接骨木西打
What We Love:A little slice of Copenhagen with a Shanghai twist.
Show Your Taxi Driver: Mikkeller 美啤乐
Google Map (VPN required): Click here
Chinese map: Click here
On our hunt for local favorites, we discovered a lively taphouse that captivated us so much, we included it as the final stop on our Shanghai Evening Tour. Nestled in the heart of the city, this tiny corner shop boasts only 7 seats, yet it’s brimming with energy. You’ll often find people happily enjoying their drinks while seated on nearby stairs or standing in the street.
After spending an evening exploring hidden local eateries in the French Concession on our Shanghai Evening Tour, this taphouse is the perfect place to end the night. Don’t miss this unique spot; sign up and see for yourself!
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Shanghai boasts a unique culinary style known as ‘Benbang’ (本帮菜) or ‘Hu cuisine’ (沪菜). Originating in communal neighborhoods, this cuisine emphasizes the natural essence of fresh, seasonal ingredients—from vegetables and seafood to delicate water plants. Influenced by nearby regions like Zhejiang, Suzhou, and Anhui, these dishes balance light, delicate flavors with just the right hints of sweetness and savory depth.
Whether it’s cold outside, or you just want a good place to spend the afternoon, these are our favorite Shanghai Coffee Shops. Pull up a cozy seat and watch the local life go by at these cafes.
After three years, China is reopening its border to tourists, effective immediately! Based on what we’ve seen in other parts of the world post-pandemic, the best time to visit a reopened country is early – before all of the crowds return. We’ve got all the details you need to start planning your next trip to China…
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