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Beijing’s Best Hutong Bars in 2026

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

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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

Modernista

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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:

  • Modernista cocktail 摩登尼斯塔
  • Save the elephants 大象席地而坐

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

The Original Great Leap

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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:

  • Banana wheat 香蕉小麦: Made with imported wheat and barley malt, this classic hefeweizen uses Bavarian yeast to highlight natural banana flavors and subtle spice. 
  • Hidden noble 贡菊傲雪: Infused with chrysanthemum flowers, the floral and citrusy notes of Grungeist and Cashmere hops are highlighted. 

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

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The Caterpillar Bar

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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

Jing A Brewery - Longfusi Branch

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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

Our Beijing Food Tours:

Beijing Hutong Breakfast Tour

$39 USD

Try over 12 dishes at over 6 locations on this walking tour through Beijing’s historic hutongs! Along the way, uncover centuries of culinary heritage as we share the stories behind each bite and the passionate shop owners that are preserving the unforgettable tastes of Old-Beijing.
9am Daily

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3 Hours

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Walking Tour
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Beijing Hutong Evening Food Tour

$75 USD

Try local Han, Mongol, and Muslim cuisines (plus more!) at Beijing’s most authentic restaurants. This top-rated walking food tour will explore the historic hutong alleys of Beijing while making stops at our favorite off the beaten path eateries.
6:30pm Daily

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3.5 Hours

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Walking Tour
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Beijing Full-day Great Wall, Hutongs & Evening Food Tour

$305 USD

Get a true feel for Beijing in just one day: visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, sit down to a farmhouse-style meal, and walk through the hutongs for a taste of the city’s local food scene. With an expert guide leading the way, this full-day tour brings you a perfect blend of history, food, and culture that define China’s capital city.
7:30am Daily

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Full-day Tour
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Savor Beijing’s Imperial Eats, Palaces, and Hidden Hutongs​

From $1450 USD

Spend 4 days eating your way through Beijing’s most iconic sights. Discover the Forbidden City’s ancient halls and courtyards, walk along the Great Wall and its watchtowers, explore historic hutong neighborhoods like a local, sit down to the city’s best Peking duck, and taste dozens of dishes Beijingers return to again and again.
4 days, 3 nights
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