Hutong Nightlife Local Drinking Tour

About This Crawl

A nightlife tour through Beijing's hutong neighbourhood bars, covering the traditional alleyway districts that have developed an independent drinking scene distinct from the Sanlitun commercial strip. This is the correct way to drink in Beijing if you want something that is not a high-rise club.

What to Expect

The hutongs north of the Bell and Drum Towers, particularly the lanes around Nanluoguxiang, Wudaoying, and the Gulou area, have accumulated a cluster of small bars since the mid-2000s. The venues are typically converted courtyard houses or ground-floor alley spaces, capacity 30-80 people, with neighbourhood regulars and visiting foreigners in roughly equal measure depending on the night. A hutong drinking tour covers three to four venues in these lanes over two to three hours on foot. The walking is part of the point: the alleyways at night, with their low lighting and residential quietness between bar doorways, are the thing. Craft beer has established itself strongly here; Great Leap Brewing, which opened its original hutong location on Doujiao Hutong in 2010, is one reference point the guide may include or reference. Baijiu, China's grain spirit, may appear as an optional component of the evening. It is strong (40-60% ABV), culturally specific, and divisive among first-timers. A guided introduction is a more comfortable context than ordering it blind at a bar.

Who It's For

Visitors to Beijing who want to understand the city's neighbourhood drinking culture rather than spend the evening in Sanlitun. Also good for anyone staying in the Dongcheng or Xicheng districts who wants to walk to their bars.

Tips

The hutongs are pedestrianised in most stretches but not all. Motorbikes and delivery vehicles appear without warning; keep to the sides of the lanes.
Great Leap Brewing's original Doujiao Hutong location is small. If it is on the route, go in. Their Honey Ma Gold is a consistent performer.
Baijiu in a small local bar may cost ¥20-40 for a glass. In a tourist venue it climbs. The hutong scene tends towards the former.
Beijing winters are cold and hutong bars are not always well heated. Check the season you are visiting and layer accordingly.
The Drum Tower neighbourhood is quieter than Nanluoguxiang, which gets touristy on weekends. Both are legitimate; different atmosphere.