5 Drinking Tours in China, Priced, Timed and Compared

1.Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,132 reviews · from $80Our pick

Follow an English-speaking guide through Beijing’s old hutongs for about 3.5 hours, stopping at family-run restaurants and a private home for hotpot, noodles, beef buns, and spring pancakes. Groups stay under 12, drinks are included, and guides such as Winnie, Yoyo, Janice, and Haitao add local food and history along the way.

“Our local guide Haitao was passionate about his city and made the tour come alive with stories and enthusiasm. The food and beer were plentiful and delicious — a perfect mix of local favorites. Even better, the group was fantastic and really brightened up my long day. Highly recommend this experience if you want to taste the real Beijing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 306 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $75

Meet your English-speaking guide at Shichahai and walk 2.5 kilometers through old hutong lanes, stopping at four local eateries. You’ll try copper-pot mutton hotpot, Beijing noodles, spring pancakes, and a rare Muslim specialty linked with Empress Cixi, with craft beer and other drinks included. Guides such as Janice, Tony, Winnie, and Yoyo are known for clear explanations and warm company.

“We thoroughly enjoyed this absolutely delicious food tour. Tony was an excellent guide, charming and knowledgeable giving us insights into the food as well as the local areas we were in. A must do if you are in Beijing as they are places you would never find on your own!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.4-Hour Shanghai Pub Crawl (bars & nightclub hopping)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 190 reviews · 4 hours · from $23Best value

Join Tony or another local guide for a four-hour night through Shanghai’s French Concession area. Visit three affordable bars and one club, enjoy a free shot at each bar, and get club entry included. Routes vary on Thursdays and Saturdays, with taxi transfers available if needed. Most people come alone, making it easy to meet others.

“Great way to meet people from different countries and have a good time in Shanghai at night.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Authentic Old Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · from $80

Spend about four hours walking Beijing’s old hutongs with a private guide such as Justin, Nico, or Peter, stopping at five or six local food spots. Expect Mongolian hot pot, family noodles, Beijing wraps, barbecue, yogurt, local beer, and soda. Hotel pickup is available, with transport paid separately.

“Nico was an excellent guide. Spoke great English. Very informative & entertaining. A wonderful experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Beijing Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $99

Meet guide Lan at Shichahai Station for a 3.5-hour private walk through Gulou and nearby hutongs. You will eat at three stops, visit a local brewery, see Wanning Bridge, Shichahai, and the Drum and Bell Towers from outside, and hear local stories in clear English. The tour costs $99 per person and includes food, drinks, and bottled water.

“Best ever so much fun super food in cool Restaurants. I got perfekt Information about this Area :-)”

Check availability →Read our full review