Craft Beer Breweries in Guangzhou

When you attend a Chinese business banquet, the table will invariably be covered in bottles of Baijiu or local, mass-produced lagers like Pearl River Draft (Zhujiang) or Snow Beer. While these are great for washing down spicy food, they leave much to be desired for beer aficionados.

Fortunately, China is currently experiencing a massive craft beer revolution. For international buyers looking to decompress after the Canton Fair with a proper, hazy IPA or a rich Oatmeal Stout, Guangzhou has a thriving, world-class artisanal brewing scene.

1. Bravo Brewing Co. (保霖精酿)

If there is a crown jewel of the Guangzhou craft beer scene, it is Bravo.

• The Vibe: Located right in the heart of the Zhujiang New Town CBD, Bravo is sleek, modern, and perpetually packed with a mix of affluent locals and Western expats.
• The Beer: They brew incredibly high-quality, award-winning beers. Their focus is often on bold, West Coast-style IPAs and highly experimental sours.
• The Food: They also serve excellent, high-end Western pub food. If you need a premium burger to accompany your Double IPA, this is the spot.

2. Strand Beer (海滩精酿)

A legendary, grassroots institution in the Guangzhou expat community.

• The Vibe: Unpretentious, relaxed, and deeply focused on the beer. It was originally founded by an American expat and has grown into a highly respected local brewery.
• The Location: Hidden away in Wuyang New Town (just west of the main CBD), it takes a little effort to find, but it is highly rewarding.
• The Beer: They excel at classic, sessionable styles. Their Pale Ales and Wheat beers are fantastic, making it the perfect place to sit for hours and talk business with other foreign buyers.

3. The Local "Taprooms" (Party Pier)

If you don't want to visit the actual breweries, you can visit the massive taprooms that curate the best craft beers from all over China (including famous breweries from Beijing like Jing-A or Great Leap).

• Zapata's / The Taphouse (Zhujiang Party Pier): While the Party Pier is famous for loud, chaotic nightclubs, there are several dedicated taphouses facing the Pearl River. You can sit on the outdoor deck, watch the neon boats float by, and order flights of 6 different Chinese craft beers to sample.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is craft beer expensive in Guangzhou? A: Yes. While a massive 600ml bottle of local Snow Beer at a street restaurant might cost 10 RMB ($1.50 USD), a pint of premium artisanal IPA at Bravo will cost between 50 to 80 RMB ($7 to $11 USD). It is priced on par with craft beer in San Francisco or London.

Q: Can I buy craft beer to take back to my hotel? A: Absolutely. Most of these high-end breweries have massive fridges filled with highly designed, 330ml cans of their latest seasonal brews. They will happily pack them in a bag for you to take back to your room.