Northeast China's Shandong provincial capital Qingdao has been brewing and drinking western-style beer for more than a century. And for good reason: from 1897 to 1914, the city was the hub of a German concession. No Teutonic territory would be complete without a local lager, so the Tsingtao Brewery Company was established in 1903. Now world renowned, it retains the city's old Roman spelling. Beer from the city's other brewery Laoshan is less widely distributed, and unlike its big brother it does not allow public visits. All over Qingdao patrons can be seen slurping Chinese and imported brews from stein-like, half-litre glass tankards and bottles; and ladies seem to keep up with the lads with gusto.
Tsingtao Brewery Bar
'We're only here for the beer!' could well be the motto of this bar, because China's largest beer manufacturer has put little effort into the dimly lit sprawling interior with a tiny bar at its centre. Tourists often end a brewery tour there and most desirable is the daily fresh draught beer, which has no added preservatives; drink it by the glass or pitcher. Six other bottled varieties are available, including a hoppy but highly carbonated dark beer, plus the top-of-the range Tsingtao Gold (10 yuan for a large bottle). An adjoining shop touts souvenirs as uninspiring as the bar's decor (56 Dengzhou Lu, tel: 86 532 383 3437).
B.A.T.S. (pictured)
Yuan Bar
A down-to-Earth vibe and drinks at slightly lower prices than at other top-end bars attract a mixed crowd. Beer, and there is plenty to choose from (including Tsingtao draught), is usually the beverage of choice, particularly during the establishment's daily 7pm to 8pm happy hour, when all beers are half price. Discounted drinks plus loud music and dancing means this joint starts buzzing early (153 Minjiang Road, tel: 86 532 388 3838).