Great Leap Brewing No. 6 Courtyard

Beijing's original craft brewery taproom, hidden in a Qing-era courtyard house down a maze of hutongs. Locally inspired beers (try anything with Sichuan peppercorn or honey) drunk under the open sky — one of the city's great drinking experiences. Finding it the first time is genuinely tricky; that's part of the charm.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is it kid- or group-friendly?

The courtyard is relaxed and fine for groups in good weather, though seating is limited and it's cash-or-mobile-payment simple. Large groups should come early on weekends before it fills.

Do they serve food?

The original #6 courtyard keeps it minimal — think free spiced peanuts and light snacks rather than a full kitchen. Eat first (Ghost Street and Nanluoguxiang are close), or hit their bigger #12 location if you want burgers with your beer.

Is it worth visiting in winter?

The courtyard is the star, so it shines April through October. In winter the indoor rooms are cozy but small — still worth it for beer nerds, less magical for the casual visitor.

What are the opening hours?

Roughly 2pm to 11pm Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. It's an afternoon-and-evening spot — don't come for lunch.

What beers should I order?

Go for the China-inspired ones you can't get elsewhere: Honey Ma Gold (made with Sichuan peppercorns and local honey) is the classic, and Iron Buddha Blonde uses tieguanyin tea. Flights let you sample several.

How much do beers cost?

Expect roughly 40-60 RMB per pint — standard Beijing craft prices, fair for the quality and the setting. Happy hour deals sometimes run on weekdays.

How do I actually find it?

It's at 6 Doujiao Hutong, buried in the lanes west of Nanluoguxiang. Follow your map app to the hutong entrance and look for the small sign — everyone gets a little lost the first time, and that's normal. Getting there is half the fun.

What makes Great Leap #6 special compared to other bars in Beijing?

It's the original 2010 location of Beijing's first craft brewery, set in a renovated Qing dynasty courtyard house that once served as a private library. You drink in an open stone-walled courtyard — no other taproom in the city has this atmosphere.

Nearby in Ask Beijing

• Zhang Mama (Sichuan)Restaurant0.28 km · 4 min walk
• Nanluoguxiang and the Back HutongsNeighborhood0.34 km · 4 min walk
• Drum Tower and Bell TowerAttraction0.45 km · 6 min walk
• Yaoji ChaoganRestaurant0.47 km · 6 min walk
• Dali CourtyardRestaurant0.53 km · 7 min walk