Travelogue: What's buzzing in Beijing? Chinese-style handcrafted beer

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There's no question that China's craft beer industry is picking up steam, and I'm fancying a taste of one of those brews. Now, since we're in Beijing, I'm gunning for a Chinese beer, and hunting for a cold one that I won't be able to find outside of China.

A "Sichuan peppercorn" beer is ready for drinking. /CGTN

After a long wander through the capital's maze of hutongs (alleys formed by the city's traditional courtyard homes) and getting lost in the process, I find what I'm looking for: craft beer brewed with traditionally Chinese ingredients. Sichuan peppercorn, silver needle white tea … flavors I've never associated with beer before. Unexpected, but definitely delightful.

Dozens of handcrafted brews on tap. /CGTN

Sitting in this traditional old-Beijing neighborhood, I clutch this contemporary beverage and think about how unique this blending of worlds is. It seems to me that the other patrons – from business travelers to local Beijingers to foreign backpackers – might be thinking the same thing.

The bar's hard-to-find entrance, tucked away in a hutong. /CGTN

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(Video edited by Li Hui)