The 10 Most Popular Chinese Beer Brands

Photo by Bill Smith CC BY 2.0

Beer has been a staple of Chinese culture for centuries, and in recent years, the country’s brewing industry has exploded, making it one of the largest beer producers in the world.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most popular Chinese beer brands that have made a name for themselves both domestically and internationally.

Top 10 Chinese Beer Brands

So, here is the list of the most popular Chinese beer brands you should know about:

Tsingtao Beer 青岛啤酒

Tsingtao Beer is one of the most well-known Chinese beer brands, with a history that dates back to 1903 when it was first brewed by German settlers in Qingdao. This beer brand is now one of the top-selling beer brands in China, and its unique blend of German brewing techniques and Chinese ingredients has made it a favorite among beer drinkers worldwide.

Snow Beer 雪花啤酒

Snow Beer is the world’s top-selling beer brand, with over 100 billion yuan in sales in 2020. This lager-style beer has a clean, crisp taste and is made with high-quality ingredients, including barley, rice, and hops. Snow Beer is a favorite among Chinese beer drinkers and has expanded its reach to other Asian countries and beyond.

Yanjing Beer 燕京啤酒

Yanjing Beer is a Beijing-based brewery that has been in operation since 1980. The brand is known for its high-quality, refreshing taste and is a popular choice among Chinese beer drinkers. Yanjing Beer has also gained popularity internationally and has won numerous awards for its brews.

Harbin Beer 哈尔滨啤酒

Harbin Beer was founded in 1900 in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, and has since become one of the most popular beer brands in China. This beer is known for its smooth, rich taste, and is made with high-quality malted barley and hops. It has also expanded its reach to other countries, including Canada and the United States.

Pearl River Beer (Zhujiang Beer) 珠江啤酒

Pearl River Beer, also known as Zhujiang Beer, is a brewery based in Guangzhou that has been producing beer since 1985. The brand is known for its light, crisp taste and is a favorite among Chinese beer drinkers. Pearl River Beer has also gained popularity internationally and has won numerous awards for its brews.

Wusu Beer 乌苏啤酒

Wusu Beer is a relatively new beer brand that was founded in 2014 in Xinjiang Province. The brand is known for its unique blend of traditional Chinese ingredients and modern brewing techniques, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful taste. Wusu Beer has gained a loyal following among beer enthusiasts in China and is slowly expanding its reach to other countries.

Kingway Beer 金威啤酒

Kingway Beer is a brewery based in Zhejiang Province that has been producing beer since 1995. The brand is known for its high-quality, full-bodied taste and is a popular choice among Chinese beer drinkers. Kingway Beer has also gained popularity internationally and has won numerous awards for its brews.

Shancheng Beer 山城啤酒

Shancheng Beer is a brewery based in Henan Province that has been producing beer since 2001. The brand is known for its smooth, refreshing taste and is a favorite among Chinese beer drinkers. Shancheng Beer has also gained popularity internationally and has won numerous awards for its brews.

Kingstar Beer 金星啤酒

Kingstar Beer is a relatively new beer brand that was founded in 2014 in Shandong Province. The brand is known for its high-quality ingredients and unique brewing techniques, resulting in a full-bodied and flavorful taste. Kingstar Beer has gained a loyal following in China and is slowly expanding its reach to other countries.

San Miguel Beer 生力啤酒

San Miguel Beer is a Philippine beer brand that has gained immense popularity in China. The brand is known for its light, refreshing taste and is a favorite among Chinese beer drinkers. San Miguel Beer has also won numerous awards for its brews and is expanding its reach to other countries.

Nutrition Facts of Popular Chinese Beers

Here is a nutrition facts table for the top 10 Chinese beer brands:

Food Pairing of Popular Chinese Beers

Beer is not just a drink; it is an experience that can be enhanced by pairing it with the right food. Chinese beer brands have a unique flavor profile that can complement a variety of dishes. Let’s explore the best food pairing options for the top 10 most popular Chinese beer brands.

1. Tsingtao Beer: Tsingtao Beer’s refreshing taste and subtle bitterness make it an ideal pairing for spicy Chinese dishes. It also goes well with seafood and light salads.
2. Snow Beer: Snow Beer’s crisp and clean taste makes it an excellent accompaniment to Chinese dim sum and steamed dumplings. It also pairs well with spicy Sichuan dishes.
3. Yanjing Beer: Yanjing Beer’s light and refreshing taste make it a great pairing for Chinese hot pot and stir-fry dishes. It also goes well with grilled meats and vegetables.
4. Harbin Beer: Harbin Beer’s smooth and rich taste make it an ideal pairing for hearty Chinese stews and braised meats. It also goes well with fried or grilled dishes.
5. Pearl River Beer (Zhujiang Beer): Pearl River Beer’s light and crisp taste make it a perfect pairing for Chinese noodle dishes and seafood. It also goes well with spicy dishes.
6. Wusu Beer: Wusu Beer’s unique blend of traditional Chinese ingredients and modern brewing techniques make it a versatile pairing option. It goes well with spicy Sichuan dishes, grilled meats, and stir-fry dishes.
7. Kingway Beer: Kingway Beer’s full-bodied taste makes it an excellent pairing for rich Chinese soups and noodle dishes. It also goes well with grilled or roasted meats.
8. Shancheng Beer: Shancheng Beer’s smooth and refreshing taste make it a great pairing for Chinese hot pot and stir-fry dishes. It also goes well with seafood and light salads.
9. Kingstar Beer: Kingstar Beer’s unique blend of high-quality ingredients and modern brewing techniques make it an ideal pairing for spicy Chinese dishes and grilled meats. It also goes well with fried dishes.
10. San Miguel Beer: San Miguel Beer’s light and refreshing taste make it an excellent pairing for Chinese dim sum and steamed dumplings. It also goes well with spicy dishes and seafood.

Conclusion

China’s beer industry has come a long way since the early days of Tsingtao Beer. Today, there are numerous high-quality beer brands to choose from, each with its unique blend of ingredients and brewing techniques. Whether you’re a fan of lagers, ales, or stouts, there’s something for everyone in China’s thriving beer scene.

So, next time you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful beer, be sure to give one of these top 10 Chinese beer brands a try!