Beer

Editor's note:

Shenzhen isn’t just about the hustle. Even though you might have to dig a little to find great nightlife in the city, when you do, you’re sure to strike gold. 

Boutique cocktail speakeasies are opening faster than you can muddle a mojito, the craft beer scene is growing, and the city boasts one of the hottest underground clubs in China.

Despite the rise of whisky, cocktails and craft beer, Shenzhen’s most popular tipple remains the cheap, lager-style beers popular all over China. Light and clean-tasting, they are designed to pair well with rich Chinese food. Most ubiquitous is Tsingtao (from Qingdao) and Blue Girl, a beer from Hong Kong.

You’ll also see Kingway (金威; Jīnwēi), Shenzhen’s own mass-produced beer.

Just about the cheapest way to drink is to head to small restaurants (not bars), especially barbecue joints with outside seating such as Sìjì Shāokǎo Huǒguō Dàpáidàng (四季烧烤火锅大排档). These places stay open late and have a boozy vibe, serving longneck bottles or cans of local beer for a few yuan a pop.