Slow Boat SLT Brewpub 悠航鲜啤三里屯店

Slow Boat Brewery (Sanlitun) is one of the most iconic spots on the craft brewing map in Beijing. Located in the heart of the vibrant Sanlitun district, this three-story pub has become a true magnet for quality beverage enthusiasts in China. The establishment harmoniously combines the coziness of an urban bar with full-scale production, allowing guests to observe the brewing process while they relax.

The flagship location of the Slow Boat Brewery chain is impressive in scale: it features 36 taps pouring up to 20 different varieties, including the famous Monkey's Fist IPA. Every year, the pub produces over half a million pints of beer, making it one of the leaders on the local scene alongside projects like Jing-A and Great Leap.

The pub's interior is designed in a modern industrial style, and high ratings and numerous reviews confirm its status as a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates freshness, variety of flavors, and the authentic atmosphere of the modern Chinese capital.

When planning a visit to Slow Boat Brewery in Beijing, we recommend checking up-to-date contact information in advance. Since operating hours and the availability of special events may change, it is advisable to confirm details directly before your trip.

A visit to Slow Boat SLT Brewpub is, first and foremost, a fascinating gastronomic adventure. The main reason guests come here is for the tasting of the freshest craft beer. Thanks to the 36 taps, visitors can try everything from the classic Monkey's Fist Pale Ale with its floral and hoppy notes to bold new releases like the Slutty Mermaid Triple IPA. For those wanting to sample as many flavors as possible, tasting "flights"—sets of small pours of different varieties—are available.

The food is an equally important part of the visit. The pub has repeatedly earned the title of "Best Burger" in Beijing, so pairing a signature beer with a juicy burger has become a tradition here. The three-level space allows you to choose an atmosphere to suit your mood: from the lively bar on the first floor to quieter zones upstairs where you can watch the brewing equipment or enjoy views of the dynamic Sanlitun district.

For true beer culture enthusiasts, there are great opportunities for socializing. You can learn the backstories of various brews, chat with the staff about production nuances, or catch one of the many special events and collaborations that the Slow Boat team is famous for.

Slow Boat Brewery is located at 6 Nan San Li Tun Lu, in the heart of the Chaoyang district. Finding the pub is easy—it is located directly opposite the Topwin Center in Sanlitun, which is the epicenter of the city's nightlife and cultural scene. You can reach it from central Beijing by taxi or via the Didi app; the trip from the Forbidden City takes about 10–20 minutes.

If you prefer public transport, the nearest metro station is Tuanjiehu (Line 10), which is about a 10-minute walk from the venue. You can also use Dongsi Shitiao station (Line 6). The Sanlitun area has an excellent bus network, and the pub is a leisurely 5–10 minute walk from popular shopping spots like Taikoo Li.

Please note that the Sanlitun district is very walkable, but parking spaces for cars may be limited. For paying for transport and services at the bar, it is most convenient to use the payment systems popular in China, such as WeChat Pay or Alipay.

The story of Slow Boat Brewery began in 2011, when two Americans, Chandler Jurinka and Daniel Hebert, decided to open a pilot brewery in the mountains outside Beijing. They launched their first taproom in 2012, and by 2014, the company was organizing the largest craft beer festival in the Chinese capital, firmly establishing its status as an industry pioneer.

The modern pub in the Sanlitun district opened its doors in September 2016. This spacious three-story building with its own production facilities replaced the original taproom, which was later closed due to urban redevelopment. By 2017, Slow Boat reached impressive production volumes of 440,000 pints annually, becoming one of the most influential craft beer companies in the country.

Over the years, the establishment has collected an impressive array of awards. In addition to recognition for the quality of its beverages (silver at the International Beer Cup for lagers and IPAs), the pub held the title of "Best Burger" according to leading capital publications for several consecutive years. A focus on fresh ingredients and a commitment to developing the local craft beer culture have made Slow Boat a legend among expats and locals alike.

To fully appreciate the atmosphere of Slow Boat Brewery and explore its range, it's worth setting aside about 2–3 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely enjoy a tasting flight of several varieties, try the signature dishes, and explore the interior of the three-level venue.

If your visit coincides with a festival or the presentation of a new seasonal variety, your stay might extend to 4 hours. The establishment is ideal for rounding off a busy day of sightseeing in Beijing, offering a relaxed environment and excellent service in the evening.

The exact operating schedule for Slow Boat Brewery in Sanlitun may vary depending on the day of the week or private events. Generally, establishments in this lively district of Beijing open in the afternoon and welcome guests until late at night.

We recommend checking the current opening hours on the brewery's official website or confirming the information by phone before planning your visit to ensure the pub is open and perhaps book a table for the evening.

The Sanlitun district, where Slow Boat Brewery is located, is an ideal starting point for further exploration of the Chinese capital. After a glass of fresh craft beer, you can head for a stroll along the famous Wangfujing Pedestrian Street or visit the city's historical treasures. Just a few kilometers away are majestic sites such as the Yonghe Temple and the ancient Guozijian Imperial Academy.

If you're hungry, the Da Dong restaurant, famous for its roast duck, is nearby, and you can round off your day's cultural program with a walk through the scenic Jingshan Park, which offers one of the best views of the Forbidden City. The pub's proximity to key attractions makes it easy to combine culinary pleasures with exploring China's great heritage.