Tsingtao Beer Museum: A Must In Qingdao

Qingdao was the first stop of my two-week Chinese New Year trip. The city had been on my travel bucket list for a while and I was so excited to finally make it over there. Especially the city’s history of German occupation attracted me. Germany wasn’t a big imperial power unlike the British, French or Spanish. Somehow, however, we made it to Qingdao and made the Chinese give it to us for 99 years. Even though the occupation turned out to be much shorter due to the Japanese takeover, the city is still a witness of German influence. German architecture is very dominant in the city center but there’s a far greater thing the Germans are responsible for: Qingdao Beer. That’s why the Tsingtao beer museum was a must during this trip!

Here’s Why You Must Visit The Tsingtao Beer Museum and Brewery:

History

The Qingdao brewery was founded in 1903 by Germans who brewed the Chinese beer according to the Bavarian “Reinheitsgebot”, the “German Beer Purity Law”. After the Japanese forced themselves into the city, the brewery became the Dai-Nippon Brewery in 1916. When the Japanese surrendered to the Allies and its retreat from China, the Tsingtao Brewery was turned into a Chinese brewery under ownership of the Tsui family and supervision of the Nationalist government in Nanjing.

However, this period of ownership only lasted until 1949 when, after a civil war, the People’s Republic of China was founded. Shortly after, due to Communist policies, all private shares of the Tsingtao Brewery were confiscated and the company became a state-owned enterprise. The company did eventually become privately owned in the 1990s.

The World of Tsingtao

Visitors are able to get an exclusive insight in the history of Qingdao Beer at the local museum. It’s a must when in QIngdao and one of the best museums I have ever been to. The ticket price is 60 RMB from May to October and 50 RMB from November to April. You can easily spend 1.5 to 2 hours in the Tsingtao beer museum complex which is divided into sections A, B and C. Buy your ticket at the ticket office and continue your way onto the square in the middle of the brewery.

Equipped with a detailed map of the entire premises, you are advised to start your journey at section A explaining the history of the Tsingtao Brewery. Section B is focusing on the brewing process itself at the end of which you will receive a small glass of beer and “beer peanuts” for testing. Section C gives you an insight in today’s production and ends at the factory shop where you can buy souvenirs and get another small glass of beer, also free.

How to get there

Unfortunately, Qingdao is one of the few cities without a metro system (it’s being constructed at the moment). You will have to take a bus but you can get off right in front of the museum at the 青岛啤酒博物馆 (Qīngdǎo píjiǔ bówùguǎn) station. You can also take a taxi if you are not familiar with the local bus system.

You will see the giant factory and gate immediately. The museum is located on “beer street” with lots of restaurants and bars to try local delicacies and beer. A perfect place for a night out!

You can’t miss the museum!

When are you headed to Qingdao?

The Tsingtao Beer Museum is a great museum and a must-see when in town. It lures you in whether you are a lover of beer or not! It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon before heading to dinner out.

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