Nanming brews new urban consumption scene with craft beer, fine dining

Nanming's food streets draw large crowds at night. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Nanming district in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, is tapping into its rich culinary heritage and growing craft beer scene to create new consumption experiences by integrating food, beverages, tourism, culture, and the nighttime economy.

As a major hub for food consumption in Guiyang, Nanming is home to 22,000 catering businesses and 453 craft beer establishments.

From a glass of beer to a growing industry

Nanming has identified craft beer as an emerging sector well suited to its urban environment. Its distinctive local ingredients — including cili (Rosa roxburghii), bayberry, and Sichuan flower pepper — have inspired breweries to develop products featuring Guizhou flavors.

The district has established a policy framework to support the development of the craft beer industry, with businesses concentrated in areas including Qingyun Road, Cao Zhuangyuan Street and Guancheng River Street, as well as several cultural and creative parks.

Local brands have grown alongside the sector. TripSmith, which started out as a small bar in 2013, has expanded from an annual production capacity of 60 metric tons to around 2,000 tons, with eight outlets across Guiyang.

TripSmith's wild strawberry sour beer won a gold medal at the 2025 Brussels Beer Challenge, while other local brands have also earned recognition at domestic and international competitions.

Government-business cooperation is further strengthening the sector. A beverage research and production base by local brand Huangye Niangzao is set to be built in the Nanming Smart Manufacturing Industrial Park, with an investment of 50 million yuan ($7.44 million). The facility will produce kombucha, cocktails, and craft beer featuring distinctive Guizhou flavors.

Fine dining gets a quality upgrade

Catering remains a cornerstone of Nanming's consumer economy. The district has 22,000 catering businesses, accounting for 18.3 percent of Guiyang's total.

The district has introduced measures to promote high-quality dining, including dedicated funding and support for restaurant upgrades. More than 120 catering businesses have completed renovations in key areas such as Jiaxiu Pavilion, Qingyun Road, and Xihu Road.

Traditional brands are also embracing new approaches. At Jinlusheng, a local Guizhou cuisine restaurant, just 10 private dining rooms are available, with customized menus and handmade dishes prepared by reservation. The restaurant and its sister brand Qilixiang invested nearly 20 million yuan in renovations, combining traditional Guizhou flavors with contemporary design and presentation.

Nanming is now home to 18 nationally rated restaurants, four Guizhou time-honored brands, and seven Guiyang time-honored brands. It has also attracted 23 well-known brands to open their first stores or regional flagship outlets in the city, while also cultivating local brands.

Food and craft beer create new experiences

The district is increasingly breaking down the boundaries between dining and craft beer. Craft beers from TripSmith, for example, are served at Jinlusheng, while TripSmith has developed four formats — bars, dining spaces, beer shops, and fusion restaurants — to integrate beer with local cuisine.

Local ingredients and fermentation techniques are also being incorporated into both brewing and cooking processes, creating products and dining experiences with distinctive Guizhou characteristics.

Nanming currently has 18 restaurants combining dining and craft beer. It is also exploring "craft beer + tourism","craft beer + cultural creativity", and "craft beer + performing arts," while promoting all-day consumption models such as coffee by day and craft beer by night.

At the same time, the district is developing a "Nanming Fine Dining Cultural Belt" and tourism routes themed around local cuisine, covering areas around Jiaxiu Pavilion, the Nanming River, and Huaguoyuan areas. By integrating food with urban tourism, Nanming is making local cuisine a gateway to experiencing the city's history and culture.

A series of food and craft beer festivals and competitions have further boosted consumption. Since last year, events such as the Wanxiang Jiaxiu Electronic Music and Craft Beer Carnival have brought together more than 300 catering businesses.

By blending craft beer, fine dining, culture, and tourism, Nanming is reshaping everyday consumption while highlighting the flavors of Guizhou and bringing new energy to Guiyang's historic urban core.