To see the origin of Erguotou, the representative of Beijing’s white liquor, head to Hongxing (Red Star) Yuanshenghao Museum. Situated on Qianment Street in Beijing, this museum grew out of Hongshenghao Distillery, which is hailed as the cradle of Beijing Erguotou. It was founded by three brothers from the Zhao family in 1680 during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and was the birthplace of the first bottle of Erguotou in China.

The interior of Yuanshenghao retains the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty with the white liquor at the front and the distillery at its back. Through pictures, audios and videos, visitors will be shown the knowledge of Erguotou, such as classification, nutritional composition and brewing process.

Stepping into the museum, you will find statues of the founders of the brewery, Zhao Cunren, Zhao Cunli and Zhao Cunyi. The distinctive scent of alcohol lingers in all rooms of the museum. You can go to the front room for free samples (with some expectation that you actually make a purchase) or sneak upstairs to browse vessels of white liquor, from ancient earthenware jugs to a more modern glass bottle of liquor in the shape of a rifle. The museum has attracted a large number of domestic and foreign tourists who often take a few bottles of Beijing Erguotou back.

Address: No. 99 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Ticket: Free