Guan’s Wings Bar: From Street Stall to Beijing’s BBQ Empire
1. Founder’s Journey: From Dishwasher to BBQ Mogul
In 1997, 17-year-old Guan Qibing left his hometown in Anhui and moved to Beijing. He worked as a dishwasher and kitchen assistant before opening a small BBQ stall named “Guan Ji Lamb Skewers” near the West Gate of Ditan Park. At a time when many vendors used low-quality meat, Guan insisted on using premium lamb, setting him apart as an “outlier” in the industry. This commitment to quality laid the foundation for his future success.
In 2006, Guan established the first Guan’s Wings Bar in Di’anmen. Today, the brand boasts over 50 locations across Beijing and has achieved annual sales in the hundreds of millions. Remarkably, their signature grilled wings have sold over 100 million skewers, enough to stretch across any alley in Beijing if lined up end to end.
2. Cultural Significance: A Modern Icon of Beijing’s Nightlife
For Beijingers, Guan’s Wings Bar is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural landmark. “In Beijing summers, friends gather at the Wings Bar with skewers and beer—it’s the essence of camaraderie.”
It’s a place for celebrations, post-work relaxation, and a flavorful escape from the city’s fast pace. Guan’s Wings Bar has witnessed countless stories of growth—from student celebrations to professional reunions. If you want to experience how locals spend their summer nights, this is the place to be.
3. Ingredients & Craftsmanship: The Pursuit of Perfection in Every Skewer
Guan’s Wings Bar is meticulous about its ingredients. They established a dedicated Wing Research Institute, sourcing premium spices from across China:
- Chicken wings weighing 25–30g, with a skin-to-meat ratio of 2:8, found to be ideal for grilling.
- Chili from Zunyi, Guizhou.
- Honey from Taihe, Anhui.
- Cumin from Toksun, Xinjiang.
- Sichuan peppercorns from Hanyuan, Sichuan.
Their unique “Nine Standards” grilling process involves:
- Selecting, cleaning, and marinating ingredients with precision.
- Grilling each skewer for exactly 12 minutes, with the chef flipping it 300 times—every 2 seconds—to ensure even cooking.
- Only chefs with over three years of experience are allowed to grill, blending tradition with modern techniques.
4. Signature Dishes: Beyond Chicken Wings
While renowned for their wings, Guan’s Wings Bar offers a variety of must-try dishes:
- Classic Secret Grilled Wings: A harmonious blend of sweet, numbing, and spicy flavors.
- Lamb Skewers: Tender and flavorful, made from premium Ningxia lamb.
- Grilled Beef Tendons: Chewy and aromatic, perfect with beer.
- Grilled Oysters: Plump and juicy, known as the “man’s energy station.”
- Cheese Baked Sweet Potatoes: A 2025 innovation combining sweet and savory tastes.
- Dumpling Soup: A classic Beijing comfort food, soothing and spicy.
5. Flavor Experience: A Symphony for the Taste Buds
The moment a freshly grilled wing is served, its golden, crispy exterior entices the senses. Biting into it releases a satisfying crunch, followed by a burst of juicy tenderness.
The flavor profile unfolds as:
- A subtle sweetness.
- A hint of numbing spice.
- A gentle warmth from chili.
This layered taste is the essence of Guan’s Wings Bar’s two-decade-old recipe. Equally impressive is their grilled chicken skin—crispy like paper, crackling with each bite, light yet flavorful
6. Pairing Recommendations: Elevate Your Dining Experience
To fully enjoy the Guan’s Wings Bar experience, consider these pairings:
- Beverages: Locals favor chilled wheat beer (especially German-style white beer). Non-drinkers can opt for Beibingyang soda.
- Main Course: Pair wings with dumpling soup or grilled bread slices. The bread is crispy on the outside, soft inside, with a hint of milk flavor—ideal for balancing spiciness.
- Ordering Sequence: Start with cold dishes (like peanuts and edamame), followed by grilled wings and skewers, and conclude with dumpling soup.
7. Where to Eat: Convenient Locations for Tourists
Guan’s Wings Bar has over 50 branches in Beijing. Here are some easily accessible ones for visitors:
- Zhongguancun Branch: 1st Floor, Tianchuang Technology Building, 8 Caihefang Road, Haidian District (near Suzhoujie or Zhongguancun Subway Station).
- Wudaokou Branch: Room 202, 2nd Floor, Dongyuan Building, 35 Chengfu Road, Qinghuayuan Street (near Wudaokou Subway Station).
- Di’anmen Original Branch: Located on Beijing’s central axis, adjacent to Nanluoguxiang, offering a blend of tradition and modernity.
Most branches operate from 10 AM to midnight. Average spending is around 98–100 RMB per person. English-speaking staff are available, and QR code ordering with picture menus is convenient for foreign tourists.
8. Tips for Foreign Visitors
- Best Time to Visit: Lunch on weekdays usually doesn’t require waiting. Dinner and weekends may have queues; consider avoiding peak hours.
- Spice Levels: Wings range from sweet (no spice) to extremely spicy. It’s advisable for foreigners to start with mild options.
- Seating Preferences: For a quieter experience, request a second-floor seat. For a view of the grilling process, sit near the bar.
- Payment Methods: Accepts credit cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and other international payment options.
- English Name: “Guan’s Wings Bar” (showing this to a taxi driver is effective).
Next time you’re in Beijing, after visiting the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, step into a Guan’s Wings Bar. Experience the enticing aroma of charcoal-grilled wings and the authentic nightlife of Beijing.
A golden grilled wing and a chilled beer—this might just be your most unforgettable culinary memory in China.
Ready to join the BBQ scene in Beijing? Embrace the joy—every day is worth a little celebration. This is the philosophy of Guan’s Wings Bar.
