Prost! Oktoberfesting in Beijing

The original Oktoberfest in Munich may already have finished, but Beijing is just getting started, with the biggest Oktoberfests kicking off around town last weekend. As ever, the Kempinski's Oktoberfest will capture much of the attention - it also runs much longer than other Oktoberfest events - but China World Hotel is giving Kempinski's Paulaner Brauhaus some competition this year with its inaugural Oktoberfest.

Hopfenstube at Crowne Plaza Chaoyang U-Town comes in with a late rally at the end of the month - as well as the cheapest deal offered by the hotels - while SALT have used their initiative again and come up with a beer degustation menu for those who are put off by the prospect of grown men dressed in lederhosen shouting "Prost!" every ten minutes. Take a look at our photo galleries for a glimpse of what's been going on at the Kempinski and China World, but for all the details of the events themselves, read on.

Paulaner Brauhaus at the Kempinski
Until Oct 23. Beijing's oldest Oktoberfest has been running since 1993, but is going as strong as ever into its 19th year. Taking place in an tent set up specially for the event, Kempinski's Oktoberfest is great fun and still the most traditional Oktoberfest experience. There are several beer options, including Paulaner's lager, wheat beer (cans only) and their special Oktoberfest brew. The menu features a greatest hits of the Paulaner menu, so there are sausages by the ton, pork knuckle and more.

The Donautal Duo Band provide musical entertainment, playing traditional German drinking songs along with the odd popular-in-China hit like "Country Roads" and a bit of Teresa Teng. The band also rolls multiple costume changes and lots of crowd interaction into an evening of fun, dancing and no shortage of Oktoberfest toasting. They even throw in an Oktoberfest songbook for extra value to help you sing along. Meanwhile, a crew of dancing ladies appear at regular intervals for high-octane dancing - they might just try to rope you in as well. Food and drinks are both ordered a la carte, so there's no fixed price or entry cost, but for a decent night expect to spend at least around RMB 300 per person. Packages are available for larger groups. 15% service charge applies. 6-11pm. Paulaner Brauhaus, Kempinski

China World Hotel
Until Oct 16. This Oktoberfest debutante has hit the ground running with a great, roomy space just beside the Traders Hotel, a good band and flat-rate all you can drink (and eat!) pricing. If you're new to Oktoberfesting, you might be drawn in by the RMB 360 lunch deal, only available on Saturday and Sunday. However, we say treat it as a rowdier cousin of a champagne brunch: Go all in, throw down the RMB 518, enjoy yourself and make the most of it. There are two Weihenstephan beer options - Oktoberfest and wheat - and the buffet includes sausages from an outdoor grill, self-serve salads, bread dumplings, roasted meats and more.

The Bavarian Beat Boys kick off with traditional Oktoberfest singalongs before ending the night with a series of rock and pop hits covering everyone from the Black Eyed Peas to Status Quo. The music is punctuated by prize draws and games, including a stein-hoisting test of strength. Dinner buffet: RMB 518, RMB 688 (VIP). Lunch (Sat and Sun only): RMB 360. China World Hotel

Hopfenstube
Oct 25-29. This one starts after the big two have finished, so if you miss out you've got one last shot at Oktoberfest with Hopfenstube. Live German music to accompany your four-course Bavarian set dinner and unlimited house-brewed beer. RMB 288. 6.30-10.30pm. Hopfenstube

SALT
Every Monday to Saturday in October, SALT is presenting an Oktoberfest beer degustation - five courses, each paired with a different beer (or cider). The drinks include Pure Blonde, Blue Star Wheat, Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and Estrella Inedit, while dishes feature cod, squid stuffed with sausage, beef tenderloin and a rack of lamb. You can even opt out of the beer and enjoy a selection of wines instead. RMB 538, RMB 338 (food only). SALT

An Oktoberfest Primer
What to Expect
Lederhosen (on men)
Milkmaid dresses (on women)
Massive jugs (of beer)
Copious clinking of glasses
Spontaneous congas
Bawdy songs
The occasional bawdy prop

Essential Preparation and Practise
Rudimentary Oktoberfest phrases - check out Wired.com's excellent guide to the essential terminology

Songs - learn and download all the classics here
Holding a full one-liter stein of beer at arm's length
Merrily swinging a full one-liter stein of beer while standing up
Lifting a full one-liter stein of beer to your mouth - harder than it sounds
Schlompen - the art of moving to the left, right, forwards and backwards while linking arms with your neighbors

Hazards
benches (when the guy next to you stands up)
riotously drunk people
bands and dancers inviting you to make a fool of yourself on stage

In other words, great fun. Prost!