20 for 20: Jing-A Brewing's Alex Acker
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In 20 for 20, we profile 20 movers and shakers who, much like The Beijinger, have called the capital home for 20 years or more.
Alex Acker is one of a few who has been in Beijing since before the Millenium. He's witnessed the capital go through many changes throughout the 20+ years he's been here, too. He's seen people come and go, businesses pop up and close down, but this calm, collected, and confident Connecticuter isn’t going anywhere, and his time-tested dedication to being in Beijing means he's in it for the long haul. Alex and his business partner at Jing-A Brewing, Kris Li, might have never imagined they'd be here for as long as they've been, but these capital brewers won’t be folding anytime soon. This is because, Alex tells me, doubling down has gotten them to where they are today, and they're not stopping anytime soon.
The man, the myth, the legend, Alex Acker
What brought you to Beijing, and when?
My first trip to Beijing was in 1989, as part of a last minute mother/son trip. I still remember that trip vividly, but I didn’t move to Beijing properly until 2000, when I came to teach and study for what was meant to be a one-year post college grad fellowship at Beijing Normal University (BNU). The idea was - being half Chinese but born and raised in the US - to come and explore the culture, travel, study Chinese, and generally play a bit before going back “home” to find a real job.
What were some of your first impressions of the city?
A lot had changed since my first visit in 1989! I remember thinking how developed it all seemed in 2000 – the energy, the people, the endless construction – and yet with a fantastic sense of random daily adventure and friendly interactions that I’ve come to love in Beijing.
Alex's first days at BNU
Did you imagine at that time that you’d still be here more than 20 years later?
No way! I always had a one to two-year plan to leave, right up until Kris and I doubled down by starting Jing-A in 2012.
I remember the first day I arrived in Beijing in 2000 for my year at BNU. I was traveling with a college buddy, and we checked into the Zhaolong Hotel at Changhong Qiao, which back in the day had a backpacker hostel attached to it. Being our first night in Beijing, of course we went in search of Chinese food. But not knowing the city (and without Dianping or even an updated Lonely Planet) we ended up walking down Sanlitun Jiuba Jie (the east side of which has changed very little over the years!) – with touts calling out to us for pizza, burgers and beers when all we wanted was some nice local food! We ended up at 1001 Nights with a 30 RMB plate of jiaozi. That was our first meal in Beijing. It got much better from there of course.
What’s changed the most since you first arrived?
I’d say the prosperity of the people first and foremost. Of course, the city has changed incredibly – 20 years in Beijing is perhaps like 50 (or even 100) years somewhere else – and many parts of town are transformed. But I think the biggest change is that the average person in Beijing is just living so much more comfortably than they were 20 years ago, and that shows in the way they live, dress, travel, go out, and especially what their hopes and aspirations are for themselves, and their families now compared with folks in 2000.
Alex (R) with Jing-A business partner Kris Li (L)
How do you think Beijing has changed you as a person?
I’ve basically grown up in Beijing, so I’d say that the city has changed me quite a bit! I started as a fresh college grad, eager to start my life adventure, and over the last 20 years I’ve been blessed with amazing career opportunities, friendships, love, and family. What Kris and I have been able to do with Jing-A in the last 10 years, starting a craft brewery and being part of the first wave in craft brewing in China - has been a once in a lifetime opportunity too. So, I’m just very grateful – perhaps more grateful as a person, and more confident, calm, and content with who I am than I was 20 years ago.
What’s your main reasons for why Beijing continues to be a draw for you to this day?
Beijing may look completely different – but under it all, it’s still the place I fell in love with 20 years ago. Still a place with a fantastic energy, friendly people, a daily sense of adventure, and randomness that puts a smile on my face. All of that, plus, with Jing-A, Kris and I are just having too much fun brewing and trying to introduce more people to the joys of good beer!
Name your three favorite places in the city (aside from your home), could be restaurants, parks, cafes, tourist attractions, neighborhoods, experiences.
1. Maybe it’s because I have two little ones now – but I’m a fan of the Chaoyang Park/Maizidian area, for picnics followed by Japanese food or a glass of wine at Vin Vino.
2. The hutong areas around our Longfusi taproom in Dongsi is great as well for wanderers. Here you can catch an art exhibit at the Mwoods gallery, followed by pints at the taproom.
3. Finally, we love to get out to the Great Wall in the Huairou area when we can for short country breaks.Alex with his two daughters, Mika and Lola
I certainly spend my time differently than I did when I was in my twenties! It’s a lot more nights in with my girls, playing/reading/tucking them in, and activities on weekends - and less nights out. But that’s how I like it, and I still have plenty of beer and adventures in my life with Jing-A, so I’m very content with the balance.
What’s one piece of advice you have for relatively recent arrivals (within the last year)?
Brush up on your Chinese early, if you’re not pretty close to fluent already. Your experience here will be much better for it. And you never know – you could end up staying much longer than you originally planned!
After all these years, Alex, Kris, and Jing-A are still going strong
Are you still doing what you came here to do, 20 years ago?
Yes - in the sense of finding my life adventure. But if you had told me 20 years ago that I would still be in Beijing now, with a wife and kids and brewing craft beer, I would have thought you were nuts.
READ: Celebrating 20 Years of The Beijinger with Your Stories
Images courtesy of Alex Acker
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