Drinkers in Shanghai's Hongqiao area are getting a truly authentic Oktoberfest experience this year as local German restaurant Hacker-Dschorr Brauhaus has gone all-out to bring a real slice of Bavaria to China for its four-day beer festival, which started on Sept 19.

The restaurant in Hongqiao Central Business District has pulled out all the stops this year, bringing in brewing equipment, raw materials and even master brewers from Germany in a bid to make sure its beer is the real deal.

There will also be a range of traditionally hearty Bavarian food on offer, including German sausage and roasted pork knuckle, as well as barbecue and seafood buffet.

And providing the soundtrack will be an authentic Austrian oompah band, which has been playing countries around Europe and Asia for 20 years.

The only worry is whether the local punters will be able to handle all the hoppy beer, heavy food and blaring horns.

The first Oktoberfest was held on Oct 12, 1810, when citizens in Munich, Germany celebrated the royal wedding of Kronprinz Ludwig (1786-1868), later King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The festival has since become an important part of Bavarian culture.

Every year, more than six million people gather in Munich, Germany to take part in the famed event, which typically involves much singing, dancing and the consumption of vast quantities of Bavarian beer.

Can't wait to sink that first cool stein of wheat beer? Join the party at Hacker-Dschorr Brauhaus at No. 3, Lane 888, Shenchang Road, Shanghai. For inquiries, please call 021-64880066.