Just as in many other countries across the globe, there happens to be a distinctive drinking culture in China. However, there is a key difference between this nation and drinking in the West; in China, the focus will be on the people you are drinking with rather than the beverage itself. Provided below are some guidelines with regard to the Chinese drinking culture and etiquette that will assist you as you experience social drinking in this country.

Baijiu - Image via Flickr

The typical drink at a Chinese business dinner would be Baijiu, also known as sorghum wine. Baijiu happens to be a clear liquor that is as strong as tequila, albeit with an additional burning sensation. Maotai is often the preferred Baijiu brand; this tipple has a significantly greater alcohol content than Western vodka. However, red wine is also now a popular choice at Chinese dinner parties due to the increasing consumption of luxury goods. In this regard, popular options would be quality French wines like Latour or Lafite. Additionally, beer is popularly consumed in China, with local brands like Harbin Beer and Tsingtao often selected.

A number of customary toasts would often be featured at drinking parties in China. The phrase ‘Ganbei’ may be regarded as being corresponding to the English expression ‘Cheers’. On the other hand, the expression ‘Wo jing ni yibei’ is employed to toast a particular individual. At this time, the person who is toasted is expected to take at least a sip of their drink. Another more gracious way of toasting someone is using the phrase ‘Wo ganle, ni suiyi’ with the meaning ‘I will empty my glass, but you may drink at leisure’. Shanghai apartments to consider where you could base yourself as you experience the dining and drinking culture of China would be those offered by Citadines West Yan’an Road Shanghai ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

A certain amount of etiquette also applies to the drinking culture in China. For instance, when glasses are clinked, junior persons are expected to keep their glasses at a lower position in comparison to those of people of higher rank or status. Further, an individual who proffers a toast is expected to complete their drink. Additionally, it would be considered exceedingly rude to decline a drink following a toast. In fact, the quantity that you drink after being toasted is considered to reflect the level of respect you wish to show towards the person making the toast. Accordingly, draining your glass would convey the greatest respect in this situation!

Several interesting drinking games are played in social drinking settings in China. In a popular finger guessing game, two persons would sit facing each other; each of these players would at the correct moment show their fists, which could be closed or open. For each open fist, five points would be accorded. The objective of the game is to guess the total number of points for each round, with the guess being uttered at the same moment that the fists are presented. Should the guess be incorrect, the relevant player must consume a drink.

Keep in mind that dinners and social drinking events in China would typically extend for hours. As you may be obliged to be part of a night of significant drinking, it is advisable to hydrate yourself and eat sufficiently between your drinks. If you feel that you are approaching your personal drinking limit, you may drink beer rather than Baijiu. You may even switch over to consuming tea if you feel that you can’t keep up the drinking. Remember that non-drinkers would have the opportunity to obtain a pot of Chinese tea instead of alcoholic drinks and not miss out on the good times with others.