Drinking Guide
Legal BAC
0.02%
Drinking Age
18+
New Drivers
Zero BAC
China's national spirit, a potent grain liquor. Moutai is the most prestigious brand.
China's most exported beer, a light German-style lager from Qingdao.
Rice wine from eastern China, often served warm. Shaoxing wine is the most famous variety.
Business drinking ("ganbei" culture) is important in China, though it's evolving. Toasting is frequent and elaborate — the host initiates, and refusing repeatedly can be seen as disrespectful. Younger urban Chinese are increasingly choosing wine and craft beer over traditional baijiu.
BAC 0.02-0.08%: "drinking driving" — license suspended 6 months, fine 1,000-2,000 RMB. BAC 0.08%+: "drunk driving" — criminal offense, license revoked for 5 years, imprisonment up to 6 months.
Learn to say "ganbei" (dry the glass) — it means bottoms up.
At business dinners, the host usually orders and leads the toasting.
Baijiu is very strong (40-60%). Pace yourself carefully.
DUI enforcement has increased dramatically in recent years.
WeChat Pay or Alipay are preferred over cash at most bars.
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