China’s signature alcoholic drinks are baijiu, Chinese wine, and craft beer, each with distinct flavors, regional roots, and etiquette rules. This guide covers what to try, where to taste, and how to order politely on your 2026 trip.
What Are China’s Most Popular Alcoholic Drinks?
Baijiu
Baijiu is China’s national spirit, a clear distilled drink made from grains like sorghum, wheat, rice, corn, and glutinous rice. It typically ranges from 38% to 65% ABV, making it stronger than most Western spirits. Production involves fermenting grains in mud pits or earthen jars, then distilling and aging the resulting liquid.
Baijiu is categorized by its aroma profile, with four main types:
- Strong aroma (nongxiang): The most widely produced style, accounting for around 70% of baijiu output. It has a sweet, fruity, and complex flavor, with major producers in Sichuan province such as Luzhou Laojiao and Wuliangye.
- Sauce aroma (jiangxiang): A bold, savory style fermented for longer periods, with an earthy, umami depth. The most famous example is Moutai from Guizhou province, often served at formal banquets and special occasions.
- Light aroma (qingxiang): A crisp, clean style made from sorghum and pea yeast, with a lighter flavor profile. Fenjiu from Shanxi province is the best-known brand.
- Rice aroma (mixiang): A mild, sweet style made from rice, mostly produced in southern China and Guangxi province, such as Sanhuajiu.
Baijiu is traditionally served in small ceramic or glass cups, and is almost always drunk alongside food, not on an empty stomach. First-time visitors may find sauce aroma baijiu intense, so it is recommended to start with light or rice aroma styles if you prefer milder flavors.
Chinese Wine
Modern Chinese grape wine has grown rapidly over the past 40 years, and China is now one of the world’s top wine-producing countries by volume. While traditional fermented rice wines (huangjiu) have existed for thousands of years, the term Chinese wine usually refers to grape wine for most international visitors.
Key wine regions in China include:
- Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region: The Helan Mountain East Foothills is China’s most acclaimed wine region, known for bold cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Wineries here have won multiple international awards, and the region has over 200 operational vineyards.
- Shandong province: Yantai is home to Changyu Pioneer Wine, China’s oldest commercial winery, founded in 1892. The region produces a wide range of red, white, and sparkling wines.
- Yunnan province: High-altitude vineyards around Dali and Lijiang (2,000-2,500 meters above sea level) produce wines with bright acidity and unique floral notes, thanks to the cool climate and large day-night temperature difference.
Wine tasting prices in China are generally lower than comparable European or American wineries, with most tastings costing 50-300 RMB per person, depending on the winery and number of wines tasted.
Chinese Craft Beer
China’s craft beer scene emerged in the early 2010s and has expanded rapidly, with hundreds of craft breweries now operating across the country. While commercial lagers like Tsingtao and Zhujiang remain the most widely consumed, craft beer is popular among younger locals and international visitors.
Many Chinese craft breweries incorporate local ingredients into their beers, such as Sichuan peppercorn, osmanthus flower, lychee, pu-erh tea, and chili pepper. Popular styles include pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and sour beers.
Top cities for craft beer include:
- Beijing: Home to some of China’s oldest craft breweries, including Great Leap Brewing and Jing-A Brewing, with multiple taprooms across the city.
- Shanghai: A hub for international and local craft beer, with well-known spots like Boxing Cat Brewery.
- Qingdao: The birthplace of Tsingtao Beer, China’s most famous export beer, with a growing craft beer scene alongside its commercial brewing heritage.
Commercial beers cost 3-5 RMB for a 330ml can in convenience stores, and 10-20 RMB in restaurants. Craft beers typically cost 30-60 RMB per pint in taprooms, with flight options (4-6 beers) available for 80-120 RMB.
Chinese Drinking Etiquette for Visitors
Drinking is an important part of social and business culture in China, and following basic etiquette will help you avoid missteps and make a good impression. Key rules to keep in mind:
- Toasting: When someone offers a toast, stand if you are in a formal banquet setting, and hold your glass with both hands (right hand on the glass, left hand supporting the bottom) as a sign of respect.
- Glass height: When clinking glasses, lower your glass slightly below the other person’s if they are older, of higher status, or your host. If you are unsure, matching the other person’s height is acceptable, especially for foreign visitors.
- Ganbei: The word ganbei literally means 'dry cup', and is often used during toasts. While it is polite to finish your drink if you are able, it is also okay to take a small sip if you cannot drink much, especially if you explain politely.
- Pouring: It is polite to pour drinks for others before yourself, starting with the oldest or most senior person at the table. If someone pours your drink, tap the table lightly with your index and middle fingers to say thank you – this custom is especially common in southern China.
- Refusing drinks: If you do not drink alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons, you can decline politely. Say 'wǒ bù hē jiǔ, xiè xie' (I don’t drink alcohol, thank you) and offer to toast with tea, soda, or water instead. Hosts may encourage you to drink out of hospitality, but being firm but polite is almost always respected.
- Drinking with meals: Alcohol is nearly always consumed with food in China. Drinking on an empty stomach is generally discouraged, as it is seen as unhealthy and impolite.
Where to Try Chinese Drinks on Your Trip
China’s drink-producing regions are spread across the country, so you can easily add tastings to most travel itineraries. Below are the top spots for each type of drink.
Baijiu Tasting Regions
- Maotai Town, Guizhou: Located in Renhuai City, this is the home of Moutai and the center of sauce aroma baijiu production. You can visit the Moutai Distillery Museum, take a guided tour of the distillery grounds, and taste rare vintages. As of November 2026, Moutai distillery tours require advance booking, with tickets ranging from 100-300 RMB per person depending on the tour type. Re-check availability and prices before travel.
- Luzhou and Yibin, Sichuan: These two cities are the heart of strong aroma baijiu production. Luzhou Laojiao offers a museum and distillery tour, where you can see ancient fermentation pits that have been in use for hundreds of years. Yibin is home to Wuliangye, another top strong aroma brand. Small family-run distilleries in the area offer casual tastings for 20-50 RMB per person.
- Fenyang, Shanxi: The birthplace of light aroma baijiu, home to the Fenjiu brand. The Fenjiu Museum covers the history of baijiu production in the region, and entry includes a tasting of two classic Fenjiu styles. As of November 2026, entry costs 60 RMB per person. Confirm opening times before travel.
Chinese Wine Tasting Regions
- Helan Mountain East Foothills, Ningxia: This is the most popular wine tourism destination in China, with over 200 wineries open to visitors. Most wineries offer guided tours and tastings, and many have on-site restaurants serving local Hui cuisine paired with wine. The best time to visit is September and October during harvest season. As of November 2026, standard winery tours cost 100-300 RMB per person, including 2-3 tastings.
- Yantai, Shandong: Home to Changyu Pioneer Wine, China’s oldest winery. The Changyu Wine Culture Museum features underground cellars, exhibits on the history of Chinese winemaking, and a tasting of three Changyu wines. Entry costs 80 RMB per person as of November 2026.
- Dali, Yunnan: High-altitude boutique wineries around Dali offer a more laid-back tasting experience, with views of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain. Tastings cost 50-150 RMB per person, and many wineries offer accommodation for overnight stays.
Craft Beer Destinations
- Qingdao, Shandong: The Tsingtao Beer Museum is a must-visit for beer lovers, with exhibits on the history of Tsingtao, a walk through the production line, and unlimited beer tastings. Entry costs 90 RMB per person as of November 2026. The annual Qingdao International Beer Festival takes place in August, with hundreds of beer brands from around the world, food stalls, and live performances. Dates vary each year, so confirm before travel.
- Beijing: The craft beer scene is concentrated in areas like Sanlitun and Wudaoying Hutong. You can do a self-guided pub crawl, or join a guided tour to try a range of local beers. Most taprooms offer flight boards so you can sample multiple styles.
- Chengdu, Sichuan: Craft breweries here often experiment with spicy and numbing Sichuan peppercorn beers, which pair perfectly with local hot pot. Taprooms are mostly located near the Jinli Ancient Street and Wuhou Temple areas.
Drink-Focused Tour Options with HXXC Travel
HXXC Travel, based in Jiangmen, Guangdong, specializes in custom and small-group China tours that highlight local food and drink. Below are popular drink-focused itineraries, all with English-speaking guides and private transport included.
- 7-Day Guizhou Baijiu & Minority Culture Tour: Starts and ends in Guiyang. The itinerary includes a visit to Maotai Town for distillery tours and tastings, a trip to Huangguoshu Waterfall (China’s largest waterfall), and stays in Miao and Dong ethnic villages to experience local culture. Prices start at 4,200 RMB per person (based on double occupancy), including accommodation, most meals, private transport, English-speaking guide, and all baijiu tasting fees. As of November 2026, departures are available every Friday from April to November.
- 5-Day Ningxia Wine Country Tour: Starts and ends in Yinchuan. Visit 6-8 boutique wineries in the Helan Mountain region, take part in a grape-picking workshop (September and October only), spend a day exploring the Shapotou Desert, and try local Hui cuisine. Prices start at 3,800 RMB per person (double occupancy), including accommodation, meals, private transport, guide, and wine tastings.
- 3-Day Qingdao Beer & Coastal Food Tour: Starts and ends in Qingdao. Includes a visit to the Tsingtao Beer Museum, a guided craft beer pub crawl, a day hike in Laoshan Mountain, and fresh seafood meals at local restaurants. Prices start at 1,900 RMB per person (double occupancy), including accommodation, breakfasts, local transport, guide, and beer tasting fees.
- Custom itineraries: HXXC Travel can create fully custom drink-focused tours to match your interests and travel schedule. For example, a 10-day Sichuan food and baijiu tour, a 14-day Yunnan wine and tea tour, or a day trip to craft breweries and traditional rice wine distilleries near Jiangmen and Guangzhou.
All tours can be adjusted to include non-drinking activities for travelers who do not consume alcohol.
FAQ
is baijiu the same as rice wine
No, baijiu and rice wine are different drinks. Baijiu is a distilled grain spirit with 38-65% ABV, made from a mix of grains (including rice for some styles). Traditional rice wine (called huangjiu or mijiu) is fermented, not distilled, with a lower ABV of 12-20% and a sweeter, thicker texture. Rice aroma baijiu is made from rice, but it is still distilled, so it is not the same as rice wine.
what is the drinking age in china
The legal drinking age in China is 18 years old, as of November 2026. Enforcement is strict in major cities, tourist areas, and large restaurants, where you may be asked to show ID if you look younger than 18. Rules may be more relaxed in small rural towns, but travelers should always carry a form of identification to be safe.
can you drink alcohol in public in china
Drinking alcohol in public spaces like parks, sidewalks, and public transport is generally allowed in most parts of China. However, some major cities (including Beijing and Shanghai) have temporary restrictions on public drinking during large events or holidays. Public intoxication is frowned upon and may result in fines or detainment by local police. It is always best to drink in designated areas like restaurants, bars, and hotel rooms.
how much does a bottle of baijiu cost for tourists
Baijiu prices vary widely depending on the brand, age, and aroma type. Basic mass-market bottles like Erguotou (a light aroma baijiu) cost 10-30 RMB for a 500ml bottle. Mid-range bottles from reputable distilleries cost 100-500 RMB per bottle. Premium bottles like Moutai or aged Wuliangye can cost 1,000-3,000 RMB or more, depending on the vintage. Tasting portions at distilleries usually cost 20-100 RMB per pour.
do i need to book winery tours in advance in china
For popular wineries in Ningxia and major distilleries like Moutai, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons (May to October). Smaller family-run distilleries and boutique wineries usually accept walk-ins, but it is still best to call ahead to confirm opening hours and availability. As of November 2026, most large wineries offer booking through Chinese social media accounts, but English-language booking options are limited. HXXC Travel arranges all advance bookings for guests on their drink-focused tours.
is it rude to refuse a drink in china
It is not rude to refuse a drink if you have a valid reason, such as health concerns, religious beliefs, or personal preference. The key is to be polite and offer an alternative, like toasting with tea, soda, or water. You can say 'wǒ bù hē jiǔ, xiè xie' (I don’t drink alcohol, thank you) in Mandarin. Hosts may encourage you to try a small amount out of hospitality, but being firm but polite will almost always be respected, especially for foreign visitors who may not be familiar with Chinese customs.
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