In China, alcohol is also called the "Water of History" because stories of liquor can traced back to almost every period in Chinese history. It is believed that China has about 4,000 years of history. A legend said that Yi Di, the wife of the first dynasty's King Yu (about 2100 BC) invented the method to make alcohol.
In ancient China, since alcohol was regarded as a sacred liquid only when people made sacrificial offerings to Heaven and the Earth or ancestors was it used. After the Zhou dynasty, alcohol was deemed as one of the Nine Rites, and every dynasty put great emphasis on alcohol administration to set up special ministries to manage alcohol production and banqueting. Later, along with the development of zymotechnics and brewery, alcohol became an ordinary drink. Thus, many customs concerning alcohol formed and evolved which had and have various relationships with Chinese daily life.
Today, Chinese Alcohol, a part of Chinese Food Culture. In modern China ,it is still remains an important role in this folklore, despite many social vicissitudes.In different minority and different area in China, alcohol still appears in almost all social activities, the most common occasions being birthday parties for seniors, wedding feasts and sacrifice ceremonies, where liquor must be the main drink to show happiness...more
 |
 |
 |
| Chinese Alcohol History | Chinese Drinking Vessels | Drinking at wedding |
 |
 |
 |
| Chinese Drinking Games | Chinese Drinking Customs | Chinese Drinking Etiquette |
Famous Chinese Alcohol
Alcohol always accompanies delicious & sumptuous dishes either when people first meet or when old friends have a reunion. China produces liquor, beer & various types of wine, like yellow wine, and fruit wine. Generally, Chinese wine falls into four categories: white liquor, yellow liquor, beer, and fruit wine.
Alcohol always accompanies delicious & sumptuous dishes either when people first meet or when old friends have a reunion. China produces liquor, beer & various types of wine, like yellow wine, and fruit wine. Generally, Chinese wine falls into four categories: white liquor, yellow liquor, beer, and fruit wine.
 |
 |
 |
| Chinese White Liquor | Chinese Yellow Liquor | Chinese Rice Wine |
However China mainly produces distilled liquors. The most famous Chinese liquor is Maotai, a 55% spirit made of wheat and sorghum that, for centuries, has been produced in Maotai Town, Guizhou province. Besides, Wuliangye and Erguotou are also popular among the Chinese people.
In ancient times, wine seldom dominated, although there are evidences suggesting it had a long history. Wine and its brewing technology were once introduced from the neighboring regions in the Han, Tang and Yuan dynasties. During the Tang dynasty, wine was popular and was highly praised by many famous poets. It was served as the designated offerings for the Royal Ancestral Temple during the Yuan dynasty, since the ruler was addicted to it.
The amber colored yellow wine is unique product of China and is deemed as one of the three ancient alcoholic beverages in the world.
Alcoholic beverage like today's beer called Li was produced long ago, but supply was very limited though. When maiden were to become adults, they would drink Li to celebrate it as a special occasion.