Alcohol & Baijiu Culture in China: Essential Business Etiquette

Category: Wining & Dining · Updated April 2026

Overview

Alcohol at business banquets serves the social function of breaking down formality and testing character. How you handle yourself during a drinking session reflects your broader trustworthiness.

Dos ✅

• Accept the first toast graciously
• Learn a few Chinese toasting phrases (ganbei, suiyi)
• Propose a return toast
• It is acceptable to switch to beer if you explain why
• Drinking with the host signals trust and openness

Don'ts ❌

• Don't refuse every toast — it signals aloofness
• Don't drink before the host
• Don't fill your own glass (others will refill it)
• Don't underestimate the strength of maotai baijiu (53% ABV)
• Don't assume women don't drink — many do

Industry Notes

In foreign-invested enterprises and international sectors, less drinking pressure exists. In domestic manufacturing, mining, and government, banquet drinking is part of the deal process.

Doing Business in China

Understanding Chinese business culture is essential for success. China operates on guanxi (relationship networks), mianzi (face/reputation), and long-term relationship building. Business deals in China take longer than in Western markets but tend to be more durable once established.