Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Chinese drinking habits reflect millennia of tradition, regional diversity, and modern health trends. The top beverages include:
Consumed daily by millions, tea comes in countless varieties—green, black, oolong, white, pu-erh, and floral blends. It's served at meals, during business meetings, and as a gesture of hospitality.
Plain hot water is a staple, believed in traditional Chinese medicine to aid digestion and balance the body's qi. It's served with every meal in homes and restaurants.
Fermented from glutinous rice, these alcohols range from mild, sweet huangjiu (10–15% ABV) to fiery baijiu (40–60% ABV). They're essential at celebrations, banquets, and in cooking.
A traditional plant-based protein source, soy milk is commonly drunk warm at breakfast or as a midday snack, often sweetened or paired with youtiao (fried dough sticks).
Freshly squeezed juices, fruit teas, and packaged fruit beverages are popular refreshments, especially in summer.
Together, these drinks paint a picture of a culture where what you sip is as meaningful as what you eat.