1. Tea: Tea is the most popular drink in China and an integral part of Chinese culture.
- Green Tea (绿茶 Lǜchá): One of the most popular teas, known for its delicate taste and high antioxidant content.
- Oolong Tea (乌龙茶 Wūlóngchá): Semi-oxidized tea, known for its rich floral notes.
- Pu-erh Tea (普洱茶 Pǔ'ěr chá): Dark tea, famous for its earthy, aged flavors.
2. Hot Water: Drinking hot water (白开水 Báikāishuǐ) is a common practice in China, often consumed after meals or throughout the day.
3. Soy Milk (豆浆 Dòujiāng): Non-dairy milk made from soaked and ground soybeans, often consumed for breakfast or as a mid-day snack.
4. Chinese Herbal Teas (凉茶 Liángchá): Various teas made from herbs, traditionally used for their health benefits.
- Luo Han Guo Tea (罗汉果茶 Luóhàn guǒchá): Sweet and refreshing tea made from monk fruit.
- Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶 Júhuāchá): Known for its cooling and calming properties.
5. Fruit Teas: Served hot or cold, combining fruits with tea to enhance both flavor and health benefits.
6. Soft Drinks: Western soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Sprite are also popular in China.
7. Alcoholic Drinks:
- Baijiu (白酒 Bái Jiǔ): Chinese distilled liquor made from grains like wheat, sorghum, or rice, with a high alcohol content (40-60%).
- Huangjiu (黄酒 Huáng Jiǔ): Yellow rice wine with various flavors and styles, consumed warm.
- Red Wine (红酒 Hóng Jiǔ) and White Wine (白葡萄酒 Bái Pútáojiǔ): Both international and Chinese-made wine varieties are enjoyed.
- Beer (啤酒 Píjiǔ): Tsingtao, Yanjing, and Snow are some popular Chinese beer brands.
It's important to note that preferences can vary based on regions and individual tastes. Local specialties and traditions also play a significant role in shaping beverage choices across different parts of China.