In China, it's likely that you'll be invited to drink alcohol while here. If you plan on doing business in China, you should know that drinking heavily together before the deal, not after, is very common and shows that there is trust and closeness between the clients. So, before raising your glass, study up on what you'll be drinking and how to impress your Chinese friends and colleagues while having a good time.

First, here's what you're most likely to be drinking. Remember that "酒 (jiǔ)" means "alcoholic drink", so almost all of the Chinese names of these drinks include this suffix.

4 Kinds of Alcoholic Drinks in China

1. 白酒 (Báijiǔ) Liquor and Spirits.

Also called "白干 (báigān)" or "烧酒 (shāojiǔ)" in China. Maybe the most famous, or infamous Chinese alcoholic drink is "白酒 (báijiǔ)". Baijiu is sometimes called "white wine" due to translation, but it's more like whiskey or vodka. Baijiu is a spirit usually distilled from sorghum or corn. The strong and pungent drink originated during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) and became a popular drink at government functions. It is now one of the country's most popular spirits. Maybe you heard of "茅台 Moutai". It is a brand of "白酒 Baijiu", a distilled Chinese liquor (spirit). Maotai has been used on official occasions in feasts with foreign heads of state and distinguished guests visiting China. It is the only alcoholic beverage presented as an official gift by Chinese embassies in foreign countries. Beware, this stuff can burn!

Although some form of ancient beer has been around China for thousands of years, modern beer as we know it was brought into China in the early twentieth century by the Russians and Germans. The name "啤 (pí)" is translated from the English name "beer" and "酒 (jiǔ)" means alcoholic drink. Beer is very popular in summer, especially in the northeast of China. The low cost of beer and its suitability with food makes it popular throughout the country today. Beer in China is usually not as strong as in other countries, so it's a good choice if you want to drink slowly.

Wine made from grapes, similar to the famous kind associated with France, is also becoming popular in China. Nowadays, many Chinese people like to drink "葡萄酒 (pútao jiǔ)" because they feel it has health benefits and is fashionable. Recently, there are more and more social occasions that include Westerners as friends or business partners in these situations, red wine will be offered to make us foreigners feel at home (even if we prefer beer!)

Chinese yellow rice or millet wine is one of the oldest wines in the world. It's not as strong as "白酒 (báijiǔ)" and is often used as cooking. "黄酒 (huángjiǔ)" varies in color and is usually made by grain. "绍兴 Shaoxing" wine is one famous yellow wine in China that you can find throughout the country. Most foreigners prefer "黄酒 (huángjiǔ)" to other Chinese liquors since it is sweeter and less strong.

Now that you know what you're going to drink, let me give you some advice on drinking etiquette in China.

4 Tips for Drinking with the Chinese...Read More.