Baijiu is China's traditional distilled spirit — usually 38-53% ABV, made mainly from sorghum; Moutai and Wuliangye are the icons. Think of it as "China's whisky".
Ganbei etiquette: "Ganbei" usually means finish your glass (gan = empty). Rim height matters — when toasting an elder or superior, keep your rim lower than theirs. Make eye contact as you clink.
The flow: the host proposes the first three toasts ("let's have three first" is a classic opener), then toasts circulate; whoever is toasted should toast back.
Declining gracefully: "I can't hold my liquor, I'll toast with tea", or "I'm driving / on medication" — everyone accepts. Saying "suiyi" (as you wish) instead of "ganbei" lets you just sip.
Know your limit: baijiu hits hard and mixing worsens it. Sip slowly, eat plenty, and state your boundary up front.
