Chinese Drinking Culture: Toasts, Ganbei and "Sui Yi"

On the Chinese dinner table, alcohol is social language. Baijiu (like Moutai and Wuliangye) leads formal banquets; beer and wine are common too.

Toasting order: elders or leaders first, then peers; keep your glass lower than theirs (respect); after clinking, match their amount - do not drink less.

Ganbei: empty your glass - warm enthusiasm; if you cannot drink, say "yǐ chá dài jiǔ" or "suíyì" and hosts rarely insist.

"Wǒ suíyì, nǐ gānbēi": usually means I sip, you finish - a half-joking toast; reply "suíyì suíyì" and it is resolved.

Taboos: no backhand pouring, no crossing arms over the table, avoid saying "sì" (sounds like death); pressure-drinking is fading as moderation is encouraged.

For newcomers: say early that you cannot drink and switch to soft drinks or tea - everyone understands; far better than losing composure.