Super Size This: Alcohol

Alcohol has always been a big part of Chinese culture, especially when it comes to business relationships ('guanxi' meaning relationship is a buzz word you'll often hear when describing business dealings in China). Now with more money and more alcohol varieties, the need for alcohol - and good alcohol - is amplified. Just look at my grandpa's liquor stash, which is really half of it.
Alcohol is considered perfect for gifting, socializing, dining, and impressing. And its extra impressive if you can drink a lot and don't get drunk. It's actually culturally embarrassing to be seen drunk. Sure makes me want to test out some of my drinking buddies if they can be the last man standing (Gary? Arnold?).

Beer flavored tea

Alcohol has always had a presence in my life growing up in Beijing. I vividly remember my grandpa drinking liquor around me and dipping his chopstick into his shot glass to give me a sample.  There's no drinking age in China so kids are exposed to alcohol at a very young age.  However, culturally, the Chinese drink as a way to enjoy a meal.   So it is not a big surprise to hear that there's not a drinking problem among Chinese youth. 
Pictured here is a popular new beverage that is a combination of beer and tea in a bottle designed to resemble a beer bottle.

 

Sex and Mojitos

Some interesting signs in Houhai. In recent years, this area surrounding a lake has been turned into a popular and trendy bar district attracting many foreigners as well as young locals.