Chinese Toasting and Drinking Culture: Gan Bei, Baijiu, and Business Dinners
Published: April 29, 2026
Short Answer
Chinese toasting culture revolves around "gan bei" (干杯), which literally means "dry cup" and signals you should drain your glass. At business dinners and banquets, toasting is a ritual that builds relationships and shows respect. If you cannot drink, it is acceptable to refuse politely by citing health reasons or substituting with tea.
Chinese banquet table with baijiu glasses and dishes
Deep Dive
What is Gan Bei?
Gan bei (干杯) is the Chinese equivalent of "cheers," but the expectation is far more serious than a casual clink of glasses. When someone proposes a gan bei, they expect you to drink the entire contents of your glass in one go. This practice is deeply embedded in Chinese social and business culture, where shared drinking symbolizes trust, sincerity, and camaraderie.
The tradition dates back thousands of years to ancient Chinese banquet culture, where drinking together was considered a bonding ritual. Today, it remains a cornerstone of relationship-building, particularly in business settings where deals are often sealed over dinner tables rather than in boardrooms.
Baijiu: The Drink of Choice
Baijiu (白酒) is the most common spirit served at Chinese banquets. This clear, high-proof liquor (typically 40-60% ABV) is distilled from grain, usually sorghum, and has a strong, distinctive flavor that many Westerners find challenging. Popular brands include Maotai (茅台), Wuliangye (五粮液), and Luzhou Laojiao (泸州老窖).
There are four main aroma types:
- Strong aroma (浓香型): The most popular type, with a rich, slightly sweet flavor
- Sauce aroma (酱香型): Complex and savory, Maotai is the most famous example
- Light aroma (清香型): Cleaner and milder, often preferred by newcomers
- Rice aroma (米香型): Gentle and floral, made from rice
For those unaccustomed to baijiu, the first sip can be shocking. The flavor is often compared to jet fuel or licorice. However, appreciating baijiu is considered a sign of cultural respect, and hosts will be delighted if you try it genuinely.
The Toasting Ritual at Business Dinners
Chinese business dinners follow a loose but recognizable structure:
- The host opens: The highest-ranking person at the table typically proposes the first toast. Everyone stands, clinks glasses, and drinks.
- Individual toasts: After the opening toast, individuals circulate the table toasting specific people. You should stand when toasting someone senior to you.
- Clinking hierarchy: When clinking glasses, hold your glass lower than the person you are toasting if they are senior or of higher status. This is a sign of respect.
- The rounds: Expect multiple rounds of toasting throughout the meal. The host may propose several group toasts, and individuals will come around for personal toasts.
How to Refuse Politely
Not everyone can or wants to drink alcohol, and Chinese culture has established ways to handle this gracefully:
- Cite health reasons: Say "我身体不好，不能喝酒" (wǒ shēntǐ bù hǎo, bù néng hē jiǔ), meaning "My health is not good, I cannot drink." This is universally accepted.
- Substitute with tea: You can toast with tea instead. Say "我以茶代酒" (wǒ yǐ chá dài jiǔ), meaning "I use tea in place of wine."
- Claim medication: Mentioning you are on medication that prohibits alcohol is a foolproof excuse.
- Start with a small amount: If you want to participate but cannot keep up, pour a tiny amount and sip rather than drain.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Never toast with an empty glass; always have at least a small amount of liquid.
- Do not refuse the first toast outright; accept it symbolically even if you drink very little.
- Avoid pouring your own drink; Chinese etiquette encourages pouring for others first.
- Never turn a glass upside down after drinking, as this can be seen as disrespectful.