What Is Baijiu and the 5 Famous Baijiu Brands You Should Know
- Sep 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Baijiu is one of the most iconic parts of Chinese food and drinking culture. For many international travelers visiting China, this famous Chinese liquor is often something they see at restaurants, family dinners, and traditional celebrations — but may not fully understand.
Known as China’s national spirit, baijiu is a distilled liquor traditionally made from sorghum and other grains. Despite the literal translation “white alcohol,” baijiu is very different from vodka or gin. Its unique aroma, flavor, history, and drinking traditions make it an essential part of Chinese dining culture.
From wedding banquets to business dinners, baijiu represents respect, celebration, and connection. Learning about this traditional drink is also a great way to understand Chinese hospitality and local customs.
Across weddings, family banquets, and business dinners, baijiu represents respect, celebration, and connection. Understanding this drink offers a glimpse into how people in China celebrate big moments and share warm hospitality.
A Spirit with More Than 1,000 Years of History
Baijiu has deep cultural roots, with early grain-based spirits recorded thousands of years ago. Over time, it became an important part of life events across China. Whether it is a wedding toast or a business ganbei at dinner, baijiu is often the drink that brings people together.
A toast of baijiu is rarely just about drinking. It reflects friendship, sincerity, and the shared value of celebrating together.
How Strong Is Baijiu
Many visitors to China are surprised by the alcohol content of baijiu. Most bottles range from 40 percent to 60 percent ABV, making it stronger than wine, sake, or beer. However, strength is only part of the story. Baijiu is known for its layered flavor profiles, which can be fruity, floral, earthy, savory, or even smoky depending on the style.
The Different Aroma Types of Baijiu
Baijiu is classified into several major aroma categories. Each style has its own character and personality.
Sauce Aroma 酱香型
The most famous category, led by Moutai. The flavors are deep, rich, and sometimes compared to umami notes.
Strong Aroma 浓香型
Represented by Wuliangye and Luzhou Laojiao. Bold, sweet, and full-bodied.
Light Aroma 清香型
Fenjiu is the classic example. Clean, crisp, smooth, and easier for beginners.
Other Types
Rice aroma and mixed aroma are popular in specific regions throughout China.
Where Can Travelers Experience Baijiu Culture in Beijing?
For visitors to Beijing, baijiu is not only something found in bottles or gift shops. It is part of the dining culture behind traditional Chinese banquets, local restaurants, and family-style meals.
Many travelers first experience baijiu when sharing dishes with local friends, joining a traditional dinner, or exploring Beijing’s hutong neighborhoods.
Trying baijiu together with authentic Chinese food is one of the easiest ways to understand the social meaning behind this famous Chinese spirit. Join our Beijing food tours to discover local flavors and dining traditions with a local guide.
5 Famous Baijiu Brands You Should Know
Below are the most iconic baijiu brands you will frequently encounter in restaurants, gift shops, celebrations, and traditional banquets across China.
1. Moutai 茅台 (Guizhou)
Often called the national liquor of China, Moutai is the most prestigious and most recognized baijiu brand. Feitian Moutai in particular is widely collected and gifted.
Volume: 500ML
ABV: 53 percent
Price: 389.99 USD
Description: Kweichow Moutai has a history of over five centuries and is known for its complex sauce aroma. It is produced using organic sorghum and wheat, distilled during the Dragon Boat Festival season, and aged in clay pots for at least three years. Moutai is bold yet balanced and pairs well with rich foods and grilled dishes.
2. Wuliangye 五粮液 (Sichuan)
One of the most famous strong aroma baijiu brands. It is smooth, full-bodied, and commonly served at business dinners.
Volume: 750ML
ABV: 52 percent
Price: 339.9 USD
Description: Wuliangye is made from a blend of five grains. It features a peppery aroma and a rich taste with hints of pineapple and meadow grass.
3. Luzhou Laojiao 泸州老窖 (Sichuan)
Known as the birthplace of strong aroma baijiu. Guojiao 1573 is its premium label.
Volume: 500ML
ABV: 48 percent
Price: 163 USD
Description: Luzhou Laojiao is one of China’s oldest distilleries. The natural clay pits used for fermentation give this baijiu its signature floral notes and depth.
4. Fenjiu 汾酒 (Shanxi)
The classic representative of light aroma baijiu, clean and refreshing with a very long history.
Volume: 750ML
ABV: 52 percent
Price: 58.99 USD
Description: Fenjiu can be traced back more than 6000 years and was praised as an imperial wine for more than 1500 years. Known as the forefather of Chinese spirits, it remains smooth and approachable.
5. Jiannanchun 剑南春 (Sichuan)
A strong aroma style baijiu with stable quality and a more accessible price line compared to Wuliangye.
Volume: 750ML
ABV: 52 percent
Price: 120 USD
Description: Jiannanchun has a rich, layered flavor with cereal notes, subtle fruitiness, and floral aromas. It feels smooth and mellow on the palate with a long-lasting aftertaste.
Final Thoughts
Baijiu is not just a Chinese spirit; it is a vital part of tradition, culture, and celebration. Understanding the aroma types and famous brands makes it easier to appreciate the stories behind each tiny glass during a ganbei moment.
Tasting local spirits is more than trying a drink — it is a way to experience Chinese dining traditions, hospitality, and everyday culture.
Ready to experience Beijing’s food culture firsthand? Join our Beijing Food Tours to discover local dishes, traditional dining customs, and the stories behind the flavors.