Summers in Guangxi are long and hot so you're going to need to keep your fluids up; beer is scientifically proven to be the best way to do this. Besides, spirits and wine are best avoided in Chinese bars and I highly recommend staying away from the local poison of choice, 白酒 white alcohol, the taste of which could generously be described as somewhere between vodka and paint stripper. So here's a quick guide about what to drink when you're in Liuzhou...
As well as better known Chinese mass produced beers such as 青岛 Qingdao and 雪花 Snow, the most popular brand in Liuzhou is 漓泉啤酒 LiQ Beer from nearby Guilin. They have a few types available, including 漓泉1998 and 漓泉新1代纯生, which are their premier offerings. The 1998 variety appears to celebrate a visit to the province 20 years ago by ex US president Bill Clinton and includes a patently false quote from the man himself (I'm fairly sure Clinton didn't speak Chinglish).
Whilst the taste is definitely not on a par with our British brews, these light beers are perfect for the long, hot summers and are a great accompaniment to evenings sat outside eating BBQ. However, if you want to move beyond these standard offerings, then there are plenty of other options available.
Liuzhou is experiencing a boom in imported beers and you can find many bars with a great variety of foreign brews. Of particular popularity here are German beers but lots of other imports are available, including Britain's own Brewdog, Greene King and Samuel Smiths, as well as a huge variety from Belgium, France, Holland and many other countries.
There has also been a surge in Chinese microbrews and speciality beers in recent years. I'm particularly keen on the 茉莉花茶啤酒 Jasmine Tea Beer which, despite tasting nothing like jasmine tea, is a refreshing IPA without the usual overpowering citrus hops. The girls love Buzz, which is a golden beer flavoured with sweet osmanthus (a flavour with which you can't help but become acquainted whilst living in Liuzhou).
Interestingly, many locals don't seem to be aware of the huge variety of imported and China produced beers, so they tend to stick to the more well known brands. If you come to China though, make sure you do yourself a favour and try the full range of what's available.
Interestingly, many locals don't seem to be aware of the huge variety of imported and China produced beers, so they tend to stick to the more well known brands. If you come to China though, make sure you do yourself a favour and try the full range of what's available.
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