Step 2 · Where they come from
China on one map
Every Chinese drink has a home. Here is the big picture, before you explore each region in the Atlas.
Wine grows mostly in the dry north and west. Ningxia, at the foot of the Helan Mountains, is the best-known region. Xinjiang, Gansu, Hebei and Shanxi are also important, Shandong has a long history of winemaking on the coast, and Yunnan has vineyards high in the mountains.
Baijiu has its heartland in the south-west. Sichuan and Guizhou, along the Chishui river, are often called the "golden triangle" of baijiu. Other great centres include Shanxi, home of light aroma baijiu, and Jiangsu, Anhui and Shaanxi.
Rice wine belongs to the east. Shaoxing, in Zhejiang, is its capital. Shanghai, Jiangsu and Fujian have their own traditions.
Beer is brewed everywhere, but some cities are famous for it: Qingdao on the coast of Shandong, and Harbin in the far north-east.
Spirits are spread across the country, from the brandy houses of Shandong to new whisky and gin distilleries.
Open the Atlas to see every region on the map.