Alcohol has historically been a staple in both professional and social settings in China. A noticeable shift, however, is occurring as the younger generation pushes back against the expectation to drink heavily or at all.
A photograph taken in Beijing in 2024 captures a woman enjoying a tea beverage, symbolizing this trend. This movement is driven by health, fitness, and financial motivations.
Chen Xue, a 27-year-old makeup artist, shares the change she observes at weddings. Increasingly, guests opt not to toast with alcoholic drinks. Instead, beverages like bubble tea are gaining popularity.
Chen expresses, “It’s perfectly normal. Who wants champagne when you can have bubble tea?” This sentiment reflects a broader cultural shift among young people in China toward more varied and health-conscious beverage choices.
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