In China, alcohol has been an integral part of both professional and social gatherings for decades. However, recent trends show a new generation opting out of excessive drinking, or choosing not to drink at all.
Among events where this change is evident is weddings. Chen Xue, a 27-year-old makeup artist, observes that most weddings she attends no longer feature guests toasting with alcohol.
Chen shares, ‘It’s perfectly normal. Who wants champagne when you can have bubble tea?’
Many young people in China are turning away from alcohol for various reasons. Concerns about health and fitness motivate them. Financial considerations also play a role. This shift marks a significant change in cultural norms surrounding drinking.
A photograph taken in Beijing in 2024 captures this cultural shift. A woman sips a tea beverage, illustrating the growing preference for non-alcoholic options.
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