BREWING A RICH CULTURE

By honoring ancient distilling techniques, Wuliangye has perfected the art of Chinese baijiu

- Wuliangye

EACH JUNE, CHINA CELEBRATES CULTURAL and Natural Heritage Day, an event designed to honor the nation's 4,000-year history and promote the preservation of its many art forms.

One such tradition is the time-honored art of making baijiu-a clear liquor, typically made from sorghum and other grains, that is widely considered to be the national drink of China.

Commonly shared at social gatherings and special occasions, baijiu is served as a token of respect and a sign of welcome in China and around the world. And while the demand for Western wines and liquors increases across the region, China has worked to preserve and showcase baijiu's connection between contemporary life and community traditions. Wuliangye, one of China's longest-running producers of baijiu, is at the forefront of this preservation effort.

A Craft Honed Over Centuries

Alongside artistic traditions such as ceramics, textiles, lacquer, and ink painting, distilling alcohol has been a cultural staple throughout China's history. In addition to being the focus of important cultural and culinary rituals, alcohol represents the blending of the material and spiritual. Dating as far back as 7,000 BC, it was believed drinking wine or spirits could provide an opening through which to commune with those in the next realm, according to Drink Baijiu, a historical publication dedicated to the beverage.