Drinking is a huge social activity in China. Pi2jiu3 (beer) is especially popular in the city of Qingdao because the famous local beer Tsingtao is brewed here. 
Did you know that Qingdao has an International Beer Festival? Time to partayyyyyyy. Well hold the music for a second. Parties in this day of age have so many meanings but getting drunk is not one of them for me. I personally steer clear of beer for health reasons and because I don’t do wheat. (Let me clear the air; I am not saying drinking beer is wrong.) Phew…well let me quickly explain what the Qingdao Beer Festival is all about.
For two weeks there will be international breweries all in one place. This event takes place the second week of August. This year it will be August 10-25th. People will be enjoying musical artist, karaoke and beers from around the world. I was told from another expat that some of the Chinese dress-up in green German looking overalls. If your not interesting in the singing or beer their costumes would be a sight to see. =) You can learn more about this event here.
In China, pi2jiu3 is seen in these types of gatherings: business, birthdays and dinners.
If you are Chinese and you go to a work function you’ve crossed the line of no return. Drink up, gulp that alcohol down with little to no Chinese food. If you are a foreigner and are looking to doing business in China, you will get the “friend” discount if you get drunk. The getting drunk part is necessary because the Chinese believe if you feel comfortable enough to get loose than you are their friend.
birthdays
Dinners with friends
I want to show you the workings of what it’s like to attend a birthday party in China. Denny, my husband, and I were invited to our friend Jake’s 18th birthday party. We met Jake at our Crossfit gym. (a random picture of me doing Crossfit) Jake has been a blessing in our lives this year in China. We have had a few dinners with him this year and have had the chance to see his art work. This Fall he plans on going to England to study on becoming a fashion designer. I am excited to see him take the world by storm in the fashion industry. 
In China it’s a custom that the birthday person treats their friends. This is idea is so reverse compared to the Western tradition of showering the birthday person with gifts and treats. Jake had a huge dinner course: appetizers and the main dishes. (I didn’t want to be on my camera the whole time during the party so I only got the appetizers.)
It’s customary in nice Chinese restaurants to receive napkins in the form of the Western tissue papers. 
In China it’s common for adults to make the cake MIA. YIKES….but hey, wait cake lovers, don’t worry you get some tasty hot noodles. It’s all about superstition that if you eat noodles on your birthday that you will live longer. I wonder, does it have something to do with how noodles are long?
Happy Birthday Jake!
I recorded the Chinese restaurant employees surprise bombing us to sing Jake Happy Birthday. I had requested it, but I didn’t know they were going to turn off the lights.They first sang the song in Mandarin. I was not ninja fast on getting my camera so you have the Chinese part where they are singing to him in English. Next time, I will be ready.
You can see more pictures of the party here. In the first 27 pictures of the 10,000 Smiles Project they are pictures of him and his friends.
10,000 Smiles
Birthdays are definitely a great place to see lots of smiles.
What are some social pressures in your culture?
What are your thoughts on how the birthday person treats their friends in China?
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