Design
To
Alcohol

Strategies

Address Problems
Caused by

Abuse in Chinese
Business Culture

MDES PROGRAM
2017-2018

Z

Zhuxi.
ID: 0029957

  Design Strategies to Address
Problems Caused by Alcohol Abuse in
Chinese Business Culture

A study of problems caused by the requirements of Chinese table manners
and alcohol in Chinese business culture after
China's reform and opening up.

The School of Graduate Studies
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design
by Zhuxi Zhou

Copyright © 2018 Zhuxi Zhou. All rights are reserved. No part of this book may
be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission
except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Book design and illustrations by Zhuxi Zhou

NSCAD University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada
ID: 0029957
MDES Program
Dr. Meyer. R

 Acknowledgement

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest
gratitude to Christopher Kaltenbach, a Ph.D candidate,
who helped me solidify my research thesis and guided
me in my direction. He patiently taught me to find the
problems in my project where my research can go deeper
and my design can be more engaging. I shall extend my
thanks to Dr. Rudi Meyer, my supervisor, who has provided
me with valuable guidance in every stage of the writing of
this thesis. His keen and vigorous academic observation
enlightened me, and I could not have completed my thesis
without his instruction, impressive kindness and patience.
I would also like to thank Dr. Michael LeBlanc, who
continued giving me suggestions and comments on my
thesis. Also, my teacher Steve Botha who helped me to
develop my essential academic competence and correced
my grammar issues. Thank China Qingpin Logistics Co.,
Ltd; China Lianyungang Port Group; China Lianyungang
New Oriental International Container Co., Ltd; and China
Lianyungang Customs for their cooperation during my
investigation.
Last but not least, I’d like to thank my friends, classmates
and my roommate for their encouragement and support.

0

1

 Table

of Contents

· Acknowledgement ·····························································
····························································································01

· 4. Methodology ··································································
···························································································40

· Abstract ··············································································
···························································································06

· Figure and table lists ··························································
···························································································07

· 5. Research process ···························································
····························································································41
5.1 Product design······························································41
5.2 Food serving design·····················································43
5.4 Chemical reaction························································44
5.5 Design process·····························································45

· Glossary ···············································································
····························································································10

· 6. Research results ·····························································
···························································································49

· 1. Introduction ····································································
····························································································12

· 7. Business drinking handbook ··········································
···························································································53
7.1 Book design··································································53
7.2 Reader feedbacks························································61

· 2. Theoretical framework ···················································
····························································································11
2.1 Background ··································································13
2.2 Problem statement ·····················································20
2.3 Translation ···································································21
2.4 Literature review and Contextual Search ·················24

· Conclusion ···········································································
···························································································64

· Reference list ······································································
···························································································65
· 3. Research design ······························································
···························································································39

3

4

 Abstract
With China's reforms, opening up and economic development since the late 1970s, alcohol use is a common
phenomenon in Chinese business circles. However, the
problems that are caused by business drinking have been
ignored. Chinese traditional toast culture and persuasion
habits have been distorted after entering business circles.
The problems caused by alcohol abuse, such as drunk driving,
domestic violence and even alcoholism, are even worse.
The objective of this study is to focus on the issues of
business drinking culture in China, and to discuss the
necessity of business drinking and the influence of Chinese
toasting culture on business dinners. Research in this essay
focuses on these practices, as well as the importance
of alcohol use in business negotiations, and the impact
on society and households due to alcohol abuse in
Chinese business communities. Research in this essay
also details the harm on the family and the community
due to alcohol abuse caused by men who drink passively
for business and the necessity of their drinking behavior.
The aim of this study is to figure out where design can
engage to solve or improve the problem of alcohol abuse
in Chinese business circles.

5

6

 Figure lists

Figure 16: Spirits. Excerpt from: http://caifuhao.eastmoney.com/
news/20171220094701471027540
Figure 17: 2001-2011 Chinese liquor production changes.
Figure 18: China's Famous Spirits Brand. Excerpt from: https://baike.baidu.
com/item/ 中国白酒 /1351490

Figure 1: 2013 Tencent. All Rights Reserved. Excerpt from: http://news.
qq.com/zt2015/fact/10.htm
Figure 2: Chinese-style alcohol culture: power control and tame. Excerpt
from: http://cul.sohu.com/s2014/jiuzhuo/
Figure 3: Chinese Stone Age Alcohol Making Process. Excerpt from: http://
www.sohu.com/a/132331059_710653
Figure 4: Dai traditional wedding. Excerpt from: https://3g.d1xz.net/wenhua/
minzu/art97516_2.aspx
Figure 5: Traditional wedding of Jingpo. Excerpt from: http://www.wed114.
cn/baike/jiehunxisu/2016051919419.html

Figure 19: The Eight Immortals table. PCHouse. Excerpt from: http://product.
pchouse.com.cn/list/c232.html
Figure 20: Qijia.com, Qi network, round table standards of five-star hotel
Excerpt from: http://zixun.jia.com/article/437555.html
Figure 21: Alcohol Consumption of 14 Countries From 1973 to 2009.
Figure 22: China's consumption trends of different kinds of alcohol.
Figure 23: China's alcohol policy compared with Japan's alcohol policy.
Figure 24: Global Women’s Violence Profile. Netease News.
Excerpt from: http://data.163.com/13/1126/23/9EL36QQG00014MTN.html

Figure 6: Chinese Wine Culture: Wine and the "Eternal Festival" in Ancient
Sacrifice. Excerpt from: http://www.cnjiuzhi.com/baike/4175.html

Figure 25: BOMA China Successfully Held a Commercial Real Estate Senior
Comunication Reception (Sep 16, 2013). Excerpt from: http://www.bomachina.
org/index.php?file=article&cmd=show&artid=429

Figure 7: Painting of Du Kang. Excerpt from: http://www.yangfenzi.com/
shehui/4828.html

Figure 26: From 2014 to 2016, an analysis of a total of 94,571 divorce verdicts
released by the national courts (May 2017). Excerpt from: http://hangzhou.
fangtoo.com/zixun/info/8-44-n158348.html

Figure 8: Sculpture of Du Kang. Excerpt from: http://www.dukang.com/
Culture/Details/118?did=3201

Figure 27: Why should people Ganbei? Excerpt from: http://jiu.ifeng.com/
a/20180111/44840767_0.shtml

Figure 9: Drinking Customs: Why Drink at the Holidays? http://www.
chinajianjiu.com/a/xinwenzixun/gongsixinwen/62.html
Figure 10: A Traditional Chinese Wedding. Excerpt from: http://history.sina.
com.cn/bk/gds/2014-09-19/2057100740.shtml

Figure 28: Entertainment in China. Excerpt from: http://www.wukongshuo.
com/news/20160405/54871.html
Figure 29: Major wine advertisements in China. Excerpt from: https://read01.
com/zh-sg/PgxBMP.html#.WrkBw2hSzIV
Figure 30: A special dragon dispenser which can slowly take alcohol away.

Figure 11: Statistics of Should China’s persuade culture be abandoned or not?
2013

Figure 31: A special glass that reduce alcohol intake, without affecting the
appearance of the toast.

Figure 12: Open comments and discussions from Tencent culture channel site.
2013

Figure 32&33: Half-glasses design, Excerpt from: http://d.youth.cn/
shrgch/201712/t20171206_11109955_1.htm

Figure 13: Beer. Excerpt from: http://www.sohu.com/a/156436209_257855

Figure 34: Duralex Picardie Glasses, Excerpt from: http://jiu.ifeng.com/
a/20161101/44482535_0.shtml

Figure 14: Wine. 15 Bottles of Winter Red Wine with Wine Thermometer from
Splash Wines. Excerpt from: https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-splashwines-67

Figure 35: Special pill case. Sign pen pill case, notebook pill case

Figure 15: Rice Wine. The Ultimate Guide to Chinese Cooking Wines. Excerpt
from: https://www.malafood.com/en/the-ultimate-guide-to-chinese-cookingwines
7

Figure 37: Chemical reaction. Three oxygen molecules are needed to unwrap
one alcohol molecule

Figure 36: Food serving design. Specific type of food served during business
dinners

8

 Figure 38: Chemical reaction. Alcohol disappear in the classes
Figure 39: Half Spirit Classes Design.
Figure 40&41: Irregular spirit glasses design.
Figure 42: Rose flower spirit glasses design.
Figure 43: Swarovski crystal flower. NO.5045566
Figure 44: Dispenser design.
Figure 45: Business handbook design.
Figure 46: Yang Liu (May, 2007) Ost trifft West.

Glossary

Figure 47: Ost trifft West, Relationship.
Figure 48: Ost trifft West, Line up.
Figure 49: Business Drinking Handbook cover design 1.
Figure 50: Business Drinking Handbook cover design 2.

· 危害性饮酒者 (WeiHaiXingYinJiuZhe): Dangerous drinkers, referring to
the phenomenon of domestic violence resulting from the abuse of alcohol,
especially the situation of being forced to over-drink.

Figure 51: Business Drinking Handbook draft and contents.
Figure 52: Business Drinking Handbook contents 1
Figure 53: Business Drinking Handbook contents 1
Figure 54: Business Drinking Handbook contents 3

· Face-saving: A face-saving action is one which prevents damage to your
reputation or the loss of people's respect for you. Chinese people attach
great importance to face-saving.

Figure 55: Business Drinking Handbook contents 4
Figure 56: Business Drinking Handbook contents 5
Figure 57: Business Drinking Handbook Cover Design.
Figure 58, 59, 60&61: Business Drinking Handbook Final Design 1
Figure 62, 63, 64&65: Business Drinking Handbook Final Design 2
Figure 66, 67, 68&69: Business Drinking Handbook Final Design 3
Figure 70, 71&72: Business Drinking Handbook Final Design 4
Figure 73, 74&75: Business Drinking Handbook Final Design 5
Figure 76, 77&78: Business Drinking Handbook Final Design 6
Figure 79, 80&81: Business Drinking Handbook Final Design 7
Figure 82: Business Drinking Handbook printed version.
Figure 83&84: Business Drinking Handbook on the public bookshelf of China
JIANGSU CHARMING company and staff is reading the Business Drinking
Handbook.
Figure 85&86: Different status of employees are reading the Handbook.

9

10

 Introduction
In China, the history of alcohol is almost as old as the
country’s history, and alcohol is part of good etiquette,
social life, and leisure. It reflects a specific patriarchal
order and its influence on human relations. Alcohol has
always been used as the "political liquid" by rulers, as
its culture combined with rituals, ceremonies and other
etiquette, closely integrated into the monarchy and
power of the nobility.
After China’s reform and opening up in 1978, Chinese
drinking habits spread from the world of politics.
With the emergence and development of commerce,
especially China's economic system reform (2013),
alcohol culture spread from officialdom to business
circles. However, the Chinese corporate drinking culture
became debauched at the same time as commerce and
business culture rapidly developed. The role of alcohol in
business dinners has gone beyond its own role and has
been abused.
For business men, alcohol abuse in business dinners
has become a burden. The problems are not only health
issues for the men, but also the harm to their families
and social threats. This thesis examines the dangers to
business people due to business alcohol culture and
alcohol abuse in China, and will investigate commercial
dinners typical of state-owned and private-owned
enterprises in the form of an interview investigation.

Figure 1: 2013 Tencent. All Rights Reserved Excerpt from:
http://news.qq.com/zt2015/fact/10.htm

11

12

 Theoretical framework
1.1

Background

Historically, discussions about alcohol
and family and society have never ceased.

Most conclude that alcohol abuse leads to various
family and social problems and that alcohol is dangerous.
According to 有毛僧 (You Maoeng)’s article on the
Tencent culture channel titled "cultural observation",
alcohol was considered sacred in ancient times because
of its scarcity. It was initially used as holy water during
sacrifices, celebrations, war and other grand occasions.
It is the wizards who had the great power held the
activities.
You cites the well-known custom of persuasion in
Chinese history. For example, Zhang Fei (?-221), a general
in The Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Guanzhong Luo,
about 1330-1400), is a full-fledged drunkard. Every time
he summons officers to drink, everyone must join. If they
don’t, they will get a hundred strokes with army sticks.
According to the Three Kingdoms (280-190) records, Cao
Cao (115-220), who was a famous military strategist of
the Eastern Han Dynasty, opened a banquet with a lot
of drinking. When Cao Cao toasted his customers, his
entourage took an axe and saluted. The subtext of that
posture means "Drink or I will hit you!"
13

Figure 2: Chinese-style alcohol culture: power control and
tame. Excerpt from: http://cul.sohu.com/s2014/jiuzhuo/
There is an example of murder if refusing to drink in A
New Account of the Tales of the World (420-479) in which
Shi Chong (249-330), a famous official in Western Jin
Dynasty, often meets dignitaries and likes to persuade.
His trick is to make beautiful women from his house toast
the guests. If any of the guests did not drink the wine, Shi
Chong would call for the heads of the women to be cut
off. These stories are appalling but real, there are always
problems with China's persuasion culture.
14

 Figure 4: Dai traditional wedding. Excerpt from:
https://3g.d1xz.net/wenhua/minzu/art97516_2.aspx

Figure 3: Chinese Stone Age Alcohol Making Process.
Excerpt from: http://www.sohu.com/a/132331059_710653
At that time, humans had enough food to maintain
their basic lives, and they were able to store foods for a
short period of time, which allowed them to imitate the
alcohol making process formed in nature. The earliest
brewing by human beings was simply the repetition of
nature's brewing process mechanically.

Figure 5: Traditional wedding of Jingpo. Excerpt from:
http://www.wed114.cn/baike/jiehunxisu/2016051919419.
html

In International Handbook on Alcohol and Culture,
Dwight B. Heath (1955) discussed the role and
significance of alcohol in different countries, outlining
his position that alcohol is a special beverage that is
different from any other. Alcohol is not only the target
of government taxation and a popular topic of scholarly
study, but also a key cultural determinant that shapes
the values and characteristics of different societies. The
book contains Xiao Jiacheng’s introduction to Chinese
drinking culture.
Xiao pointed out that China is the birthplace of
distilled spirits. Early incarnations of alcoholic spirits
in ancient China were sacred and used as sacrificial
offerings, secular ceremonies, celebrations, etc., to
express their adoration of the sky, earth, and ancestors.
Xiao also mentioned the different roles played by
alcohol across different ethnic groups in China. In the
Dai, Jingpo and Lahu ethnic minority cultures, alcohol
is given by the bridegroom’s family to the future
bride’s family (960-1279). Among the Mongolians, the
suitor has to give the girl's parents alcohol and specific
food to express his willingness to marry; during the
wedding, the bridegroom has to toast each member
of the girl's family. In Han weddings, toasting by both
husband and wife is regarded as confirmation of mutual
commitment. Using these examples, Xiao emphasized
that alcohol is an integral part of Chinese culture.
Figure 6: Chinese Wine Culture: Wine and the "Eternal
Festival" in Ancient Sacrifice. Excerpt from: http://www.
cnjiuzhi.com/baike/4175.html

15

16

 Chinese “natural” alcohol

China's unique drinking culture

has led to special occasions
when alcohol is used.
The history of Chinese “natural” alcohol is long and
fabled. During the Song (AD 960-1279) and Ming (13681644) dynasties, people found that some long-lived
fruits and flowers would turn into alcohol. Although
the details of the stories are often about mythical
people, evidence has been found in historical records
to confirm the factuality of three of the main stories.
The first story is about a maid from a royal family during
the Warring States period (2140-440 BC). The maid
discovered that porridge that had been left to sit for
a long time had become very tasty rather than rotten.
The second story is about Du Kang in the Xia Dynasty
(2140-1711 BC), whose five generations of sons became
prime ministers. Du Kang found that sorghum that had
been rained on became sweet after a few days, so he
developed a sorghum-based alcoholic drink together
with his father-in-law. The third story is from around
2500 B.C., when the Great Doctor Qibo used fermented
rice to make drugs for the Emperor. These three stories
are not only legendary myths but are also recorded in
ancient Chinese literature.

In China, drinking is an important activity for festivals,
weddings and banquets, with the drinking of liquid
spirits accompanying music, dance, poetry and other
entertainment activities. Improvisational poetry and
puzzle games, which are very popular social activities
in China, are other common pastimes that include
drinking. In addition, alcohol can be used as a medicine
and as a seasoning. Distilled spirits and realgars, which
are made from calamus, are considered antidotes that
help aid blood circulation.

Figure 7: Painting of Du Kang. Excerpt from: http://www.
yangfenzi.com/shehui/4828.html

Li Shizhen’s (1518-1593) Compendium of Materia
Medica from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) era recorded
79 different types of alcoholic beverages with
different health and medical functions. However, the
compendium also advised that excessive drinking, for
health reasons or otherwise, may result in death.
Xiao pointed out the connection between China's
drinking culture and Chinese ethics. Because alcohol
stimulates people's emotions, drinking is to some
extent a manifestation of human good and evil.
Confucius, who carried out copious amounts of research
on drinking, concluded that while he did not oppose
drinking, he warned of its negative consequences.

Figure 9: Drinking Customs: Why Drink at the
Holidays? http://www.chinajianjiu.com/a/xinwenzixun/
gongsixinwen/62.html

Figure 8: Sculpture of Du Kang. Excerpt from: http://
www.dukang.com/Culture/Details/118?did=3201
With regard to Du Kang's alcohol making, historical
literature has many records. For example, Zhang Hua said
in《博物志》(Jin Dynasty): “杜康作酒。” Which means
that Du Kang made alcohol.
17

Figure 10: A Traditional Chinese Wedding. Excerpt from:
http://history.sina.com.cn/bk/gds/2014-09-19/2057100740.
shtml
When Chinese wedding, the husband and wife should
"cross-cup wine" to show the loyalty to each other.
18

 1.2

Problem

Statement

At the end of the Tencent culture channel site, there
are open comment and discussion areas that have a total
of 769 comments since December 19, 2013. From general
research of people’s comments, most of them already
realized that the development of alcohol culture has
become distorted, but they still have to abide by the rules.

Figure 11: Statistics of Should China’s persuade culture
be abandoned or not? 2013
Statistics are given at the end of You’s article "Should
China’s Persuade Culture Be Abandoned or Not?" As of
now there are 15242 individuals who participated in the
vote. Among them, 13,732 (91%) people voted to abandon
the culture of persuasion, and 1501 (9%) people think that
it should not be abandoned.

19

To summarize the comments, they
mentioned the following issues related
to alcohol abuse in business circles:

1. To persuade and toast is a "face-saving" issue (shame
culture). In China's traditional education, the majority
of people's ideas and concepts are that they will lose
face and do not respect others if they do not drink other
people's alcohol when persuading or toasting.
2. Alcohol plays a role in relaxing the atmosphere at
a business dinner. If alcohol is not consumed, most
people feel like they do not know how to chat and the
atmosphere will be very awkward.
3. When people are looking for work, especially
graduates, drinking and attending business dinners
becomes standard for recruiting for a lot of businesses.
4. Spirits, particularly baiju, a drink distilled from
fermented sorghum, are the most widely accepted types
of alcohol consumed during business meetings. Many
people in China say they cannot handle strong liquor and
it causes a lot of damage to their health.
20

 Translation

1.3

of comments and discussions

TianHai, December 19, 2013
It is easy to breed corruption in the persuading or
toasting culture. Have people ever thought of when
someone just enters the community, especially new
graduates who are not afraid of finding a job, but afraid
to argue against entertainment drinking. Every youth
wants to take part in society with their own dreams and
goal. However, what society gives is not a dream but a
nightmare. Students finally get jobs after graduating,
but have to drink every day. If drinking is a big point that
they will face, then why do students need to study hard?
If drinking can make a good deal in business, what is the
significance of going to university?

Ma Changjun, December 19, 2013

Pie Yunai January 21, 2014

Persuasion to drink at the table needs to be interactive:
you toast someone, and they try to persuade you to
drink. Many people indulge in this persuasion game,
saying that "toasting is to respect people," "it is impolite
if people do not drink" and so on. Some people even
criticize people who refuse to drink or who are unwilling
to drink alcohol. Someone urges you to drink and says
that the liquor had already been poured, and it will be
wasted if you do not drink. What is the logic? Most of
time people only need a little alcohol but why do they
always have to drink. Or even drink until they are ill.
Until someone died. Some people say that all this is for
"harmony" and "face."

What is most annoying for me in alcohol culture is,
whether you like it or not, you have to drink for respect.
To be honest, it is all about “face.” Some people become
excited after drinking a few, and they will talk a lot and
brag that they are the best in the world. A little alcohol is
good for atmosphere, too much alcohol is harmful.

21

Figure 12: Open comments and discussions from Tencent
culture channel site. 2013

22

 1.4

Literature review &

Contextual Search

Figure 13: Beer. Excerpt from: http://www.sohu.com/
a/156436209_257855

Figure 14: Wine. 15 Bottles of Winter Red Wine with Wine
Thermometer from Splash Wines. Excerpt from: https://
www.groupon.com/deals/gg-splash-wines-67

Figure 17: 2001-2011 Chinese liquor production changes.

It is noteworthy that Tian and Wang talked about the role
of different types of alcohol in China. They mentioned
that in China, beer is for passion, and consumed during
celebrations between friends. Wine is for romance
between lovers or very moody occasions. Rice wine is
for nutrition, as it is healthy and mostly use for cooking.
Spirits are for culture, used for literati, politicians and
businessmen.

Figure 15: Rice Wine. The Ultimate Guide to Chinese
Cooking Wines. Excerpt from: https://www.malafood.
com/en/the-ultimate-guide-to-chinese-cooking-wines

Figure 16: Spirits. Excerpt from: http://caifuhao.
eastmoney.com/news/20171220094701471027540
23

Cong Tian and Jianqiang Wang (Inner Mongolia
Agricultural University, School of Economics and
Management 2012) published an article in an issue of
Academic Perspective magazine about the status and
trend analysis of the liquor industry in China. According
to their statistics, China's liquor output was only
108,000 tons at the very beginning of the founding of
New China. By 1978, it had reached 1,437,400 tons, an
increase of nearly 15 times. With the impact of the state's
macroeconomic policies and the development of other
alternative products, in 1996, China's liquor production
reached a historical peak of 801.3 million tons. In
2004, the liquor industry in the country experienced a
recession, but since 2004, the liquor industry has risen
steadily and output has been increasing year by year.
Tian and Wang claim the development of the liquor
industry is due firstly to the adjustment of national policy,
followed by the development of alternative products.

Tian and Wang also analyzed competition in the liquor
industry. From "brand wars" to "category wars,” China’s
liquor industry has developed from the initial large liquor
companies (Maotai, Wuliangye, etc.) to the appearance
of regional small liquor factories. Although the data is
accurate in Tian and Wang’s article, their analysis of the
development trends of China’s liquor consumption does
not go deep enough.
24

 Cong Tian and Jianqiang Wang

Figure 19: The Eight Immortals table.
PCHouse. Excerpt from: http://
product.pchouse.com.cn/list/c232.
html

According to their survey, 32.5% of consumers choose
liquor costing around 20-40 yuan, 38.7% of consumers
pay around 40- 60 yuan, and 18% of consumers choose
the liquor which costs more than 60 yuan. However,
according to the data released by the China National
Alcohol Industry Association (January 09, 2017 at 02:01,
Beijing Morning Post), in fact, the sales volume of liquor
which is under 100 yuan a bottle only increased by 1.7%
from January to September 2016. However, sales of liquor
costing 100 to 300 a bottle increased by 16.3%, and sales
of liquor 300 to 500 yuan a bottle increased by 9.3%,
while sales of liquor costing more than 500 yuan a bottle
increased by 6.1%.

Although Tian and Wang mentioned the
increasingly high consumption of alcohol
in rural China, they did not consider the
consumption of premium liquor.

Premium liquor is the main type of alcohol for business
and commercial suppers. According to Specialty Chinese
reporter Yu Chen (August 22, 2013), when looking at
business alcohol use for special demand and occasions,
there are certain requirements to the brand of liquor,
and these are connected to brand awareness. Liquor
which that is sold for between 150-300 yuan is standard
for business suppers, and some high-level companies’
consumption even reaches 1,000 yuan a bottle.

China's etiquette and
order at the table are serious.
China's etiquette and order at the table are serious.
China’s Zhihu website (July 4, 2013) discussed the
table rules of suppers in officialdom and business. In
Chuancheng Journal, 彭匈（PengXiong）（Feb. 2007）
talked about the table rules of Chinese formal dinners
in his article Order at the Feast. To summarize both the
discussion and the article, the most recognized basic
forms of etiquette are:
Firstly the seating. Business dinners in China are
conducted in a separate room. According to the different
kinds of table, the arrangement of the seating has some
differences. Generally, tables in Chinese restaurant have
two kinds:
1.The Eight Immortals table, which is clearly defined in
four directions, with a seat for the master (who treats
people that night) facing the door. On the right of master
is the seat for the main guest, while the deputy guest’s
seat is on the left. Other lower hierarchy guests and
businessmen sit around the table, with the lower ranking
workers sitting close to the door.

Figure 18: China's Famous Spirits Brand. Excerpt from:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/ 中国白酒 /1351490

25

2.The Round Table, which usually sits ten at a table. The
seat for the master is still facing the door / TV, the seat
of the main guest is on the right side of the master’s
seat, and the deputy guest seat is on the left of master.
And then other people sit down in turn on both sides of
26

 the table, and people who are lowest in the hierarchy sit
closer to the door. Some restaurants do not have a clear
location for tables, but the main table is differentiated by
changing the color of the chairs covering or by folding of
the napkins differently.
Regarding the order of the dishes, in general, the
person who has been invited will not order the dishes
and will be late for supper by about 10-15 minutes, while
the leading office director or secretary must arrive early.
They will be sure to have the cold dishes ready when
their guests arrive. It is a taboo to leave the table empty.
After the arrival of guests, there will be a second order
time, but generally not ordered by the main guest but by
the second or third hierarchy person. The basic dishes are
eight cool dishes and eight hot dishes, which include four
meat dishes and four vegetarian for a ten person table.
Those dishes must contain a dish of fish, which means
“always get more than you wish for”. For a table of 20
people, it is sixteen cold dishes and sixteen hot dishes,
including eight meat dishes and eight vegetarian.

Thirdly is the pouring and toasting rules,
which are the most important part in
officialdom and business suppers.
In general, business dinners often use spirits as the
main drink. However, if guests have special requirements
or if there are women having supper, they will add the
wine. For liquor, everyone has a small pot to pour, and
then use the pot to pour into a small cup in order to
facilitate a "toast.” The wine will be poured into a large
decanter to make the wine touch the air and ferment
again. When everyone gets the drink, people who sit in
the master seat will start toasting and giving a speech
about gratitude for others’ participation and the theme
of this supper. There are a total of three toasts for all the
people, and these are called “three tours". After that,
people can start separate toasts, first to the host, then
the main guest, the second guest and others.

Figure 20: Qijia.com, Qi network, round table standards
of five-star hotel Excerpt from: http://zixun.jia.com/
article/437555.html

Unlike Western countries, the Chinese business supper
is not paid for separately. The bill is usually paid by the
person or the company that holds this supper, which all
guests will know before the dinner.

27

28

 Current Situation
Heng Jiang, Robin Room and Wei Hao’s article
addresses alcohol and related health issues in China, it
is called ‘Action needed (April 2015) about the current
status of alcohol drinking in China’. They state that even
though the Chinese government issued a tobacco control
guide on November 28, 2014, but has not yet been
relevant policy for alcohol control. Although drinking
levels in China remain low compared to many middle- and
high-income countries, average alcohol consumption per
person has increased rapidly from 2.5 L in 1978 to 6.7 L in
2010.
They point out that in China, drinking is not only
a symbol of celebration or festivals, but also one of
the most effective methods for establishing business
relationships. In describing drinking’s current status in
China, they state that “Today, drinking with clients and
colleagues is seen as vital to career advancement. Some
job advertisements highlight ‘good drinking capacity’
as a potential requirement for their candidates.” This
situation extends to civil servants in China.
Since 1915, Chinese liquor has been monopolized by
the government, but in the 1980s, this monopoly ended.
Expanding alcohol production without considering
the consequences has had an adverse effect on public
health. Compared with other countries, China has almost
no alcohol management policies, sales restrictions
or penalties. It wasn’t until 2006 that China officially
prohibited the sale of alcohol to minors, but there has
been no specific violations. Heng Jiang, Robin Room and
Wei Hao state that China is a country which consumes
strong liquor, otherwise known as spirits, usually
containing 40-60% alcohol. Since 1994, China has adjusted
spirit tax and alcohol consumption tax, which have led to
an increase in alcohol consumption. Heng and his team
also point out that “There is thus evidence that changes
in alcohol taxation have significant effects on the level
of alcohol consumption in China, and also on levels of
alcohol-related mortality. Therefore, taxation or price
policy could be considered as an effective means to
reduce rates of alcohol-related health and social harms.”
They advise a public health agency be established with
specifically controls over the use of alcohol.

29

Figure 21: Alcohol Consumption of 14 Countries From 1973
to 2009.

China's alcohol consumption has steadily risen
since 1973. By 2000, changes in policy and national
conditions led consumption to fall sharply. But after
2005, consumption was on the rise again, growing to
surpass India and Vietnam. Alcohol consumption in other
countries is either steadily on the rise or decline.

30

 About the development of
modern Chinese alcohol policy

At the 129th Prime Minister's office meeting (December
18, 1990), Premier Li Peng expressed the desire to solve
the problems related to alcohol production. However,
due to the lack of related bills, drafting the decree was
a difficult process. Subsequently, the National People's
Congress in 1991, certain NPC deputies in 1995 and
Premier Wen Jiabao’s inspection in 2003, all proposed
further research on China’s alcohol system, but with no
specific solutions given. China's current alcohol policy
contributes less to public health than Japan's (table),
and is generally less rigorous. Concerning the packaging
and advertising of alcoholic beverages, the China
Administration for Industry and Commerce conducts
and oversees supervision. However, mass media
development has resulted in more illegal advertisements
online, which is another major problem. Xu Guo and
Yong-guang Huang suggest "alcohol should be regarded
as a special drink instead of a kind of commodity or
food," and "establish related management reaction
mechanism good prospects and a clear direction to the
public health of an alcohol policy in China ."

Figure 22: China's consumption trends of different kinds
of alcohol.

Xu Guo and Yong-guang Huang also discuss this
in their article ‘The development of alcohol policy in
contemporary China (March 2015)’. Compared with
countries such as the USA and UK, China has little
information regarding alcohol policies. However,
in recent years, China's alcohol production and
consumption have grown rapidly, which has created an
urgent need for reform of relevant policies. Xu Guo and
Yong-guang Huang reviewed the evolution of Chinese
alcohol consumption and policies, concluding that,
because cereals are the main raw material in Chinese
brewing, large-scale alcohol production can lead to food
31

shortages and famine. In China's brewing industry, spirit
production accounts for 94% of all production (1912).
After alcohol monopoly ended, the rapid growth of
alcohol production and consumption brought about
many problems. In particular, an increase in drunk driving
accidents, violence, family problems and economic
turmoil. They also proposed that uncontrolled alcohol
production could lead to a repeat of the Three Years
Natural Disasters(1959-1961), during which famine killed
millions of people.
Figure 23: China's alcohol policy
compared with Japan's alcohol policy.
32

 As investigations have gone deeper,
problems caused by alcohol abuse in
the business community have been
discovered.

Taiwan scholar Yiqing Chen talked
about the relationship between alcohol
abuse and domestic violence in his
article "On Drinking and Domestic
Violence from the Perspective of Social
Environment and Cultural Value"(2011).

In addition to the drinkers' own injury,
their uncontrolled behavior after drinking
harms their families and society.

For example, domestic violence is a major problem
found in the investigation by the Sohu social news
network and Xinhua news network, which are wellknown and trusted news websites in China. According
to their statistics, domestic violence is the second most
prevalent reason for divorce in China (April 2017).

Chen elaborated on the abuse of alcohol in Chinese
drinking culture and the problem of domestic violence
caused by alcohol abuse. He analyzed a typical case and
talked about Taiwan's existing Alcohol Education Group
where drunk people who caused problems will be sent
to receive counseling. However, Chen's case analysis
focused on the Alcohol Education Group in Taiwan;
however, this approach is not used as much in Mainland
China. According to a Sina News Center report on May 7,
2017 titled100,000 divorce verdicts tell you a few secrets
of domestic violence, the actual situation is, most families
in China will not expose the object of violence for various
reasons.

In fact, in eastern China, domestic violence divorce
judgments accounted for 10% of the country’s cases.
Furthermore, cases that referenced "domestic violence"
in the plaintiff's main complaint accounted for 28% of
divorce cases. Xinhua clearly pointed out that because
of serious domestic violence, divorced families occupy
a large proportion of China’s divorce cases. It is worth
emphasizing that about 18% of those disputes referred
to "drinking", with some female parties mentioning
that most of their domestic violence issues occurred
after their husbands came home drunk from work or
socializing (March 2016). On January 29 2017, according
to Taiwan's "Central News Agency", a Taiwanese man
Wang Zhiyun was charged with assault on his wife and
killed her after he was drinking.

Pei-Jen Chang and his team (February, 2010) did a
study on the impact of a husband's drinking behavior on
his wife. The findings clearly indicate that the husband's
drinking behavior in the family negatively affected
his wife's health, especially her mental health. Longterm drinking habits and problem drinking can increase
the symptoms of depression in women, especially
postpartum women. They point out that studies in
recent years also suggest an increase in the prevalence
of alcohol use disorders from 16.5 to 25.7% among nonpsychiatric inpatients in general hospitals. Pei-Jen Chang
and his research team use Taiwan as their study group,
and provide a view of the overall impact of husbands’
bad behavior, including drinking alcohol, on their wives,
especially on postpartum wives. It is noteworthy that

33

Figure 24: Global Women’s Violence Profile. Netease News.
Excerpt from:
http://data.163.com/13/1126/23/9EL36QQG00014MTN.html

Pei-Jen Chang's investigation of the problem reveals that
affected families are more inclined to be older and less
educated. He and his team use "husbands" as survey
objects, in their investigation of married men’s drinking
behavior, which neglected the impact of female alcohol
consumption on the family. Married women are not
considered in his investigation. Also, Pei-Jen Chang did
not point out the reason why Taiwanese husbands have
to drink alcohol, which does no help to my research
object: businessmen.
In analyzing mens’ drink behavior, Gondolf offered
a "power theory" in his article "Alcohol Abuse, Wife
Assault, and Power Needs" (1995). It suggests that
“alcohol abuse and wife assault are manifestations of
an underlying need for power and control related to
gender-based distortions and insecurities.” He argues
that there is a theory of rights control in drink violence.
Gondolf enumerated the murder, rape and other serious
problems that are caused by alcohol abuse. Business
people have a limited area of action after attending a
business dinner, the above-mentioned crime rates are
low among them but worth considering in the design
process.

34

 It is helpful that, in addition to analyzing the impact
of alcohol abuse on the family, Chen differentiated
alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse from a medical
point of view that medical diagnosis generally separates
alcohol dependence from alcohol abuse, with the former
being considered alcohol addiction. Among the victims
of domestic violence, fewer are affected by alcohol
dependence, but most of the violence they experience
comes from members of their families after excessive
drinking. Moreover, most of the drinking habits have not
reached the diagnostic criteria for "alcohol addiction".
Taiwan scholar Zhizhong (2005) Huang has called this
group "dangerous drinkers" and categorize them as the
same type of alcoholics as alcohol abusers due to the
harm caused by their drinking .

If abuse of alcohol is a big problem, is banning alcohol
from appearing in business dinners the best way to solve
this? In Chinese tradition, alcohol is used by political
managers.
Since alcohol is present at business dinners, there must
be an indelible effect. Maurice E. Schweitzer and Jeffrey
L. Kerr talked about the role of alcohol in negotiations
in their article "Bargaining under the Influence: The Role
of Alcohol in Negotiations" (2000), and say that "alcohol
has traditionally played a role in developing business
relationships." And “the mere presence of alcohol can
cue an entire set of expected social behaviors, signal
the commitment to the relationship, and change an
atmosphere to enable participants to engage each other
on a more cordial and personal level.”

Figure 26: From 2014 to 2016, an analysis of a total of
94,571 divorce verdicts released by the national courts
(May 2017). Excerpt from: http://hangzhou.fangtoo.com/
zixun/info/8-44-n158348.html
According to the chart, only 9.51% of the victims chose
to report to the police while the remaining 90.49% did
not call the police. And because of lack of material or lack
of evidence, the court ruled that domestic divorce is only
3.96%.

Figure 25: BOMA China Successfully Held a Commercial Real Estate Senior Comunication Reception (Sep 16, 2013)
Excerpt from: http://www.bomachina.org/index.php?file=article&cmd=show&artid=429

35

36

 In Schweitzer and Kerr’s research, drinking can help
people build relationships that business people would
utilize in negotiations.
However, they point out that these business people did
not consider the potential risks and losses associated with
alcohol consumption (for example, failure to negotiate
because of alcohol, appeals, etc.). Schweitzer and Kerr
analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of alcohol
use in business negotiations. They also talked about the
fact that Chinese business dinners have traditionally
begun with a series of toasts. Toasts in China typically
contain an important statement, most of them have the
meaning of friendship and emphasize mutual obligation.
Chinese people always say “ 干杯（Ganbei）” when
toasting which means dry glasses or bottoms up. People
have to finish all the alcohol in glass to show the sincerity
that they want to establish friendly relations with others.
Schweitzer and Kerr's survey shows that alcohol can
help business negotiations, but excessive alcohol can also
cause conflicts. Alcohol reduces the speed of people’s
ability to process information and affects people’s
short-term memory, which causes business decisions to
become myopic.
Cochrane, Chen, Conigrave and Hao (November,
2003) state that commercial alcohol production in China
has increased more than 50-fold per capita since 1952.
Cochrane, et al. analyzed the types of alcohol used in
China and the impact of social and economic changes
in China on people's consumption of alcohol. She also
mentioned the population issue in China. Because China’s
large population base has a huge demand for alcohol, it
has led to an increase in the number of problems caused
by alcohol abuse. The data sources of this article have
been screened and are reliable. Most of their data
came from hospital reports and censuses. The analysis
of this article focuses on the growth of various diseases
caused by the growing problem of alcohol abuse, and its
research object is extensive. There are a few comments
on business alcohol use.

Alcohol and the Mass Media
The publication Toward the Prevention of Alcohol
Problems: Government, Business, and Community Action
lists numerous social problems caused by alcohol
in western countries, stating that both health care
costs and the death toll from alcoholism are rising.
The National Research Council believes that public
policy tools can effectively control drinking problems.
Developing good drinking habits can also reduce
alcohol consumption. More attention to neglected
alcoholic regions is necessary as well, which sometimes
requires some impersonal methods and breakthrough
considerations. With regard to policy, the National
Research Council summarized three main points: to
formulate treaties and clauses, to let people learn about
drinking safety behavior through conversations, and to
apply environmental improvements.

Figure 27: Why should people Ganbei? Excerpt from:
http://jiu.ifeng.com/a/20180111/44840767_0.shtml

Figure 29: Major wine advertisements in China.
Excerpt from: https://read01.com/zh-sg/PgxBMP.html#.
WrkBw2hSzIV
Chinese alcohol advertisements often have rhyming
advertisements words so that people can remember. For
example:
1. 常饮劲酒，精神抖擞 。(Drink alcohol often, full of
energy.
2. 人头马一开，好事自然来。（When a alcohol is
opened, good things come naturally.
37

Figure 28: Entertainment in China. Excerpt from: http://
www.wukongshuo.com/news/20160405/54871.html

In the fifth chapter of the book, entitled Alcohol
and the Mass Media, the role of the mass media in
preventing alcohol-related issues is analyzed. Advertising
and television programs have largely guided people's
outlook on consumption and drinking habits. The
Council points out that even educating children about
drinking norms is meaningless because the natural and
social environments are full of information contrary to
education. The publicity power of television is much
larger than people think. In their article "The second
public health revolution: A critical appraisal", Neubauer
and Pratt (1981) pointed out that advertising is always in
the interest of the producers but rarely in the interests of
consumers.
Although the National Research Council’s book
raises questions about the important links between
social media and alcohol consumption, the Council’s
investigation focuses mainly on the United States.
However, other countries, such as China, are also
experiencing many problems from alcohol consumption
nowadays and could use some evidence-based usage
guidance beyond philosophical musings.

38

 Research

Methodology

Survey information and articles all from authoritative
academic reports, academic forums, and news sites,
but the record of the actual situation is missing. In
my research design, it is the descriptive research and
variables can be divided into two categories:

In-depth investigations also include visiting the site or
interviewing relevant personnel in person. Samples are
the leading men, the middle men and the men of ordinary
classes who separately select from the state-owned
enterprises and private-owned enterprises, choosing 1015 questions for 45 minutes of interviews. My father is
engaged in a business circle that has a unique alcohol
culture in China. This will provide a truly reliable source
of information and provide similar case reports and
opportunities for investigators to observe the site. And
for the design process, he can provide an experimental
environment and make effective recommendations. The
following are the companies that are willing to provide
the investigations:

design

1.The situation of the businessmen (position, family
environment, social environment, etc.)
2. The company situation of the business men (stateowned enterprises or private enterprises, etc.)
Based on the two variables above, the research design
can be a sample survey of male business employees in
different enterprises.

China Qingpin Logistics Co., Ltd;
China Lianyungang Port Group;
China Lianyungang New Oriental
International Container Co., Ltd;
and China Lianyungang Customs.

39

40

 Research

Figure 32&33: Half-glasses design,
Excerpt from: http://d.youth.cn/
shrgch/201712/t20171206_11109955_1.
htm

Process

According to the survey above, in addition to creating
a more relaxed atmosphere and “breaking the ice”
between people, alcohol is frequently used in Chinese
business negotiations simply because it is traditional to
do so. Therefore, my design looks to change the notion
of “alcohol culture” prevalent among business people
while at the same time helping those who are troubled
by alcohol abuse at work.

5.1

Product Design
My initial design ideas started with the process,
equipment and environment of a typical business dinner.
The survey findings show that the basic elements of the
dinner are the appropriate location, tableware, wine,
different types of food (e.g., cold dishes, hot dishes, main
courses, staple foods, dim sum, compote, etc.) and afterdinner activities.
Toasting is also an essential part of business
meals during negotiations and serves as an effective
conversation-starter. Using a special glass may help
reduce alcohol intake, without affecting the appearance
of the toast. A similar idea is a dispenser, which can
slowly take alcohol away.

China Youth Network published an article about "halfglass" design on December 6, 2017. Designer said that
with those classes, alcohol intake will be halved, and
there will be no guilt on drinking.
Similarly, Duralex company produced the Duralex
Picardie Glasses. The shape of these glasses is soaring,
which make people feel that they are drunk already.

Figure 30: A special dragon dispenser which can slowly
take alcohol away.

41

Figure 31: A special glass that reduce alcohol intake,
without affecting the appearance of the toast.

Figure 34: Duralex Picardie Glasses, Excerpt from: http://
jiu.ifeng.com/a/20161101/44482535_0.shtml

42

 5.2

Food Serving
Design
The type of food served during business dinners is also
important and can be quite elaborate. The per-head cost
of a standard business dinner meal is around 50 to 120 yuan
and includes cold dishes, hot dishes, main course, staple
foods, desserts and fruit plates. Eating while drinking
alcohol helps reduce alcohol absorption into the blood
stream and thus decreases the harm done to the body by
the alcohol.

5.3

Chemical

Reaction

Sobering up is a chemical reaction. If analyzed chemically,
three oxygen molecules are needed to unwrap one alcohol
molecule and obtain carbon dioxide and water. Acid is also
a hangover tool, as the use of oxygen and acid can help
to accelerate the decomposition of alcohol molecules
either during or after the drinking. Chemical principles
can be used before drinking, turning alcohol into low-grade
or non-alcoholic drinks.

Figure 35: Special pill case.
Sign pen pill case, notebook pill case

43

Figure 38: Chemical reaction.
Alcohol disappear in the classes

Figure 36: Food serving design.
Specific type of food served during business dinners

Figure 37: Chemical reaction.
Three oxygen molecules are needed to unwrap one alcohol molecule

44

 Design

5.4

Process

Based on the above investigation, I decided to develop
the idea of glasses design as spirit need specific glasses
and pots. I will first make some attempts.
Figure 40&41: Irregular spirit glasses design

To reduce the their volume by changing the shape
of the glasses. Such glasses need to be considered the
user's feelings, whether it is convenient.

Figure 39: Half Spirit Classes Design

Development and detail of special glasses that reduce alcohol intake,
without affecting the appearance of the toast. By designing another half of
glasses as decoration, give the give users a good mood as well as reduces the
volume of the glasses.

45

Figure 43:
Swarovski
crystal flower.
NO.5045566

Figure 42: Rose flower spirit glasses design

Rose flower glasses design inspired by Swarovski
crystal flowers. The cost of this glasses will be high, and
the comfort of using is also worth investigating.
46

 To sum up, there are various ways to lessen the effects
of alcohol, but people engaged in the drinking process
rarely think to use these methods. In this regard, design
can be useful. In East Meets West (2007) by the designer
Yang Liu from the Berlin University of the Arts, German
and Chinese habits and attitudes are compared using
simple icons. These simple yet educational pictures
inspired me to make business people's drinking
handbook to deal with some of the problems caused by
business dinners.
Business handbooks not only serve as guidelines for
the conduct of business people, but are also compulsory
for new recruits. Therefore, most of the users of this
business drinking handbook are likely young adults who
have just graduated from school and are going to work
for the first time. I believe that because the majority
of Chinese business people are starting to dislike the
Chinese alcohol culture, new generations of workers will
gradually improve the culture with the help of influential
books.

Figure 44: Dispenser design.

Figure 46: Yang Liu (May, 2007) Ost trifft West

Dispenser design combined with table decoration. As
the decoration at the central of table is also a feature of
Chinese restaurants.

Figure 47: Ost trifft West, Relationship.

Figure 45: Business handbook design.
During the survey above, it has been found that
companies and businessmen were asked to read
the biography of successful individuals and business
handbooks. Since many tips on drinking are collected
in the research process, designing a corporate drinker's
handbook may help newcomers in the workplace.
Figure 48: Ost trifft West, Line up.
47

48

 Research

Results

With simplicity and humor in mind, a graphic design
handbook is currently being designed to help manage
collective drinking. To make it easier to understand and
remember, the whole handbook will be consistent in
colour and icon style. The cover design uses business
elements, including a tie and briefcase, while also taking
into consideration business performance charts, watches
and glasses, which ultimately determine the briefcase’s
image.

Figure 49: Business Drinking Handbook cover design 1.

Figure 51: Business Drinking Handbook draft and contents
According to 志文工作室 （2010.06.17）(Zhiwen
studio) 喝酒不容易醉的技巧 酒桌规矩与解酒方法
(Tips for drinking, table manners and dealing with a
hangover), keeping sober starts with two steps: slowing
down alcohol absorption and accelerating the body’s
metabolism. Zhiwen studio not only lists 17 ways to stay
sober and solutions for all night drinking but also outlines
common misunderstandings which arise when drinking.
My Business Drinking Handbook extract this knowledge,
using it as a reference.
49

Figure 50: Business Drinking Handbook cover design 2.

50

 The main characters of the Business Drinking
Handbook are Mrs. Sober in yellow and Mrs. Drunk in
red. They represent employees and bosses. Mrs. Sober's
character is portrayed positively, while Mrs. Drunk is
mostly displayed in a negative manner. The book uses
red and yellow as the main colors, with blue for the
background.
There are three chapters in this book. The first chapter
discusses what to do before drinking, the second during
drinking, and the third after drinking. The compilation
includes drink preparation, drinking table manners,
and some measures for drunkenness. With simple
explanations at the top or bottom, each page contains a
tip or rule related to business drinking.

Figure 52: Business Drinking Handbook contents 1
Figure 54: Business Drinking Handbook contents 3

Figure 55: Business Drinking Handbook contents 4

51

Figure 53: Business Drinking
Handbook contents 1

Figure 56: Business Drinking Handbook contents 5

52

 Business Drinking

Handbook

7.1

Book Design
The Business Drinking Handbook is designed for newcomers in the
workplace. It is unified with an iconic style and has a palm-size design so
it can be carried and read easily. 24 tips were selected and included after
extensive research about Chinese business drinking culture. These include
preparations before drinking, precautions while drinking, and measures
to tackle drunkenness after drinking. The book also includes potential
regulations on the table and information about dangerous drinking errors.
Both characters clearly demonstrate positive and correct drinking etiquette,
as well as negative and wrong etiquette. At its end, the book expresses that
drunkenness is very foolish behavior in the eyes of others.

Figure 58, 59, 60&61: Business Drinking Handbook Final Design 1

53

Figure 57: Business Drinking
Handbook Cover Design

54

 Figure 62, 63, 64&65: Business Drinking Handbook Final
Design 2

55

Figure 66, 67, 68&69: Business Drinking Handbook Final
Design 3

56

 Figure 70, 71&72: Business Drinking
Handbook Final Design 4

Figure 73, 74&75: Business Drinking
Handbook Final Design 5
57

58

 Figure 76, 77&78: Business Drinking
Handbook Final Design 6

59

Figure 79, 80&81: Business Drinking
Handbook Final Design 7

60

 7.2

Reader

Feedbacks

Business Drinking Handbook is a printed bound booklet. Readers sent
feedback on the book after it underwent a trial launch with companies in
Jiangsu, China, such as China Jiangsu Charming and China Lianyungang Port
Group. Most of the readers expressed a keen interest in the book, saying that
they rarely see anything other than commercial books designed specifically
for business. Mid-high level employees stated that they knew some of the
book’s tips already, but they were still aware of the misconceptions about
drinking and countermeasures for drinking. Business drinking was already a
habit for most of these employees, but the handbook caused them to discuss
their interests. Some high-level employees made suggestions for the book,
expressing that situations change depending on context and company, such
as in business and political dinners. For new employees, this book not only
provides knowledge about business drinking habits, but also helps eliminate
tensions they have during business dinners.
Figure 83&84: Business Drinking Handbook on the public
bookshelf of China JIANGSU CHARMING company and
staff is reading the Business Drinking Handbook.

Figure 85&86: Different status of employees are reading
the Handbook

61

Figure 82: Business Drinking
Handbook printed version

62

 Conclusion
Chinese drinking culture has a long history, reflecting
a thousand years of Chinese cultural heritage. In the
course of its development, changes have taken place
in terms of geography, time, and policy, but alcohol
still maintains its role in celebrating special moments in
China. With significant changes across the country, the
use of alcohol in politics and commerce has developed
in a negative manner, resulting in the creation of a great
many problems. Changes in compulsory drinking culture
require sophisticated policies and implementation
programs. Fortunately, most younger generations realize
that alcohol abuse is a problem.
The design of the Business Drinking Handbook is
intended to make more people aware of the problem of
alcohol abuse in Chinese business circles. It is hoped that
it will have an impact on this and future generation of
working professionals.

63

64

 Reference

list

English translation
by Zhuxi Zhou

有毛僧 (2013-12-02) 中国人的酒桌文化：为什么不喝就是不给面子？腾讯文
化频道 “ 文化观察 ”
You Maoseng(2013-12-02)China's table culture: Why it is "face" problem if you
reject to drink? Tencent Culture Channel "Cultural Observation. Retrieved
from:http://cul.qq.com/a/20131202/015765.htm
官场里，酒桌上有哪些规矩？ (2014.07.27)
What are the rules on the table? Zhihu，
Retrieved from:https://www.zhihu.com/question/21286938
彭匈 （Feb，2017）宴席上的次序。传承视野
Peng Xiong （Feb，2017）The order on the feast. Heritage vision, p44
华裔设计师刘扬《东西相遇》漫画 (2014.07.12)
Chinese-American designer Liu Yang's "East meets West" comics. Douban，
Retrieved from: https://www.douban.com/note/370988933/
志文工作室 （2010.06.17）喝酒不容易醉的技巧 酒桌规矩与解酒方法。
Zhiwen Studio（2010.06.17）Tips for drinking and table rules and hangover
method. Retrieved from: https://lzw.me/a/1187.html
Anonymous. (Aug 9, 2014).The spirit level: the Chinese are drinking more.
Economist. Retrieved from:
http://www.economist.com/news/china/21611118-chinese-are-drinking-morespirit-level
Bryceson, F., D(Ed.) (2002). Alcohol in Africa: mixing business, pleasure, and
politics. United States of America: Heinemann Portsmouth (N.H.)
Chang, P., Wu, L., Chen, C. Y., Chuang, C., Hsieh, W., Lin, S & Chen, P. (Feb.,
2010). Women's Perceptions of Their Husband's Drinking Behavior as a Risk
Factor of Their Health-Related Quality of Life in the Postpartum Period.
Quality of Life Research, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 47-53

Cochrane, J., Chen, H., Conigrave, K. M. & Hao, W. (Nov 2003). ALCOHOL USE
IN CHINA. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 38(6), pp. 537-542
Data speaks: Where the most number of domestic violence take place? (2016,
March). Retrieved from http://news.xinhuanet.com/2016-03/08/c_128784245.
htm.
Gondolf, E. (1995). Alcohol Abuse, Wife Assault, and Power Needs. Social
Service Review, 69(2), 274-284. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/
stable/30012852
Guo, X. & Huang, Y. (March 2015). The development of alcohol policy in
contemporary China. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis. 23(1), 19-29. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2014.05.002 |
Hao, W., Derson, Y., Xiao, S.Y., Li, L., and Zhang, Y. (1999). Alcohol
consumption and alcohol-related problems: Chinese experience from six area
samples, 1994. Addiction. 94, 1467–1476
HEATH, B. D. (1995) International Handbook on Alcohol and Culture. United
States of America: Greenwood Westpost
Jiang, H., Room, R. & Hao, W（April 2015）.Alcohol and related health issues
in China: action needed. The Lancet Global Health. 3(4), e190–e191, DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(15)70017-3
Li, Q., Babor, F. T., Hao, W., & Chen, X. (July 2011). The Chinese Translations
of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in China: A Systematic
Review, Alcohol and Alcoholism, 46(41) 416-423, Retrieved from: https://doi.
org/10.1093/alcalc/agr012
National Research Council. (1984) Toward the Prevention of Alcohol
Problems: Government, Business, and Community Action. Washington, DC:
The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18637.

Chen, Y. (2011). On Drinking and Domestic Violence from the Perspective of
Social Environment and Cultural Value. Asian Journal of Domestic Violence
and Infringement. 1-12.

Neubauer D.,& Pratt R. (Summer, 1981) The second Public health revolution:
A critical appraisal. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 6(2), 205-28

Cheng, G. H., Deng, F., Xiong, W. & Phillips, R. M. (14 April 2015). Prevalence
of alcohol use disorders in mainland China: a systematic review. Wiley Online
Library, 110(5), 761-774, DOI: 10.1111/add.12876

Pettigrew, S., Charters, S. (2010) Alcohol consumption motivations and
behaviours in Hong Kong. Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics,
22(2), 210-221, Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1108/13555851011026953

65

66

 Schweitzer, M., & Kerr, J. (2000). Bargaining under the Influence: The Role
of Alcohol in Negotiations. The Academy of Management Executive (19932005),14(2), 47-57. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/4165634
Tang, Y.L., Xiang, X.J., Wang, X.Y., Cubells, J.F., Babor, T.F., and Hao, W. (2013).
Alcohol and alcohol-related harm in China: policy changes needed. Bull World
Health Organ, 91, 270–276
Tian, C. & Wang, J (2012)The status and trend analysis of the liquor industry in
China. Academic Perspective magazine. p108-109
Wu, B., Mao, Z.,Rockett, R.H., I. & Yue, Y. (03 Jul 2009). Socioeconomic
Status and Alcohol Use Among Urban and Rural Residents in China. 952-966.
Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1080/10826080701204961
Zhou, L., Conner, K., Phillips, M., Caine, E.D., Xiao, S., Zhang, R., & Gong, Y.
（2009）. Epidemiology of alcohol abuse and dependence in rural Chinese
men. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 33, 1770–1776

67

68