Drinking etiquette

"A thousand cups of wine is not too much when bosom friends meet," according to an old Chinese saying. In fact, drinking together is an essential part of socializing and camaraderie. Thus, as any code of social conduct, it adheres to strict rules

  1 .One should never refuse to participate in a toast, as that could be interpreted as being Impolite. All people sitting at the same table must stand up, upon the initiative of one of the guests, and toast in succession;

  2. Elderly people and superiors should be served first. One should pay attention not to raise his/her glass higher than those of the respected elders; and

  3. If ganbei' is called, the drinkers must slam the contents of the glass, and then show the other guests their glasses are empty.