Abstract

The liquor culture in the Northwest region of China evolved uniquely from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China. During this period, the local industry and ethnic diversity made drinking an integral part of social life. Each of the many ethnic groups in the region, from the Uygur to the Kazakh, showcased their own rich drinking customs, which held symbolic significance in various social events. As mainstream culture began to integrate, it further diversified the drinking practices of the region. Banquets hosted by officials and nobles became important social occasions where liquor often took center stage. Moreover, liquor played a significant role in the poetry of literati and scholars, representing not only culture but also emotion. The drinking culture of the Northwest during this period fostered a vibrant social life and stimulated the local economy, particularly the liquor industry, which experienced significant development during this time.