Beer in China

Beer was the dominant alcoholic beverage in China through the Han dynasty, after which it was eclipsed by rice wine. Modern brewing appeared in the late 19th century, brought to China by Europeans who brewed pale lagers, such as Tsingtao. Both beer production and consumption of local and imported brands grew increasingly popular in the 20th century. In the 21st century, China became the world's largest consumer of beer, commercial scale brewing expanded, and craft beer began to spread beyond expatriate communities and make inroads amongst the Chinese population.