Moutai is China' s most famous liquor which was selected as the drink for national banquets right before the founding of the People' s Republic of China.
It is said that the villagers along the Shishui River started to make Moutai 4,000 years ago. In the West Han Dynasty, the people produced Moutai liquor of superior quality, which was paid as the tribute to the emperor. Since the Tang Dy- nasty, this local beverage has been shipped overseas by the marine silk road.
Moutai features mild flavour and unique fragrance, and helps relieve fatigue and achieve tranquility if taken proper- ly, thus winning great popularity among domestic and for- eign consumers.
Tea has a history of 5,000 years. One legend goes that when Shen Nong was about to drink some boiled water, a few wild tree leaves fell into the kettle and gave off sweet fragrance. He drank a little and found it very refreshing, which led to the discovery of tea.
Since then, tea became popular in China. Tea gardens ap- peared everywhere, tea merchants became rich, and expen- sive and graceful tea set even became a symbol of social status.
Today, tea is not only a healthy drink but also part of the Chinese culture. More and more international tourists begin to understand the Chinese culture as they drink tea.
If you travel in Beijing, you must do two things: climbing the Great Wall and tasting Beijing roast duck. The well-known Beijing roast duck used to be available only in the imperial court, but now is supplied in hundreds of restaurants in the city.
Beijing roast duck originated in the Ming Dynasty 600 years ago, when chefs from all parts of the country were selected to cook for the emperor in the capital. People believed that it' s a great honour to cook in the palace for only those with outstanding cooking skills could be offered the job. In fact, it' s these royal chefs who have gradually perfected the cooking of Beijing roast duck.