Chinese beer (Traditional Chinese: 中國啤酒; Simplified Chinese: 中国啤酒; pinyin: Zhōnggúo píjǐu), mostly made in imitation of Western pilsner varieties, has become increasingly popular, first in China in the last century, and then internationally in the last few decades.

Tsingtao is one of the more famous brands of beer made in China, and the most exported to other countries followed by Zhujiang and Yanjing.It is brewed in the city of Qingdao (formerly spelled Tsingtao) which was a German base in the time of inequal treaties and late-colonial western influence in China. The Germans needed beer for their sailors, soldiers and traders and the production remained after they did lose the city to the Japanese in World War I The major Chinese brewing groups include Tsingtao, China Blue Ribbon, Yanjing, Sie-Tang Lio and Zhujiang. Only a few brewpubs exist in China, primarily in major cities, such as Shanghai and Beijing, with western business travelers. The most well-known craft brewer in China is Kaiwei Beer House, a brewpub chain based in Wuhan.

Chinese media report that as much as 95% of all Chinese beer contains formaldehyde, to prevent sedimentation in bottles and cans while in storage. [1] South Korea and Japan are now testing beer imported from China and will ban it if formaldehyde is discovered.

Chinese often use rice in addition to rye or barley in their beers.

“Budweiser has been supporting Chinese sports team and events in China for a long time and we are pleased to have Budweiser on board again for the 2004 Olympics,” said Li Furong, vice-minister of the State Sports General Administration of China. 2004 will mark the third time Bud has been named the official beer of the Chinese team, after 1996 in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney.

“We hope that we can be more helpful if Beijing wins the bid to host the 2008 Olympics,” said Philips Davis, chairman of Budweiser Wuhan International Brewing Company Ltd. “Actually not only do I hope that Beijing wins the bid, but also that China walks away with the most medals.”