Cost of living in Liuzhou - Part 2: Drinking

Summers in Guangxi are long and hot so you're going to need to keep your fluids up. Beer is scientifically proven to be the best way to do this so, in part two of our guide to living costs in Liuzhou, we're going to give you the low down on what's available and for how much.

The most popular local brand is 漓泉啤酒 LiQ Beer and they have a few varieties including 漓泉1998 and 漓泉新1代纯生, which are their premier offerings. Whilst the taste is definitely not on a par with our British brews, these light beers are perfect for the long, hot summers and are a great accompaniment to evenings sat outside eating BBQ. A 500ml can of the regular stuff will set you back 4元 (46p) in the shops and a 500ml bottle of the premium types will cost 7元 (81p) in a restaurant.

Liuzhou is experiencing a boom in imported beers and you can find many bars with a great variety of foreign brews. Of particular popularity here are German beers and a 500ml can can be had for 11元 (£1.28) in the shops and 15元 (£1.75) in a pub. Lots of other imports are available, including Britain's own Brewdog, Greene King and Samuel Smiths, as well as a huge variety from Belgium, France, Holland and many other countries. Prices range from 15元 (£1.75) for imported lagers and wheat beers up to 35元 (£3.92) for the super strong trappist style varieties.

There has also been a surge in Chinese microbrews and speciality beers. I'm particularly keen on the 茉莉花茶啤酒 Jasmine Tea Beer which, despite tasting nothing like jasmine tea, is a refreshing IPA without the usual overpowering citrus hops. The girls love Buzz, which is a golden beer flavoured with sweet osmanthus flower (a flavour with which you'll definitely become acquainted whilst living here). Expect a Chinese microbrew to cost you 20元 - 25元 (£2.34 - £2.92) per bottle in a bar depending on the alcohol content.

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