I discovered Wanglaoji about halfway through our stay in Hangzhou and never went back. It's the most refreshing drink out there. It quickly became my favorite drink in China and I set out to learn more about it. The first thing I noticed was that it is ubiquitous in at least the Hangzhou/Shanghai/Nanjing area. Below are photos documenting the myriad places and forms one can find Wanglaoji, interspersed with Wanglaoji-related "facts" that came up during conversations with locals.
Wanglaoji's can is heavier than a normal aluminum can that a soda comes in, so you often think there is still some liquid left at the bottom when unfortunately you've actually drank it all.
"Wanglaoji is the official drink that unites the 56 ethnic groups in China"
Wanglaoji is best when served very chilled
Wanglaoji has actually been around for a long time but their current popularity and ubiquity started a few years ago when the state company seemed to take marketing into account. The company also supposedly donated a record high amount of financial aid toward the Sichuan earthquake relief effort, which no doubt put them in the good graces of the state.
When we went out to dinner with Zhang Tao and his wife, we had several spicy dishes at a Sichuan place. Owen noted that chilis are known to bring up the heat in one's body, then asked what would be the equivalent item to cool one down. Zhang Tao and his wife immediately and simultaneously responded with "Wanglaoji".
"Wanglaoji is to China what Coca-Cola is to America"
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