By Jim Boyce | I headed to Henan province in April for the first International Symposium on Jiahu Liquor Culture. Jiahu in Wuyang Country has a long boozy history, with evidence as old as 9,000 years pointing to alcohol production, although that particular tipple was more akin to mead than baiiju. And in terms of culture, I quickly learned a local custom: visitors drink three baijiu shots alone and then a fourth with the group. That’s the prize of being a “special guest.”

In any case, it was an intriguing trip and I’ll write more soon. For now, I’ve posted nine photos from a tour of the Jiahu Wine Group baijiu production facilities.

Note: The event was sponsored by China Alcoholic Drinks Association and People’s Government of Wuyang County and organized by Henan Alcoholic Drinks Association and Jiahu Wine Group. Thanks to Mr Yao of Beijing International Wine & Spirit Exchange for his help.

And here are the photos. And as much as people make fun of my supposedly outdated HTC t329, I think it did a pretty good job!

Follow World Baijiu Day on Facebook and Twitter. Also check out my China wine site Grape Wall and nightlife site Beijing Boyce.