Four Hangover Remedies That Beijing Residents Swear By

      It's Christmas Eve, and if you're planning to celebrate with some festive drinks, you might be in search of the best hangover remedy to help you through the holidays. This has us wondering: how do locals in Beijing treat a bad hangover?

      While there are numerous Chinese hangover cures, some related to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we've put together a list of four that you can easily find at your local convenience store, without needing a pharmacist.

      **Sour Plum Soup 酸梅汤 (Suānméitāng)**

      Originating from the Song Dynasty, suanmeitang is a drink made from smoked plums and rock sugar. Although this beverage is typically enjoyed by older Beijingers during the summer, it's also recognized as a hangover remedy. Many locals believe that sour plum is good for the liver and that consuming suanmeitang can speed up the breakdown of alcohol.

      **Dòuzhī er 豆汁儿**

      This drink, made from fermented mung beans, is one that people either love or hate; its slightly sour, eggy aroma is not for everyone. As a classic breakfast choice in the capital, many people rely on douzhi'er after a night of drinking, convinced it will help alleviate their hangover quickly.

      **Chinese Cabbage with Mustard 芥末墩儿 (Jièmò dūn er)**

      One cannot truly claim to be a Beijinger without trying this dish. It may appear simple, but the mustard used here is reportedly ten times stronger than Japanese wasabi, making it quite a potent snack. Commonly served during Chinese New Year celebrations, it is also a popular choice for Beijingers looking to recover after a night of drinking.

      Regardless of how hungover you feel, just a bite of this will wake you up instantly. Challenge yourself to see how long you can handle the spice.

      **Old Beijing Yogurt 老北京酸奶 (Lǎo běijīng suānnǎi)**

      You've likely encountered these charming little clay pots with paper lids, into which you can insert straws, scattered throughout Beijing. You might be surprised to learn that this Beijing-style yogurt is highly effective for combating a bad hangover. The next time you wake up feeling groggy, give it a try in the morning; I assure you that these laobeijing suannai will revitalize your body and restore your energy.

      **READ:** Welcome 2026 With These New Year Parties, Meals & More Pt.1

      Images: Unsplash, Uni You, Dianping, Weibo

Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Dec 23, 2025 11:30 am | Add a comment | 184 reads As Christmas approaches, if you’re searching for a festive dessert, consider this chocolate tiffin recipe. It’s incredibly easy, doesn’t need any baking, and provides a delightful chocolate treat to celebrate the holiday season. Ingredients 8oz digestive biscuits 3oz butter 3oz brown sugar 3 tablespoons cocoa powder 1oz raisins 1oz dried cranberries 1 beaten egg 2oz dark chocolate 2oz white chocolate Method Grease and line a 15-20cm rectangular tin with baking parchment. Place the biscuits in a food processor and pulse until they are in small pieces (if you don’t have a food processor, you can crush them in a bowl using a heavy object such as a rolling pin). Transfer the crushed biscuits to a large bowl and set aside. In a saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder together, stirring until smooth. Add the raisins and dried cranberries, then remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Mix in the beaten egg until fully incorporated. Pour this mixture over the crushed biscuits, stirring until all the biscuits are coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin, pressing it down, then smooth the top using the back of a metal spoon. Melt the dark and white chocolate separately in the microwave, doing so in 20-second intervals and stirring in between to prevent burning. Drizzle the dark chocolate in stripes across the top of the mixture in the tin, leaving spaces in between. Fill the gaps with stripes of white chocolate. Use a toothpick to swirl the chocolate together for a marbled effect. Refrigerate the tin for about two hours or overnight to set. Once set, turn the mixture onto a chopping board and cut into squares. READ: Eat, Drink & Be Merry: Christmas Meals Pt.3 (Including Vegan Option) Images: Katie Coy

Ring in the New Year with flair at these locations!

Four Hangover Remedies That Beijing Residents Swear By

Other articles

Activities and Occurrences in the Jing This Weekend (Dec 26-28)

Embrace the festive spirit with this luxurious chocolate delight.

Four Hangover Remedies That Beijing Residents Swear By