Nation's alcohol consumption on rise

Sales boom as drinking culture gradually changes

A large liquor cabinet was the first thing that came to mind when Lu Xin considered decorating a new apartment with his wife.

"We are definitely not alcoholics," said Lu, 32, who is from Beijing and works in the financial industry. "But it is relaxing to take a sip of wine or whiskey before going to bed at times, and my wife appreciates various kinds of cocktails and fruit wines."