Why This Chinese Tycoon Banned Alcohol at His Wedding

An alcohol-free wedding celebration held by a prominent Chinese entrepreneur has drawn public attention not just for its grandeur, but also for its subtle health and lifestyle message. The event, which replaced alcohol with milk tea, reflects a growing cultural shift toward mindful choices, mental well-being, and inclusive celebrations, topics increasingly relevant in public health and preventive medicine.

A High-Profile Union With a Health-Conscious Twist

Zhang Junjie, founder of the popular Chinese milk tea brand Chagee, married Gao Haichun on December 15 at a hotel in Changzhou, Jiangsu province. Both are 32 years old and well-known in China’s business world. While such weddings often feature alcohol-heavy banquets, this alcohol-free wedding celebration stood out for a different reason.

Instead of serving liquor, guests were offered specially packaged milk tea. This decision was widely discussed online and appreciated by many for promoting inclusivity, especially for older guests, non-drinkers, and those mindful of their health.

Why Alcohol-Free Events Matter for Public Health

Reducing alcohol exposure at social events can have meaningful benefits. Excessive alcohol intake is linked to liver disease, cardiovascular conditions, sleep disruption, and mental health concerns.

An alcohol-free wedding celebration:

Encourages safer social drinking norms
Reduces risks of dehydration and acute intoxication
Makes events more inclusive for people with medical conditions, pregnancy, or medication restrictions

Such choices align with preventive health principles increasingly emphasised by clinicians and public health experts.

Tradition Meets Modern Wellness

The wedding followed traditional Chinese customs, with the couple dressed in red and gold attire symbolising prosperity and happiness. The milk tea, also presented in festive red-and-gold cups, blended cultural tradition with modern wellness values.
This approach shows how celebrations can evolve without losing their cultural roots, an idea relevant to lifestyle medicine, which focuses on sustainable, culturally sensitive health practices.

Extending the Celebration to Employees and the Community

In a gesture that also supports workplace morale and mental well-being, employees across more than 7,000 Chagee outlets reportedly received boxes of sweets as wedding gifts. Some stores even shared these treats with customers.
From an occupational health viewpoint, such gestures can positively impact employee satisfaction, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging, which are important factors in reducing workplace stress and burnout.

A Story of Resilience and Long-Term Wellbeing

Zhang Junjie’s personal journey adds another health-related dimension. Orphaned at age 10 and raised in poverty, he began working in a milk tea shop at 17, where he learned basic literacy skills. Years later, he founded Chagee in 2017, which has grown into one of China’s leading milk tea chains.
His story reflects the long-term health impact of social determinants such as childhood adversity, education access, and stable employment, factors well-recognised in public health research.

The Bigger Picture: Healthier Celebrations and Balanced Lives

This alcohol-free wedding celebration comes at a time when conversations around mental health, work-life balance, and healthier social norms are gaining momentum globally. Similar themes were recently echoed in workplace discussions, where flexible work arrangements and informal breaks have been linked to reduced stress and improved productivity.
Together, these trends suggest a broader shift toward wellness-oriented living where personal milestones and professional cultures increasingly support both physical and mental health.

Conclusion

Health is shaped not only by hospitals and clinics, but also by everyday choices, traditions, and workplace practices. Events like this remind us that small, thoughtful decisions such as limiting alcohol or promoting inclusivity can have a meaningful impact on long-term well-being.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

Copy-Writer & Content Editor

All Posts

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.