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There is no age limit for consumption in a private home/non-public place, however you must be at least 18 to purchase and consume alcohol in a drinking establishment or a place that serves alcohol.

Technically and legally, you must be at least 18 to purchase alcohol in a market, but whether that is actually upheld is up to the market owner... there may or may not be signage indicating a minimum age for the purchase of alcohol. I've seen primary school age children in small markets buying liquor and cigarettes for adults. Markets near schools won't sell to minors.

You can nix the idea on bellying-up to a bar in Beijing's club district... especially if it's obvious that you're underage.