Baijiu, also known as "shaojiu", "baigan", and "huo jiu", is directly referred to as strong liquor or high-alcohol liquor in some places. Baijiu is made by fermenting and distilling grains such as sorghum, corn, sweet potatoes, barnyard grass, rice bran, or other fruits. It is called baijiu because it has no color; it is also called shaojiu or high-alcohol liquor because of its high alcohol content.
There are many types of baijiu. Besides differing due to the use of different ingredients, they can also be classified according to their alcohol content into high-alcohol liquor (with over 40% alcohol), medium-alcohol liquor (with alcohol content between 20%-40%); by fragrance type into light aroma type (also called Fen type), strong aroma type (also called Hu type), and soy sauce aroma type (also called Mao type); and by alcohol source into original juice liquor and blended liquor. Light aroma type baijiu is represented by Shanxi Fenjiu, which is refreshing and mild; strong aroma type baijiu is represented by Sichuan Luzhou Dajiu, which has a rich aroma and a soft sweetness; soy sauce aroma type baijiu is represented by Guizhou Maotai, which has a lower alcohol content and a pleasant aroma.