This paper is an exploration of etiquette and rules for wine gatherings of Ming and Ch'ing period literati, gleaned primarily from writings of late Ming literati and from works in four major collectanea; Shuo fu (A Rampart of Sayings), compiled by T’ao Tsung-i (1316-1403) before 1366; Shuo fu hsü (Sequel to A Rampart of Sayings), compiled by T’ao T’ing with preface dated 1647; T’an-chi ts’ung-shu (Sandalwood Table Collectanea), compiled by Wang Cho (1636-1699) and Chang Ch’ao (1650-1707) in 1695-1697; and Chao-tai ts’ung-shu (Collectanea of this Glorious Age), compiled by Chang Ch’ao and others from the period 1697-1844. The paper is divided into five sections. Section one deals with the origin and meaning of the term “shang-cheng” (etiquette and rules for wine gatherings, literal1y ‘goblet rules’) and introduces the earliest material on etiquette and rules for wine gatherings of literati. Section two is on general rules for wine gatherings, and deals with the aspects of appropriate fellow drinkers, activities, utensils, places, occasions, etc., and comments on the setting up of wine gatherings by Ming and Ch'ing literati and their efforts to create a harmonious atmosphere and the right ambience. Section three concentrates on the etiquette of the host, and six areas are discussed: (1) Fixing the place; (2) Choosing companions; (3) Choosing the appropriate wine and utensils; (4) Choosing dishes to complement the drinking; (5) Choosing decorations, games and supplementary materials; and (6) Choosing servants. From these various aspects, we discuss the ideals that the literati aimed for and discern the difference in style between Ming and Ch’ing literati - the Ming literati’s pursuit of sensualism and the enjoyment of a leisurely life, and the Ch’ing literati’s turning back to the essentials and laying more stress on practicalities. Section four forcuses on the etiquette of the guest and discusses the kind of conduct he should aim for and what he should avoid. At the same time, however, while a Ming Ch’ing literatus may pursue his own individual ideal of life, it is also apparent that he should bear in mind the etiquette and rules governing a group. Section five concludes with a summary of the similarities and differences of the etiquette and rules for wine gatherings between Ming and Ch’ing 1iteratiand what these signify.