SHANGHAI will host the Gold Coast-Port Adelaide game with no beer.

There will be an alcohol ban for general admission fans at Jiangwan Stadium during Sunday's historic match between the Suns and Port.

While alcohol will be served in the corporate suites, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the Chinese had instituted the booze ban.

"We have to respect the local culture and the local authorities," he said.

"It's a decision that's been made.

"It's been communicated to all of the travelling supporters and I think everyone understands we're in someone else's country.

"They make the rules and I'm sure, for three hours, that water will be just fine."