Chinese Cuisine & Must-Try Dishes
Chinese Hospitality
Chinese people are known for their warm, generous nature, where sharing a hot pot or tea is a social ritual that can last hours, fostering connections in bustling teahouses and making travelers feel instantly welcomed.
Essential Chinese Foods
Peking Duck
Savor crispy-skinned duck wrapped in pancakes with hoisin sauce, a staple in Beijing for 150-250 CNY, paired with jasmine tea.
Must-try during family gatherings, offering a taste of China's imperial heritage.
Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Enjoy steamed or boiled pork and veggie dumplings at street vendors in Xi'an for 20-40 CNY.
Best fresh from markets for the ultimate savory, comforting experience.
Hot Pot (Huo Guo)
Sample spicy Sichuan broth with meats and veggies in Chengdu, with meals for 80-150 CNY.
Each region has unique flavors, perfect for groups seeking interactive dining.
Dim Sum
Indulge in steamed buns and rice rolls from Cantonese teahouses in Guangzhou, with baskets starting at 30 CNY.
Tim Ho Wan and local spots offer iconic varieties throughout southern China.
Kung Pao Chicken
Try spicy stir-fried chicken with peanuts, found in Sichuan eateries for 40-60 CNY, a bold dish for spice lovers.
Traditionally served with rice for a complete, fiery meal.
Mapo Tofu
Experience spicy tofu with minced meat at local spots in Chengdu for 30-50 CNY.
Perfect for vegetarians with adaptations, pairing well with steamed rice.
Vegetarian & Special Diets
- Vegetarian Options: Try Buddhist temple cuisine or veggie hot pots in cities like Shanghai for under 50 CNY, reflecting China's diverse plant-based traditions.
- Vegan Choices: Major cities offer vegan restaurants and plant-based versions of classics like dim sum and noodles.
- Gluten-Free: Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free diets, especially in Beijing and Guangzhou with rice-based dishes.
- Halal/Kosher: Available in cities like Xi'an and Beijing with dedicated Hui Muslim restaurants in multicultural areas.
Cultural Etiquette & Customs
Greetings & Introductions
Bow slightly or nod when meeting, with handshakes common in business. Avoid physical contact with the opposite gender.
Use titles like "Mr./Ms." initially, and exchange business cards with both hands as a sign of respect.
Dress Codes
Modest, conservative dress in cities, but comfortable attire for rural areas and hikes.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples like those in Lhasa or Beijing's Forbidden City.
Language Considerations
Mandarin is the official language, with regional dialects. English spoken in tourist hubs like Shanghai.
Learn basics like "xièxiè" (thank you) to show respect and ease interactions.
Dining Etiquette
Wait for the host to start eating, use chopsticks properly without sticking them upright, and share dishes family-style.
No tipping expected, but small gifts for hosts are appreciated in home settings.
Religious Respect
China has diverse beliefs including Buddhism and Taoism. Be respectful during visits to temples and monasteries.
Remove hats, avoid pointing, and silence phones inside sacred sites like Shaolin Temple.
Punctuality
Chinese value punctuality for business and social events, arriving early shows respect.
High-speed trains run precisely, and lateness can disrupt the concept of "mianzi" (face).
Safety & Health Guidelines
Safety Overview
China is generally safe with efficient public services, low violent crime in tourist areas, and robust health systems, making it ideal for all travelers, though petty theft and air quality require awareness.
Essential Safety Tips
Emergency Services
Dial 110 for police, 120 for medical, with English support in major cities 24/7.
Tourist police in Beijing and Shanghai provide assistance, response times quick in urban areas.
Common Scams
Watch for overpriced tours or fake goods in crowded spots like Beijing's markets during festivals.
Use apps like Didi for rides to avoid unlicensed taxis and overcharging.
Healthcare
Hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccinations recommended. Carry travel insurance for private clinics.
Pharmacies widespread, bottled water advised, international hospitals in big cities offer excellent care.
Night Safety
Most urban areas safe at night with heavy surveillance, but avoid remote spots after dark.
Stick to well-lit streets, use official apps for late-night transport in cities like Guangzhou.
Outdoor Safety
For hiking in Zhangjiajie, check weather and use guided tours for steep paths.
Inform guides of plans, areas can have sudden fog or earthquakes in western regions.
Personal Security
Use hotel safes for valuables, keep passport copies separate from originals.
Be vigilant in tourist hubs and on subways during peak hours in Shanghai.
Insider Travel Tips
Strategic Timing
Book during shoulder seasons like April-May to avoid Golden Week crowds and high prices.
Visit autumn for Huangshan hikes, spring ideal for cherry blossoms in Beijing parks.
Budget Optimization
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay for discounts, eat at night markets for cheap street food.
High-speed rail passes available, many temples free or low-cost on weekdays.
Digital Essentials
Download translation apps and a VPN before arrival for unrestricted access.
WiFi in hotels and cafes, mobile SIMs with data excellent across China.
Photography Tips
Capture golden hour at the Great Wall for dramatic shadows and fewer crowds.
Use telephoto lenses for karst landscapes in Guilin, always ask permission for portraits.
Cultural Connection
Learn basic Mandarin phrases to connect with locals in teahouses authentically.
Participate in dim sum rituals for genuine interactions and deeper immersion.
Local Secrets
Seek out hidden hutongs in Beijing or quiet bamboo groves in Sichuan.
Ask at local hostels for off-grid spots residents cherish but tourists overlook.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Pingyao: Ancient walled city in Shanxi with preserved Ming architecture, underground banks, and quiet lantern-lit streets, perfect for a historical escape.
- Jiuzhaigou Valley: Stunning turquoise lakes and waterfalls in Sichuan, less crowded trails for nature lovers amid Tibetan influences.
- Zhangye Danxia Landform: Colorful rainbow mountains in Gansu, ideal for hiking and photography away from major tourist routes.
- Yangshuo Countryside: Karst peaks and bamboo rafting near Guilin, with hidden villages for cycling and local farm stays.
- Harbin Ice Festival Outskirts: Lesser-known ice sculptures and frozen rivers beyond the main event, for a magical winter adventure.
- Lijiang Old Town Back Alleys: Naxi ethnic hidden courtyards and markets in Yunnan, offering cultural depth without the main square crowds.
- Datong Yungang Grottoes Trails: Ancient Buddhist caves with secluded paths for reflection and exploration in northern Shanxi.
- Huangshan Hinterlands: Remote peaks and pine forests beyond the popular spots, base for multi-day treks in Anhui.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Chinese New Year (January/February, Nationwide): Vibrant celebrations with dragon dances, fireworks, and family reunions in cities like Beijing.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October, Nationwide): Mooncake sharing and lantern displays, especially magical in Hong Kong and Taipei.
- Dragon Boat Festival (June, Various Cities): Thrilling races and zongzi rice dumplings, UNESCO-listed tradition in Guangzhou and beyond.
- Shanghai International Film Festival (June, Shanghai): Red carpet premieres and screenings attracting global stars, book tickets early.
- Tulip Festival (April, Various Regions): Blooming fields in Xinjiang and Beijing parks, with cultural performances and picnics.
- Qingming Festival (April, Nationwide): Tomb-sweeping with kite-flying and spring outings, reflecting ancestral reverence.
- Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (January, Harbin): World's largest ice sculptures, drawing 10 million visitors for winter wonderland experiences.
- Water Splashing Festival (April, Xishuangbanna): Dai ethnic New Year with joyful water fights and ethnic dances in Yunnan.
Shopping & Souvenirs
- Silk Products: Buy scarves or robes from Suzhou workshops, authentic pieces start at 100-200 CNY, avoid mass-produced fakes.
- Tea: Purchase Longjing or Pu'er from tea houses in Hangzhou or Yunnan, pack carefully or ship for freshness.
- Jade: Traditional carvings from Xi'an markets, certified stones from 200 CNY, research authenticity before buying.
- Porcelain: China is the porcelain capital, find blue-and-white vases and tea sets in Jingdezhen outlets.
- Calligraphy Sets: Browse Beijing's Liulichang district for brushes, ink, and paper every weekend.
- Markets: Visit Shanghai's Tianzifang or Beijing's Panjiayuan for pearls, fans, and local crafts at bargain prices.
- Snacks: Dried fruits and spices from Xinjiang bazaars, ideal for edible souvenirs with cultural flair.
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Eco-Friendly Transport
Use China's high-speed rail and bike shares to minimize carbon emissions.
Electric scooters and subways available in all major cities for green urban travel.
Local & Organic
Support farmers' markets and organic eateries, especially in Shanghai's sustainable scene.
Choose seasonal produce like Yunnan fruits over imports at wet markets and shops.
Reduce Waste
Bring reusable chopsticks and water bottle, as tap water varies by region.
Use cloth bags at markets, recycling increasingly available in urban public spaces.
Support Local
Stay in family-run guesthouses rather than international chains when possible.
Eat at street vendors and buy from artisan shops to bolster local economies.
Respect Nature
Stay on paths in national parks like Jiuzhaigou, carry out all trash when hiking.
Avoid feeding wildlife and adhere to conservation rules in protected areas.
Cultural Respect
Learn about ethnic minorities and customs before visiting regions like Tibet or Xinjiang.
Respect diverse traditions and avoid sensitive political discussions.
Useful Phrases
Mandarin (Standard Chinese)
Hello: Nǐ hǎo
Thank you: Xièxiè
Please: Qǐng
Excuse me: Bàoqiàn
Do you speak English?: Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma?
Cantonese (Southern China/Hong Kong)
Hello: Néih hóu
Thank you: M̀h'gōi
Please: Chéng m̀h m̀h
Excuse me: Dōjeh
Do you speak English?: Néih sīk m̀h sīk gōng Yīngmàhn?
Mongolian (Inner Mongolia)
Hello: Sain baina uu
Thank you: Bayarlaa
Please: Laa
Excuse me: Uuchlaarabai
Do you speak English?: Ta Angli khelj baina uu?