Food & Culture
What to eat, how to order, and cultural dos & don'ts
How to Order
- 1 Find restaurants with photo menus
- 2 Use translation app to scan the menu
- 3 Point at what you want — it works!
Spice Levels
Mild (微辣)
A gentle warmth that most people can handle
Medium (中辣)
Noticeable heat — Sichuan peppercorn numbness included
Hot (特辣)
For true chili warriors — be prepared to sweat
No chili (不要辣)
Must-Try Foods
Beijing Roast Duck
Crispy skin, tender meat — the crown jewel of Beijing cuisine
BeijingXi'an Roujiamo
China's original burger — braised meat in crispy flatbread
Xi'anChengdu Hot Pot
Numbing & spicy broth with endless dipping ingredients
ChengduGuangzhou Dim Sum
Bite-sized treasures: dumplings, buns, and rice rolls
GuangzhouShanghai Xiaolongbao
Soup dumplings — bite carefully or burn your tongue!
ShanghaiChongqing Noodles
Fiery chili oil noodles — a street food legend
ChongqingDietary Needs
Vegetarian: 我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)
Halal: 清真 (Qīngzhēn)
Allergy: 我对...过敏 (Wǒ duì...guòmǐn)
Dos & Don'ts
Don't
Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice
Don't blow your nose in public
Don't tip — not part of Chinese culture
Do
Don't tip — not part of Chinese culture
Receive gifts/business cards with both hands
Elders eat first
Good to Know
Personal space doesn't exist in crowds
Spitting is common — not personal
🚨 Bring your own toilet paper!