Who doesn’t love snacks? Every country has their own takes and variations, and China is no exception! Some Beijing Streets, in particular, are known the world over for their incredible street vendors and snack streets. If you join one of our Beijing Tours we will take you to the Top 10 Best Beijing Streets for Snacks.
As a metropolis, Beijing tantalizes hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world year after year. To serve this tremendous flow of people, because eating still a very important part of any vacation, restaurants and snack stores are playing an ever-increasing role in Beijing.
Beijing is an incredibly large area to traverse, but here are 10 Beijing Streets to nibble away on.
Top 10 Beijing snack streets
#1 Qianmen Street
Chinese Name: 前门小吃街 Location: Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
With a long history and many time-honored restaurants, this street doesn’t quite bustle with people like the other snack streets on this list. Qianmen Street is a way to gain a taste of upper-class Beijing. When you find yourself surrounded by fantastic buildings in the traditional Chinese design, be sure to try these delicacies:
Old Beijing Hotpot
Beijing Duck
Siu Mai
Wonton and Syrup of Plum
You will see enough delicious food and awe-inspiring architecture here to fill any Instagram in style.
#2 Wangfujing snack street
Chinese Name: 王府井小吃街 Location: Wangfujing Snack Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Usually, ‘Wangfujing’ only reminds people of shopping. However, due to the popularity of the famous shopping street, and a testament to Chinese ingenuity, the now booming snack street was established, taking position number two on our list.
Different from Qianmen Street, these vendors set up small snack stores and stalls filling the Wangfujing Snack Street. The benefit of its proximity to the shopping hub is that all the food sold there is able to be eaten on-the-go. which is convenient for everyone.
We recommend the following:
Baodu (Fried beef tripe)
Strong-smelling preserved bean curd
Bingtanghulu
Grilled Mutton
Fried Scorpion, or one of its relatives.
#3 Guijie snack street
Chinese Name: 簋街 Location: Inside Dongzhimen, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Praised as the first popular snack street in Beijing, Guijie earns its place at Number 3 on our list as one of the only streets where all the stores are open 24/7. It stretches about 1.5 kilometers and is also called the Ghost Street, for the street is extremely busy at night with an old saying that ghosts would enter the city in the night to have their dinner. Want to dine like a local? Try one of these specialties:
Hot and Spicy Crayfish
Sautéed Bullfrog in Chili Sauce
Beijing Hotpot
Wheat cake boiled in meat broth
Lamb Spine Hot Pot.
We loved these, but with almost every snack imaginable able to found here, you are really spoiled for choice!
#4 Niujie Muslim snack street
Chinese Name: 牛街 Location: Niujie, Xicheng District, Beijing
The area is most famous for the Niujie Mosque, which is the largest and oldest mosque in the city, Niujie quite literally translates to Ox Street in Chinese. It hosts a large variety of ethnicities in this downtown Beijing street, the Hui people making up the majority, it is said that this cultural cooking pot has roughly 23 distinct ethnic groups living there. Both traditional Beijing snacks and Muslim delicacies are served here, giving all visitors an exotic experience, with our favorites being:
Seasoned millet mush (Miancha),
Douzhir
Jellied bean curd
Fried sugar cake
Lǘdagunr
Yam and date rolls
#5 Fucheng Road
Chinese Name: 阜成路 Location: Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing
At number 5 on our list, located near a booming business district, customers frequenting the restaurants on Fucheng Street are generally business people. Which explains why the majority of restaurants here are known for providing premium and luxurious morsels. Many Chinese regional cuisines from Hangzhou, Huaiyang, and Sichuan can be found here.
The seafood sensations offered by Cantonese restaurants is also praised as being some of the best in Beijing. Be sure to sample everything!
#6 Ping’an Street
Chinese Name: 平安大街 Location: Ping’an Street, Shunyi District, Beijing
Ping’an Street, also called Ping’an Avenue, is a snack street actually made famous for its ancient buildings and surprisingly not its amazing restaurants. Stretching for approximately 7 kilometers, the street houses a number of structures and buildings constructed in the Qing dynasty; among which several of them housed members of royal families. Don’t let that deter you from a good meal though, the snacks available here are unbelievable with the likes of Baodu, Douzhir, and Zhajiangmian.
#7 Suzhou Street
Chinese Name: 苏州街 Location: Suzhou Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Lucky Number 7, Suzhou Street is near the famous hi-tech center of Beijing, Zhongguancun. With restaurants originally serving to provide take-away options for the technicians that lived there. Dishes served in several restaurants were highly praised by their patrons, and rumors quickly spread across the city about the delicious food near Zhongguancun. This attracted more restaurants to buy there, which laid the foundations of the popularity of the renowned street that Suzhou Street is best known for today. Keep an eye out for Cantonese and Hunan cuisine, as well as the seafood.
#8 Fangzhuang
Chinese Name: 方庄 Location: Fangzhuang Area, Fengtai District, Beijing
Fangzhuang is the new kid on the block of best Beijing Streets for dining and snacks. Compared with the other snack streets on this list, this Beijing street’s most advantageous selling point is the restaurants here serve dishes from all across the world.
We definitely recommend sampling the: hand-pulled noodle soup, Peking Duck, Grilled Fish, dumplings, Siu Mai, and the hot pot.
If Ping’an or Niujie Street are identified as ethnic or local cuisine, then Fangzhuang defiantly could be described as an international smorgasbord.
#9 Xiaoyun Road
Chinese Name: 霄云路 Location: Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Xiaoyun road is an oasis, surrounded by skyscrapers as well as highrise villas giving the area a strong sense of being one part removed from the bustle that is Beijing. An assortment of restaurants populate the roadside, serving delightful foreign dishes, such as spicy and unforgettable Thai foods, and simple French cuisine. Xiaoyun also offers patrons unique and exciting African temptations.
#10 Huguosi Hutong snack street
Chinese Name: 护国寺小吃街 Location: Huguosi Street, Xinjiekou, Xicheng District, Beijing
Taking the last spot on our list is Huguosi Hutong snack street, where local Beijing residents visit the time-honored Beijing food snack stores. The alluring smell of traditional cuisine in the air can be intoxicating, with authentic Beijing dishes being served.
Put these traditional snacks on the menu for your stroll down Huguosi Hutong Snack Street:
Fermented bean drink
Glutinous rice rolls with sweet bean flour
Yellow split peas cake
Wontons
Donkey Burger (a kind of sesame seed cake)
Come on an adventure with ChinaTours.com
When you tour Beijing with ChinaTours.com your professional China tour guide will use their expertise to help you to locate the best Beijing Streets for restaurant and snacks. With over a decade of experience in first-class China tour packages, we invite you to join us on tour so you can experience the REAL China.
Are you a culture aficionado who wants an authentic experience when you travel? The team at ChinaTours.com is too. With over 10 years of experience, designing China tours is in our DNA. As a family-owned business, we’re committed to opening up a whole new world of China to Western travelers. We focus on giving our guests a genuine experience of the history, culture, and cuisine of Beijing and other areas of China in ways that build bridges and forge understanding between people. Ready for a China tour made of beautiful travel memories? Talk to ChinaTours.com – the friendliest China tour company.
Are you searching “China itinerary 2 weeks” because you’re looking to book your next travel adventure?
If that’s the case then chances are, you’ll want some good old-fashioned guidance on what to see and do, and importantly, how to see and do it.
In a country that is literally a trove of culture, history, and an incredible 56 UNESCO World Heritage sites, it’s a feat just choosing where and when, but take heart; we’re here for you. This blog, written especially for the avid travel researcher (yes, you who searched China itinerary 2 weeks, we see you!), will answer just about every question you’ve thought of, and then some, so let’s dive right in.
Do I need a Chinese visa and how do I get it?
Getting clear on your Chinese visa requirements is a very good place to start your adventure because let’s face it, visas are one of those tedious administrative hurdles that are part of international travel, and they are best dealt with right up front.
If you are planning a two week holiday in China, there is good news. China has made it easy for international travelers from many destinations. In July 2024 it was announced that from December 1 2023 to December 31 2025, China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from 15 countries: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland. Citizens from these countries are eligible for a visa-free entry if they come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends and transit for no more than 15 days. How good is that? It’s perfect for the adventurer wanting a two week holiday in China. You can read more about transit visas and how they work here.
If your plans include a multi-city tour around the country or even a short tour to several destinations, you won’t need a China tourist visa, and it’s wise to get help to ensure your application right the first time around, however, if you do need a visa for whatever reason (for example, you’re not from one of the 15 countries listed above), then engaging assistance from a knowledgeable travel consultant can help, saving you time as you navigate the ins and outs of the application process. Even choosing the correct visa can be a challenge, simply because there are so many, so we strongly advise doing your research.
This is why getting help is a good idea. You definitely don’t want to be left dazed and confused at your local China embassy or China Visa Application Service Centre when you realize you haven’t quite ticked all the necessary boxes. As you’d expect, getting the details right is essential, so enlist the help of someone who knows.
Our tip? Contact your local embassy for information.
Now of course this is going to depend on where you’re traveling from, however, you might be very surprised to learn that it’s possible to make your way by land and sea.
It’s no secret that major airports in China are serious travel hubs, not just for domestic travelers, but for international visitors too, including those just in transit. Let’s just say that when it comes to traveling to China there are options – and lots of them.
As you’d expect, jumping on a direct flight to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou from most countries is straightforward. There are even direct flights to other cities like Xi’an, Chengdu, and Kunming from the US, Europe, and Australia. This means you won’t be left languishing, waiting on that one weekly flight to start your two-week China holiday.
You’ve probably heard about China’s expanding rail network that is connecting all corners of the country. Not only is this a fabulous way to get around while you’re in China, it also makes it easy to connect up with rail networks beyond the border.
Fancy something a little exotic? Who doesn’t when they’re visiting somewhere new? Travelers from Europe can reach China by taking the Trans-Siberian train from Moscow. Likened to a steel ribbon across Russia, who wouldn’t want to start their China holiday soaking up a little luxury.
Proving train travel is definitely not a thing of the past, the Pan-Asia Railway Network, linking China (Kunming) to Laos (Vientiane), is anticipated to be operational by the end of 2021. Travelers can also travel by train between Beijing and Hanoi; a fantastic route that showcases the very best of expanse that separates these two countries. Plans are already afoot to join China and Bangkok, Thailand in the near future, so if train travel is your thing, there’s no shortage of options.
As for travel between cities, well, the sky’s the limit. There are over 50 flights daily between Beijing and Xi’an, more than a hundred between Beijing and Shanghai, and 40 between Shanghai and Xi’an. Keep in mind, however, that China’s airports are busy, making travel by train an appealing option. Travel times are not hugely different, you have the chance to see more of the country, and it is very affordable.
There are plenty of options for moving within and around a city too. Public transport by bus, train, and metro are immensely popular, and you can always hail a taxi. But our pick is traveling in a private vehicle with a driver who knows how to navigate the craziness that is the roads of China’s big cities, ensuring you arrive at your destination and make it back to your hotel safely.
This question is a bit like asking how long is a piece of string? Truthfully, you can visit China at any time of year and find the kind of weather you love, depending on your preference.
Geographically a northern hemisphere country, you’ll find autumn/winter months from September to February and spring/summer from March to August. It can get bitterly cold – think snow and ice castles like the kind Harbin is famous for – and tropically hot, as it does in Hong Kong and Macau. You will even find places where it’s hot and cold in one day, like the desert region in which Turpan is located.
It’s fair to say that the most popular tourist cities can be visited at any time of year, but it’s highly recommended you avoid traveling during important holidays such as Chinese New Year and the China National Holiday, both of which bring the country to a standstill as locals return home to spend precious time with family.
If food is your ‘thing’, expect to be dazzled and delighted by the incredible array of dishes that are representative of every palate and minority people in the country.
A food tour of China will expand your mind and blow away your taste buds. Every region has its specialties, and every city has its famous snack streets. Expect flavorsome, spiced delicacies for sale alongside the unique and unsavory.
While on tour, be sure to make a meal of every meal, starting with breakfast. Whether you’re a traditionalist at heart, or you prefer to go a little avant-garde while on the road, China can cater to your every dining need. There is huge diversity from back lane food carts to Michelin fine dining. Really, the choice is yours.
Keep in mind too that different cities feature different foods. Order the very best Peking Duck you can find in Beijing, a roujiamo (or two) in Xi’an, and mapo tofu in Chengdu.
Now while we’re the first to say ‘no shopping tours’, it doesn’t mean we don’t love to gather up a collectible or two during our travels. In this department, China has much to offer, so if it’s beautiful, one-of-a-kind, a memory-evoking treasure you want, then we have secrets only insiders can share.
Yes, there are high profile and sky-high shopping malls that modern China is famous for; cathedrals to consumerism and every imaginable electronic, souvenir, and item of clothing. Amidst the glamor and glitz, however, you will find artisans aplenty too. Remaining true to the unique arts that have endured for millennia – calligraphy, silk weaving, porcelain, tea, jade, pearls; the list goes on – these fine arts still capture the hearts of those who hunger for something just a little special. If that’s you, expect to be fully laden on your return home.
For the complete lowdown on shopping, dive into the blogs below.
Hotels in China are a wonder. For a start, can you imagine that back in 1980 there were just 203 hotels designated for international travelers? Today it is a completely different story because accommodation has come a long way since the very rudimentary offerings that were available a little over forty years ago. Today there are a whopping 350,000 different accommodation options for those traveling from around the world, including 20,000 four and five-star hotels.
In terms of service, expect a standard that complements the accommodation. International and domestic brand five-star hotels equate to five-star service where nothing is too much trouble. At the other end of the spectrum in hostels and homestays, you can rely on a relaxed and down-to-earth vibe that provides an insight into life for locals; an experience that is often missed in the larger corporate alternatives. Keep in mind the price of inner-city hotels is a reflection of the location and the ease with which many of the city’s highlights and attractions can be reached. While it may not seem to be a significant detail, the location of your hotel can make a real difference to your overall travel experience. Our guides’ number one tip is to choose the best hotel that fits with your travel budget and make sure it’s located close to a subway line.
Now we know China is a vast country, but what if your passion for travel means you want to use the opportunity by exploring the region beyond its borders? Well, there’s good news. China shares its border with 14 countries: Mongolia to the north; Russia and North Korea in the northeast; Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India, Bhutan, and Nepal to the south; Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to the west. Maritime borders are also shared with Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Its location at the center of so many countries makes it an excellent launch pad to just about anywhere in the region. Travel by plane or train for the greatest comfort and speed and to make the most of your vacation. For example, flights or train travel to countries in Indochina can be taken from Kunming. If sitting on top of the world is your thing, jump in a car or board a plane bound for Lhasa or Kathmandu. Or if you’re after something a little more exotic, book a ticket on the Trans-Siberian, allowing you to travel from Beijing to Mongolia or even Moscow. There is virtually no limit on destinations, making your greatest challenge what to choose for your China itinerary.
Solo v. group travel: Which should you choose?
For some travelers, this is an easy question to answer based on well-established views and previous experience. It’s good to remember, however, that China is a country unlike any other, which is why you may want to consider your options, particularly on your first visit. A group tour is great if you’re limited on time and want to ensure you cover the absolute ‘must-see’ essentials. If you have a little more time on your hands and enjoy wandering off the beaten path – and your health and age permit – there is certainly plenty to keep you interested if you’re traveling solo. Backpackers can enjoy low-cost transport by train and the opportunity to mix it with locals, while those more interested in comfort will appreciate the flexibility, structure, and day-to-day care provided by a guide on a private tour.
Okay, so we’ve covered a lot of information here, but what if that doesn’t answer the big question, What’s the most popular China itinerary? The magic number here is Two weeks! In this next section of the blog, we cover the all-important details about what to see, what to do and eat, and where to do it, city by city, based on our most popular 14 day best of China adventure
Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Hutongs
Food
Peking duck and any famous Beijing foods found on local snack streets
If you love a little culture
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum, National Museum of China, Beijing Capital Museum, Beijing Zoo, 798 Art Zone, Songzhuang Art Colony, and Peking Opera Museum
Experiences
● Live like a local: Visit local parks and join the morning Tai Chi class, take the bus or metro, or visit the local markets. ● Ride a rickshaw through the hutongs or take a Great Wall hiking or camping tour ● Try a class: Indulge your senses at a Chinese cooking class, learn to make clay figurines, try your hand at calligraphy, kite-making, or a Peking Opera mask.
By night
● Enjoy a drink: Visit the bars in Sanlitun or Shichahai ● Enjoy a concert or show: Choose from Peking Opera, acrobatics, kung fu, and Beijing folk art performances. ● Take a night tour: See the city’s landmarks in a whole different light
Shopping
● Bargain hunt: Search for a travel memento or kitschy tourist trinket by visiting one of Beijing’s many markets. Try the Hongqiao Pearl Market or the Panjiayuan Antique Market, shopping centers in Wangfujing, Xidan, and the Qianmen shopping precincts.
Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Wall, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Food
Savor one of Xi’an’s famous roujiamo (Xi’an burger) and other famous street food found in iconic destinations like Muslim Street
If you love a little culture
Bell and Drum Tower, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an Museum, Stone Steles Museum, Mount Hua, Famen Temple, Han Yang Ling
Experiences
● Enjoy a show: Xi’an is famous for its selection of entertaining shows. Among our recommendations are The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show or Song of Everlasting Sorrow). ● Food tour or cooking class: If food is your ‘thing’, team up with a local guide who shares your passion by taking a local specialty food tour. And if you like to cook, then take a class and learn to make biang biang noodles, dumplings, or other dishes unique to this fabulous city. ● Craft a soldier: Make the master craftsmen who assembled the thousands of terracotta soldiers that are part of the Terracotta Army. A perfect activity for families and those who like to get amongst it. ● Appreciate local art: Join a local artisan and learn the ancient craft of paper cutting, Chinese calligraphy, or shadow puppetry.
By night
● Sights at night: Want to double your sightseeing time? Visit some of Xi’an’s highlights at night. Be sure to include the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, City Wall, North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Datang Everbright City on your list. ● Market visit: Xi’an’s markets go well into the evening. Visit the Dongxin Street Night Market or the famous Muslim Quarter. ● Dine out: Xi’an’s bar and dining precincts are great destinations for food and entertainment, including live music. Stop by the South City Gate and spend time with the locals.
Reed Flute Cave, Li River, Yangshuo West Street, Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng
Food
Make a beeline for Guilin’s rice noodles, Yangshuo Beer Fish, or sticky bamboo rice in Longsheng. Guilin also has its own selection of local food and snacks, so try these as you wander its old-style, relaxed streets.
If you love a little culture
Wander the area surrounding the impressive Elephant Trunk Hill and spend time learning about China’s historical contributions to science and innovation in Seven Star Park. In Yangshuo, take a drive through the idyllic countryside and see why the city’s backdrop is so famous when you look upon Xianggong Mountain and the expansive Yulong River.
Experiences
● Enjoy nature: Absorb the beauty of the local countryside with a bike ride through charming villages or a leisurely bamboo raft ride down the Yulong River. ● Cook like a local: Join a cooking class that combines sightseeing, local ingredients, and the savoring of regional specialties.
By night
● Night markets: Experience the liveliness of night markets in Xicheng Street, Zhengyang Street, or Yangshuo West Street. ● Night show: Enjoy the famous show, Impression Liu Sanjie in Yangshuo, a performance involving local farmers that are staged on the water and showcase traditional local music, stories, and costumes.
Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai, Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge), Shennong Stream or Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam.
Food
Enjoy the food onboard the cruise, with menus including both western and Chinese cuisine at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If you love a little culture
Depending on the cruise selected, you can also visit White Emperor City, Baiheliang Underwater Museum, and the 816 Underground Project.
Experiences
● Onboard activities: Relaxing in river cruising style by taking advantage of the Chinese culture lectures, morning Tai Chi lessons, or specialty cooking classes. The cruises also make stops for the open-air Three Kingdom show and Three Gorges Project Ship lift.
Shanghai Museum, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, Chenghuangmiao Bazaars, Shikumen Museum, New Spot, Former French Concession.
Food
While visiting the Pearl of the Orient, indulge in xiaolongbao (steamed bun) and other famous local snacks.
If you love a little culture
Shanghai has much to offer, so make a list. Be sure to include Jade Buddha Temple, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Shanghai History Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Museum, Shanghai Disneyland, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
Experiences
● Shanghai-style: Sit back and listen to a performance by The Old Jazz Band at the Peace Hotel ● Dress in style: Channel your inner 1920’s Shanghai diva with a tailor-made Chinese Qipao or cheongsam ● Get married: Well, maybe you won’t, but a visit to the People’s Park marriage market puts a whole different spin on partner selection. Observe the way parents and grandparents ‘market’ their unmarried adult children to the best available option. ● Family-friendly: Shanghai caters to all ages, with families a special focus. Visit Shanghai Disneyland (fancy a night at the Toy Story hotel?); Shanghai Zoo (see cute pandas); Shanghai’s Wild Insect Kingdom; Shanghai Ocean Aquarium; the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel; and Shanghai Natural History Museum. ● Fulfill your need for speed: Climb aboard the Shanghai Maglev, China’s fastest commercial electric train or shift down a gear or two with a bike ride that traverses both old and new Shanghai.
By night
● Join the fun: Relish the spectacle of the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show, a Huangpu River night cruise providing views of the Bund, bars, and restaurants at Tianzifang or New Spot.
Shopping
Tea, pearl, silk, porcelain, and various kinds of hand-crafted items could very easily top your Shanghai shopping list. Apart from shopping centers housing international luxury brands, there are markets for fabric, antiques, glasses, and homewares that are worth visiting; not to mention countless boutiques with one-off mementos.
Whether you’re a savvy traveler or a first time visitor to China looking for the best two week itinerary, doing your research is the best way to make the most of your vacation in this amazing country. Be sure to get the information you need on travel costs, including hotels, tours, food, and experiences from people who truly care about your holiday. Talk to the ChinaTours.com team. We’re travelers too, and we’re committed to helping you create beautiful travel memories that endure long after you’ve arrived home. We welcome online enquiries via direct contact, with responses delivered within 24 hours.
Among the hundreds of traditional dishes, are some that you simply have to try if you’re venturing to China. A traditional Chinese hotpot is one such dish.
What is Haidilao hotpot?
Now there are hotpots – and there are Haidilao hotpots. For those just cutting their Chinese cuisine teeth, hotpot dining involves cooking raw meats, fish, tofu, vegetables, and noodles in broth or oil, which is placed at the centre of the table.
There are different soup bases: tomato, mushroom, clear oil spicy, chicken, and pickled Chinese cabbage, as well as various dishes and noodles that are cooked in the broth. Feeling hungry? Well, you get more than a meal at Haidilao.
Find the best customer service at Haidilao hotpot
Considered by locals to the best hotpot restaurant, Haidilao is not only favoured for its wonderful food. It’s also appreciated for its outstanding customer service. At a time when genuine service is a rarity anywhere in the world, Haidilao surprises and delights even those who are hard to please.
Don’t believe us? Here are just a few examples of the way Haidilao impresses its guests.
Arrive early and waiting for your table? No problem. You’ll enjoy a free manicure or some time in one of the relaxing massage chairs found in the foyer to the restaurant.
Cold outside? In winter, expect to be greeted with wipes to clear you classes of the fog.
Want to avert a smartphone disaster? That’s easy. Every customer receives a zip lock bag for safe keeping of mobile phones.
It might sound over the top, but it seems like people can’t say enough good things about Haidilao.
Is it unforgettable? Well, yes, we think so. Do they provide unique and memorable customer experiences? A hundred percent.
But there’s even more to make Haidilao a place to visit.
New Beijing Haidilao restaurant is out of this world
Apart from the delicious food, a visit to Haidilao is a must if you’re a western traveler on tour in China. And although there are Haidilao restaurants all over China, if your China tour stops in Beijing , make a point of visiting their newest outlet there, located at B1-04, building E, Zhongjun World City, No. 8-9, Jinhui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.
Known as a dining amusement park, this restaurant took three years to build from planning to completion and required an investment of more than 14 million US dollars.
Here’s what you’ll find there.
Haidilao’s first smart restaurant
Haidilao is definitely at the forefront of technology, making their Beijing flagship store it’s first smart restaurant. Think Jetson-style technology in a dining environment.
The Beijing restaurant has integrated an intelligent kitchen based on AI, as well as intelligent serving that helps improve food safety standards. It seems Haidilao has thought of everything because there is even ‘intelligent customization’ allowing customers to create an exclusive hotpot broth. The power to personalize is in the hands of customers who can download the Haidilao app and create an exclusive broth file for themselves and share it with family and friends.
A visit to Haidilao is more than a meal; it’s a chance to unleash your creativity.
A waiting room with a difference
While reservations for this innovative new restaurant can be made online or by telephone, there may still be a slight wait on arrival. But don’t be concerned. The standard manicure and massage have been upgraded to a super-sized screen on which an interactive game can be played. Simply enter the game by scanning the code with their Haidilao app.
Accommodating 80 people at once, the giant screen makes waiting for your dinner a truly memorable experience, especially when you’re served pre-meal snacks.
Dining that’s a total immersion experience
The experience only intensifies when you enter the restaurant. Haidilao has gone all out to create a 360 audio visual hotpot immersion experience. Six different visual themes are projected onto the walls of the restaurant. At any time you’ll be treated to rich imagery that will surely surprise and delight. Starry sky, peach garden wonderland, and snowy mountain are just a sample of what’s in store.
The future of table service
A standout feature of the Beijing Haidilao smart restaurant are the robots that deliver meals. The future of table service really is here.
Taking just three minutes from the time an order is placed on an iPad to the moment dishes arrive at the table, the intelligent service certainly is speedy.
It’s all part of the smart restaurant model where every ingredient has its own unique RFID code, which is equivalent to ‘ID card’. When guests order through the intelligent ordering system, the robot matches the dishes. Its flexible robot arm can touch the top shelf which is more than two meters high. Prepared dishes are transported to the delivery robot or ‘waiter’ standing by in the restaurant.
After collecting the meal, the robot will automatically take meals to the right table. Once this job is done, it returns to wait for it’s next task.
After the meal, or when dishes have piled up, guests can call the waiter to collect them. The robot will automatically move to the table and help staff to remove the empty dishes. When the empty disks are returned to the kitchen, it will automatically report: “Empty dishes have arrived, please take them away as soon as possible.”
Dining here isn’t all robots though. At the end of the meal, enjoy the experience of watching a noodle master performing amazing traditional noodle making techniques. It seems robots can’t handle noodles yet!
Intelligent kitchen that has no need for master chefs
Another feature of this smart restaurant is the ‘intelligent kitchen’.
All dishes are prepared in the automatically temperature controlled and super clean food warehouse environment.
Food is directly delivered to the store through specially designed logistics before entering the automatic vegetable machine. There is also a large monitoring screen in the kitchen, which is used to observe the machine’s operations. On the screen outside the pantry, the remaining dishes are monitored in real time，allowing for accurate control of food shelf life. Expired products are discarded automatically. In addition, the kitchen is also equipped with intelligent equipment, such as an automatic dishwasher and meat cutter.
What people say about Haidilao hotpot
Here are just a few comments from people who’ve loved their Haidilao experience.
When it comes to Haidilao and its customers, it seems like there are no limits to the lengths their team will go to create a comfortable, enjoyable experience.
Their premium service concept has been enhanced with advanced technologies that make a meal at Haidilao more than a dining experience.
Looking for more AI experiences in Beijing? Why not visit HEMA Fresh, the new wave in supermarkets located just ten minutes from Haidilao.
Although ChinaTours.com does not have any affiliation with Haidilao Hotpot, we share their commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences. On all our China tours, we provide our customers with the flexibility to choose their meals for lunch and dinner. This means you have the opportunity explore the fabulous dining options, which are available in every region in the country. Haidilao Hotpot is just one example, but there are many others and we’d love to share them with you. When you travel with us, part of the experience is about ensuring you achieve what you set out to do on your travel adventure – and we’re here to help make that happen. Curious and like to know more about creating beautiful travel food memories? Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
Shanghai cuisine, also referred to as Benbang cuisine, balances color, aroma and taste.
While appearances may not always be appealing to a Western palate (check out Hairy Crab below) – in general, Shanghai dishes feature a comparatively sweet and light-salt flavor. By contrast to the heavy and spicy flavor prevailing in China’s north, Shanghai cuisine offers a different culinary experience. Benbang cuisine is known for its thick red oil sauce and its method of braising or stewing in soy sauce and use of sugar.
A contrast to typical Shanghai street food, traditional Shanghai cuisine is somewhat different and readily available in local restaurants. ChinaTours.com is a reputable provider of China tours, and in writing this article our local tour guides have assisted by handpicking a few famous favorites, including some must-try Shanghai cuisine dishes for those visiting this fascinating city.
Traditional Shanghai Cuisine
Shanghai Old Restaurant / 上海老饭店
Find it: 242 Fuyou Rd Founded in 1875, Shanghai Old Restaurant is the origin of Shanghai’s Benbang cuisine and has a history of nearly 150 years, providing featured dishes such as Braised Jumbo Sea Cucumber with Shrimp Roe; Chicken, Mushroom and Ham Threads in Consomme; and Fried Shrimps.
Fu 1088 / 福1088
Find it: 375 Zhengning Rd Located at an old foreign-style house built around the period between the 1920s or 1930s, Fu 1088 features dishes from Shanghai’s traditional wealthy and influential families. Menu highlights include Stewed Pork with Brown Sauce, Braised Noodles with Yellow Croaker and Shrimp with Mustard and Sesame.
Wang Bao He Restaurant / 王宝和
Find it: 603 Fuzhou Rd Originally built in 1744, Wang Bao He Restaurant specializes in cooking river crabs, showcasing featured dishes such as Stewed Crab Meats with Tender Tofu, Crab Meat and Prawn Rolls, and Shrimp and Crab Cooked with Green Pepper. If you’re a seafood lover, you are guaranteed to love this form of Shanghai cuisine.
Yong Foo Elite / 雍福会 Michelin two stars
Find it: 200 Yongfu Rd Built at the beginning of last century, the garden villa of Yong Foo Elite earns every point of its two Michelin stars. Covering an expansive area of three mus (a traditional Chinese measure of land) on which the former site for British Consulate in Shanghai was located, Yong Foo Elite features dishes such as Stewed Crab Meats with Fins, Wine Preserved Crab and Prawns in Chili Sauce. Come ready to be impressed and enjoy the top-rated Shanghai cuisine at Yong Foo Elite.
Jardin De Jade / 苏浙汇
Find it: 388 Zhaojiabang Rd Built in 1999, Jardin De Jade brings together the dishes and flavors of Suzhou, Zhejiang and Huaiyang – all cities located within proximity of Shanghai – enhancing them to innovate traditional Shanghai cuisine. Feature dishes at Jardin De Jade include Braised Meatballs in Brown Sauce, Benbang Smoked Fish, and Steamed Reeves Shad. Ask your local guide for details on how to book a night out at this special restaurant.
Lubolang Restaurant (绿波廊)
Find it: 115 Yuyang Rd Built during the reign of Emperor Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty, Lubolang Restaurant is a century-aged restaurant which boasts not only typical Benbang cuisines but also unique and exquisite pastries. With classical pastries available, including Flaky Pastry with Shredded Meat, Mushroom and Winter Bamboo Shoots, Osmanthus Jelly, and Pan-fried Turnip Cake, make sure you arrive ready to feast.
Looking for traditional Shanghai cuisine dishes to try?
Sample these local specialty dishes when you’re visiting Shanghai, the Pearl of the Orient
Steamed Hairy Crab （蒸毛蟹Zheng Mao Xie）
I know. It sounds more like an animated character than seasonally popular Shanghai street food dish, but Hairy Crab is virtually revered among locals who recommend steaming with ginger and serving with a dipping sauce of rice vinegar, ginger and sugar.
Can’t face the prospect of pulling apart the crab? For local Shanghai residents, it’s all part of the ritual. Ask your local guide to share their insider secrets to the best Hairy Crab street stall. They’ll take you there – and we know you’ll be happy you did.
Braised Pork Intestines with Alfalfa (草头圈子 Cao Tou Quan Zi)
For the more adventurous Shanghai visitors, a foray into the unknown sampling braised pork intestines with alfalfa could make for the ultimate food travel memory. When you’re asked Did you try any usual Shanghai food? You can give a resounding Yes! as your answer. While it may not sound appetizing, braised pork intestines with alfalfa is old Shanghai cuisine. Ask your local guide to include it on your culinary tour.
Sauteed Shelled Shrimps (炒虾仁)
For seafood lovers, sauteed shelled shrimps – or you bao xia – are a Shanghai favorite. Sauteed in oil, and flavored with ginger, chicken broth, Shaoxing wine, sugar, black vinegar, and sesame oil, this dish is unique to this region. Keen to eat like the Shanghainese? Check in with your local guide while on tour or layover for the best culinary adventure advice.
Indian Kalimeris Herb mixed with Smoked Bean Curd (马兰头拌香干)
The Shanghainese love their vegetables, so trying Indian Kalimeris Herb mixed with Smoked Bean Curd (Ma Lan Tou) is a must. Others you may want to sample include Shepherd’s Purse, Chinese Little Greens, and Shanghai rape, a type of cruciferous green vegetable.
Make your visit to Shanghai a totally memorable food experience
Apart from the wonderful culture and history of China, local traditional cuisine adds to every travel and culinary experience, whether it’s a short layover or a longer China tour. If you want to experience Shanghai’s local cuisines come with us (ChinaTours.com) on a Shanghai tour and your local bilingual guide will ensure you enjoy the different flavors which will captivate and delight you.
Are you a culture aficionado who wants an authentic experience when you travel? The team at ChinaTours.com is too. Designing small group, private and custom China tours is in our DNA. As a family owned business, we’re committed to opening up a whole new world of China to Western travelers. We focus on giving our guests a genuine experience of the history, culture, and cuisine in ways that build bridges and forge understanding between people. Ready for a China tour made of beautiful travel memories? Have a look at our carefully designed China Tour Packages, including some of our Best China tours such as Beijing tours, Chengdu tours and Yangtze River Cruises and so many more…. Also, talk to ChinaTours.com – the friendliest China tour company. Enquire now.
Best hot springs in Xi’an? Looking for a Xi’an tour that encompasses the Xi’an hot springs?
Maybe you’ve booked a small group Xi’an tour, or your planning to travel solo to Xi’an. Whatever the case, mixing things up to make beautiful memories is what travel’s all about, right?
So most people wouldn’t put the best hot springs and Xi’an in the same sentence. That’s because whenever we think of Xi’an, there’s usually one thing that comes to mind. The Terracotta Army.
Awe-inspiring by any measure, it’s understandable we tick that bucket list item on our tour itinerary.
Hot springs near Xi’an
But what if you’ve time on your side – maybe a free afternoon or evening in your schedule on tour in Xi’an? Wouldn’t it be great to know there are options available, other than shopping and more sightseeing?
Well, the good news is, there are other options.
The Chinese draw on a long, rich history of therapies that contribute to long life and good health. While many of these have been adopted by westerners keen to absorb some Eastern wisdom, certain treatments aren’t practical to move beyond the Chinese border. And Xi’an hot springs are one of them.
But that needed stop you enjoying the benefits while you’re on tour in Xi’an. Few people know the very first hot spring in China was found in Shaanxi province where Xi’an is located. In fact, the province’s history was influenced heavily by the hot springs in the area.
Emperors and their royal courtesans knew they were on a good thing. Over dynasties and centuries, they built resorts and summer houses, taking advantage of the health-giving and restorative nature of these pristine destinations.
Want to soak up life like an emperor and restore aching muscles from walking travel miles?
Let’s take you on a trip through the best Xi’an hot springs so you can.
#1 Huaqing Hot Spring
Huaqing Hot Spring in Xi’an sits at number one on the list of the best Xi’an hot springs.
Over 6,000 years old, the Huaqing Hot Spring remains not only one of the most famous hot springs in China, it is also one of the oldest. Approximately 30 kilometers east of Xi’an City, the former royal spring has become a scenic area for tourists, with a resort now well established and providing every visitor with the pure delight only Chinese emperors and courtesans could enjoy in the past.
Noted for the quality of spring water available, experts believe the water from Huaqing Hot Spring will do more than simply provide relaxation; it will restore your sense of wellbeing too.
Sounds like a natural remedy from heaven.
In Chinese: 华清池温泉 Find Huaqing Hot Spring: 38 Huaqing Road, Lintong District (30 kilometers east of Xi’an City), Xi’an.
#2 Mianxian Hot Spring
Nestled in Southern Shaanxi, about three kilometers away from Mianxian, we have number two on our list of the best Xi’an hot springs.
The Mianxian Hot Spring has an average temperature of 58.2℃ and a daily flow rate of about 5,000 tons of water. This vital spring has been used in therapy since ancient times and has been commissioned as a resort after WWII. Want healing and health? Make time to visit one or more Xi’an hot springs on your China tour.
Chinese Name: 勉县温泉 Find it: At the foot of Ma’anshan Mountain, Hanzhong City, Shannan
#3 Lantian Tangyu Hot Spring
With an enviable outlook, the iconic Lantian Tangyu Hot Springs shares another distinguished title, that of top 8 best views in Lantian.
Situated about 20 kilometers from Lantian county and 40 kilometers away from downtown Xi’an, the Lantian Tangyu Hot Spring draws both locals and tourists for healing, relaxation, and restoration.
The Chinese love a good saying and it’s fitting there’s one for Tangyu: ‘the water in Tangyu is much more precious than gold’.
As one of the best of Xi’an hot springs, Lantian Tangyu Hot Spring is so popular that even since its beginning at the time of the Tang Dynasty, people far and wide have traveled to gather here, just to take a dip!
When you visit, you’ll understand why.
In Chinese: 蓝田汤浴温泉 Find it: 20 kilometers away from Lantian County, Shaanxi
#4 Meixian Tangyu Hot Spring
China’s emperors had a deep affinity with Meixian Tangyu Hot Spring, so much so, that Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty built a summer residence here and named it the ‘Phoenix Spring Palace’.
Until the start of the Tang Dynasty, Meixian Tangyu Hot Spring was still used as a royal getaway destination during the summer.
Located about 10 kilometers from Xi’an where it’s nestled alongside the gate of Taibaishan National Forest Park, the Meixian Tangyu Hot Spring is also referred to Taibaishan Tangyu Hot Spring by outsiders.
Open from afternoons through to late evening, it’s the perfect way to round out a busy day on tour in Xi’an.
In Chinese: 眉县汤浴温泉 Find it: Tai’an Road, Tangyu County, Taibaishan National Forest Park
#5 Virgie Spring
Number five on our list of the best Xi’an hot springs – and the only hot spring not dignified by royalty – the Virgie Spring in Qia County of the Shaanxi province is a minerally rich spring and has unbelievable scenic surroundings.
Virgie Spring is named after a unique tradition in Qia County. It is said in ancient times, young women on the eve of their weddings would bathe themselves in the spring to embrace their impending maturity, believing this prepared their bodies for the gift of children.
Virgie Spring actually consists of a group of smaller springs forming a beautiful butterfly pattern – perhaps a nod to the mystical and magical so characteristic of Chinese mythology.
One of the perfect Xi’an hot springs to relax and enjoy.
In Chinese: 处女泉 Find it: Qiachuan, Heyang, Weinan City, Shaanxi
Ready to take the plunge on a China tour with stops in Xi’an and visit the best hot springs including the famous Huaqing Hot Spring? Book online now or connect with one of our China tour specialists.
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A small group, private or custom tour is the ideal way to experience China when you travel with ChinaTours.com, the friendliest China tour company. Arranging specialized inbound China tours for over ten years, we understand the importance of providing comfort, safety, and a real experience of China. We can arrange private tours for one in twenty unique China destinations, or a custom tour to best suit you. We’d love to hear from you if you would like to know more.
A little bit like buying a fancy bottle of wine, knowing how to choose Chinese tea like a local can be, well, a little confusing.
In fact, because the art and science of tea has a modern history, as well as an ancient one. More recent influences on the maintaining the quality of tea emerged in China from the 1950s to the 1980s. During this time, the production of tea came under a system called the ‘commodity allocation plan’, which developed a standard based on eight elements for assessing tea quality. In true Chinese style, this assessment was multi-faceted, taking into consideration the ‘inner’ quality of tea and ‘outer’ quality of tea in equal measure.
The inner quality of tea refers to the aroma, taste, color and selection of tea leaves. Of these criteria, aroma and taste are most important. In terms of the outer shape of tea that influences tea quality, connoisseurs look for the shape and color of leaves, as well as the uniformity of shape, and how clean the leaves are. Although all elements are important, the shape of tea leaves takes priority.
With color, clarity, and aroma among the many factors to consider, it’s any wonder that western travelers on a China tour feel the overwhelm of indecision and confusion when pressed to choose a Chinese tea on their own.
The truth is, learning how to choose a Chinese tea involves more than a dose of good luck. There is an art and science to planting, growing and producing tea, so if it’s a genuine quality product you’re after while on tour, then take notes!
We’ve covered it all in this and other blogs in our article series on Chinese tea.
When it comes to tea, 8 is a lucky number
We’re the first to admit that 8 is an auspicious number in all things Chinese, that’s why it’s no surprise there are exactly eight things to look for if you want to choose Chinese tea like a local.
Ready? Here goes.
1. Look for a consistent shape
A consistent shape in dried tea leaves is just one of the eight elements considered important when assessing tea quality. Tiao Suo (条索) specifies the shape of dried tea leaves. For example, with panning green tea we look for long strips; for gunpowder (pearl) tea we look for the roundness of the ‘pearl’; with Longjing tea the defining characteristic in terms of shape is how flat the leaf is; while black tea is valued for the way it is crushed. When it comes to shape, there are different Tiao Suo which point to the quality of a tea. When considering tea shaped as a long strip, look for whether the leaves are tight, straight, strong, and heavy. For round tea, the tightness of the small round pearl, along with how solid and evenly distributed the weight in the pearl. For flat tea, smooth and even is the core factor.
2. Choose a quality color
Not surprisingly, the best Chinese tea must have visual appeal too. When looking at tea for its color, be sure to check for an even spread and gloss across the tea leaf.
3. Whole shredding? We’ve got you covered
Another term not immediately associated with tea, but is in fact, integral to how to choose Chinese tea like a local: whole shredding. It’s a term that can be a little confusing because whole shredding actually means the tea leaves must maintain their natural shape, even when dried.
4. Tea clarity
While clarity is a wine term referring to a wine’s reflective quality, that is, whether it is brilliant, dull, clear, or hazy, clarity in tea refers to the number of impurities. It goes without saying that the finest quality teas are free from contamination. This no doubt explains the reason some of the most expensive Chinese tea is produced in pristine regions like the mountains of Fujian and the Li Shan (Pear Mountain) tea district of Taiwan where the chance of contamination is greatly reduced.
5. Hmm…tea. How does it smell?
We all understand the term aroma, but when it comes to tea, what does it mean? Aroma in Chinese tea refers to the scent that arises from the steam after the tea is brewed. The various types of tea carry their own fragrance, for example, black tea is typically sweet, while a fruity or floral aroma is usually associated with Oolong tea.
6. It’s all in the taste
As you step out and try different teas, you’ll start to become familiar with the distinctive tastes that are associated with each. Naturally, a quality tea is strong and fresh; and not at all bitter or unpleasant to smell.
7. Soup color? Aren’t we talking about tea?
Well, yes we are, but soup color is the term used to describe the color of water after the tea leaves are immersed in boiling water. Soup color mainly depends on chroma (the saturation of color), brightness and turbidity. Want to add some green tea to your repertoire? Look for tea that is yellow-green and bright. On the other hand, black tea should be red and bright, while Oolong tea, a bright orange-yellow hue.
8. Leaf bottom
Who knew that the art and science of tea could be so complex? Leaf bottom or Ye Di (叶底), refers to the tea after it has been infused (and with most Chinese teas, this occurs several times). The literal translation of Ye Di is ‘finished tea leaves’, but the Chinese are a poetic bunch and instead use the term ‘leaf bottom’. Tea connoisseurs say that the leaf bottom is a good indicator both of tea quality – and the tea-making skills of the tea drinker.
The tea bottom is evaluated on the ratio of buds to young leaves, and the tenderness of the leaves, which should be uniform in shape and size, soft in texture, brightly colored.
Looking for the finest tea in China?
We can help with that kind of adventure – and just about any other kind of China tour, regardless of your interest. Whether it’s culture, history, food, crafts, or Chinese tea, our dedicated team of travel consultants can help custom design a China tour that inspires beautiful travel memories.
ChinaTours.com is dedicated to helping western travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere enjoy an authentic experience of China, including adventurers on the hunt for the very best Chinese tea. We are passionate Chinese tea drinkers too. In fact, we source the tea we drink from all corners of China – and would love to take you there. If you’d like to learn how to choose Chinese tea like a local, or even take a totally food-focused tour of China, just let us know. We’re here to share your passion. Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hour.
Located at the top of the luxurious Oriental Pearl Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower Restaurant, or Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant, offers diners panoramic views of the city, 267 meters above beautiful Shanghai. This iconic venue is no mere restaurant. The tower is a destination as well for locals and travelers alike.
Delve into the detail below to discover why the Oriental Pearl Tower and its revolving restaurant should be on your Shanghai highlights list.
Oriental Pearl Tower – It’s a towering achievement
The Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower is a multi-purpose facility with sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, the Shanghai History Museum, a cruise dock, and events center.
At 468 meter high, it stood as the tallest structure in China from 1994–2007, when it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center. Standing on the bank of the Huangpu River, it is central to Lujiazui and opposite The Bund, which is renowned for its grand architectural buildings with its variety of styles.
The Oriental Pearl Tower remains one of the most symbolic venues and tourism destinations in Shanghai. Classified as an ‘AAAAA’ scenic area by the China National Tourism Administration, it’s proclaimed The Oriental Pearl Tower Restaurant has one of the 10 best views in Shanghai.
The tower features 11 spheres, both big and small. The two largest spheres, along the length of the tower, are visible from great distances, as the tower is brightly illuminated in various LED sequences at night. The design and symbolism of the tower are said to be based on a verse of the Tang Dynasty poem, Pipa Song by Bai Juyi about the wonderful sprinkling sound of a Pipa instrument, like pearls, big and small falling on a jade plate.
‘AAAAA’ scenic views
Including the Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant, the tower has 15 Observation levels. The highest of these, known as the Space Module, is an awe-inspiring 350 meters high. Boasting an outdoor observation platform, not for the faint of heart, sightseers are protected from falling by a 50mm thick, transparent glass floor looking straight down onto the busy Shanghai streets below!
The lower sightseeing level is a still modest 263 meters above ground and the Space City floor rests at 90 meters. The Oriental Pearl Tower has a 20-room hotel, called the Space Hotel, between the two large spheres. There are also exhibition centers and a small shopping complex.
A basement museum and the history of Shanghai
The exhibitions of The Shanghai History Museum, in the basement of the tower, are truly incredible. The museum is a winding maze, full of great information about the development of Shanghai from its very beginning. Unsurprisingly, their attention to detail is impressive, giving great insights into the early lives of the rich and poor Chinese of Shanghai, and their ever-changing city. There are few better ways to understand Shanghai and its history than a visit to the Shanghai History Museum.
The Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant
Soaring at 267 meters above Shanghai’s bustling streets, this tower top revolving restaurant is an experience unlike any other, with its breathtaking views of the city in full vision beneath and all around you.
Traditional Chinese cuisine meets western-style cooking in epic fashion at the buffet. The food is delicious, however, if you don’t book your table in advance you’ll be watching the sights and the people eating! Our local guides help you through these processes to avoid missing out on any must-see sights, like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Revolving Restaurant.
When the sun goes down and the stars dot the vastness above. One of two breathtaking marvels can be seen. One is the night sky, scattered with countless stars, an unforgettable sight! The other is the mesmerizing illumination of the city-scape below and all around you.
Experience real Chinese sights with ChinaTours.com
Get more out of what you want in China! With our local experts guiding your holiday, you can discover what makes Shanghai culture so truly unique. The flexibility and freedom provided by ChinaTours.com mean every traveler can experience the real sights of Shanghai. Talk to your local guide on tour and take advantage of the buffet of lunch and dinner options available at The Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant.
A small group, private or custom tour of Shanghai is the ideal way to experience China when you travel with the friendliest China tour company. Arranging specialized inbound China tours for over ten years, we understand the importance of providing comfort, safety, and a real experience of China. What makes ChinaTours.com different? Our small group tour focus. We can even arrange private tours for one in twenty unique China destinations.
Wondering what to eat for breakfast in China? Taking a China tour and confused about the food options?
That’s hardly a surprise. China is a vast country and the diversity of cultures and cuisines is one of its many distinguishing features. So how do you know what to eat?
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snacks in between, traveling to China is the ideal opportunity to channel your inner adventurer and eat like a local.
And there’s no reason breakfast shouldn’t be challenge or excite your palette. After all, it’s arguably the most important meal of the day – and if there’s a full day of touring on the cards, there’s even more reason to do your research. That way you’ll know what to eat for breakfast – and be well-fed for the day ahead.
Keep this list of local breakfast tips for destinations in China. It provides everything you need to know about what to eat for breakfast.
Breakfast in Beijing: Stir-fried liver / 炒肝儿
Certainly liver is not going to make it to the top of every traveler’s favorites’ list, however stir fried liver is a popular Beijing breakfast. Actually, the name is a little deceiving, because the liver is not stir fried, but boiled with pig intestine and liver, and with starch to form a thick soup.
Traditionally, fried liver is drunk directly from the bowl, rather than using a spoon and chopsticks. Traditionally, fried liver is drunk directly from the bowl, rather than using a spoon and chopsticks. So if you see someone enjoying their stir-fried liver with chopsticks and spoon, then there’s a very good change that they’re not from Beijing.
Breakfast in Xi’an: Rougamo or Chinese hamburger / 肉夹馍
Xi’an is one of China’s lively cities and the food found in this part of Shaanxi province has a reputation that precedes it. It’s Xi’an where you’ll find the Roujiamo or Rougamo, otherwise considered the Chinese equivalent of a hamburger. Essentially strips of beautifully tender ‘fatty’ meat served in a crispy bun, it’s difficult to eat just one. The rougamo originates in Shaanxi, but it is popular all over China. Regardless of where your China tour takes you, you almost certainly find this hearty breakfast from the early hours in every city. It has truly become a real national breakfast.
Breakfast in Shanghai, Suzhou + Hangzhou: Soup buns / 灌汤包
Like the rougamo from Xi’an, you’ll find many versions of the ‘soup bun’, which has its origins in Shanghai, and Suzhou and Hangzhou close by. The name soup bun describes the way the dumpling is filled with meat and broth. Eating these delicious morsels is a bit like combining noodles, meat and soup – three staples of Chinese cuisine. Be sure to order plenty, because one or two just won’t be enough.
More breakfast in Shanghai, Suzhou + Hangzhou: Pan-Fried Bun / 生煎
With a ‘bun-heavy’ breakfast menu, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Chinese are obsessed with loading ‘carbs’ early on in the day. The pan-fried buns of Shanghai (Suzhou and Hangzhou) only reinforce this idea.
Fried buns have a crisp bottom and are typically sprinkled with shallots. Perfect In the middle of winter, freshly fried buns are perfect for keeping out the cold.
Breakfast in Xiamen: Sha Cha Noodle / 沙茶面
History would have us believe sha cha sauce is an earlier version of satay sauce – and this is possibly true. Sha Cha originated in Xiamen in China’s Fujian province and many people from this region made their way to Malaysia, taking the delicious Sha Cha sauce with them.
Sha Cha noodles are simple to make. Simply prepare your noodles in boiling water and when ready, add them to a bowl. Choose from pork liver, pork loin, duck tendon, large intestine, fresh squid, dried tofu and other ingredients according to your taste. Finally, pour the soup over the ingredients in the soup bowl and serve immediately.
Breakfast in Guangzhou: Steamed vermicelli roll / 肠粉
Steamed rice vermicelli rolls are made by rolling a strip of flat shahe fen and then rolling it with meat, vegetables, shrimp, and other delicious ingredients. Also known as scrambled vermicelli, this dish is hugely popular on Guangzhou mornings, so much so that many outlets that serve them often run out of supplies. Lovers of the steamed vermicelli roll are a dedicated bunch. They’ll often be found queuing up to place their order, so make sure you’re up early if you plan on trying steamed vermicelli rolls on your China tour.
Breakfast in Guilin: Rice noodles / 米粉
Guilin is famous for its rice noodles, so it’s no surprise to find that rice noodles are recommended for breakfast here. So what’s the method for rice noodles Guilin-style?
First, the rice noodles are warmed in boiling water, then the guo shao (fried crispy streaky pork), marinated beef jerky, sausage, barbecue, are added, together with brine, peanut oil, crispy soybeans, pepper, garlic, chopped spring onions and pickled vegetables. Guilin rice noodles are certainly a flavor and colour sensation.
Breakfast in Yunnan: Rice-flour noodles / 米线
Rice noodles are a classic of Yunnan food culture. They are a staple at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and for snacks in between. They’re even eaten either hot or cold. So if you’re traveling to Yunnan on your China tour, a Yunnan rice noodle feast is a must.
Breakfast in Chongqing + Chengdu: Hot and Sour Rice Noodles / 酸辣粉
Chongqing and Chengdu have more in common than being located in Sichuan province. They’re also famous for the hot and sour noodles which originated in the region. Hot and sour noodles are handmade sweet potato noodles served with a variety of ingredients. They are so named because of the combination of hot and sour flavors. After being refined and perfected over time, you’ll find hot and sour noodles available as popular street food in Sichuan province, including for breakfast.
More breakfast in Chongqing + Chengdu: Chao Shou / 抄手
So what if hot and sour noodles aren’t your thing? There’s no need for concern. In Chongqing and Chengdu, you can eat breakfast like a local and savor the taste of the famous local chao shou – or chili oil wonton.
Yes, wontons are made all over China, however the chili oil chao shou is one of the most famous varieties. Filled with meat and resembling the appearance of two folded arms (hence the name), chao shou are served in soup or chili oil. Like many dishes in Chengdu, it’s wise to eat with caution, or the chili may get the best of you!
Breakfast in Urumqi: Naan Bread / 馕
Urumqi is an iconic destination located on the famous Silk Road and naan bread is a Xinjiang style ‘pancake’ that is a symbol of the region.
Naan bread is made from dough incorporating a little salt water, yeast and flour. Dough is worked out by hand into a round disc shape, brushed with mutton oil, sprinkled with sesame seeds and then baked on hot bricks or in an oven.
There are numerous varieties of naan bread – supposedly up to 50 different types. We’ve listed just a couple here, but you’ll find many more on the streets of Urumqi.
Naan bread made with mutton oil is called oil naan, while naan baked with minced mutton, cumin, pepper and onion is called meat naan. Naan baked with sesame and grape juice is called sesame naan. Can’t decide which one is right for you? Why not try them all!
Breakfast in Lan Zhou: Hand-pulled noodle soup with beef / 牛肉拉面
Like so many things in China, the hand-pulled noodle soup has origins that date back many centuries. In fact, it is said the hand-pulled noodle soup with beef originated during the Tang Dynasty and if you’re eating it for breakfast, you’re probably not far from Lan Zhou, located on the Silk Road.
Appreciated throughout China and the world for its unique flavor, the soup is described as being clear as a mirror with meat that is fragrant and falls apart, while the noodles are thin and delicate.
Start your day in Lanzhou with hand-pulled noodle soup with beef and it’s likely you won’t feel the need for anything more during the day.
A final word on what to eat for breakfast in China
The truth is there are so many iconic dishes that make up the richly diverse cuisines of China. The best way to pick your favourite breakfast dish (or dishes!) is to explore the many tastes while on your China tour. Our local bilingual guides will always be there to help you decide if stopping by a local snack street vendor is right, or sitting down with locals at a restaurant will work for you. And you never need to be concerned about what to choose. They’ll help you order too.
ChinaTours.com is dedicated to helping western travelers enjoy a genuine experience of China, including savoring the interesting and exotic tastes from around the country. All our China tours offer a balance of structure and flexibility, including our meals. While breakfast is included in our tour packages, there are many opportunities for choosing your own food with lunches and dinners left to you. Our local guides are knowledgeable and caring and provide advice on the best places to experience the cuisine of each China destination. Keen to know more? Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours. We’d love to create a China culinary experience you’ll remember always.
Wherever you go in China, you’ll hear claims from locals that the best Chinese tea is to be found in their region. Irrespective of whether it’s north, south, or anywhere in between, it seems claimants for China’s best tea are everywhere.
Now we totally understand that perspective.
It’s true, there are a lot of wonderful Chinese teas. It’s also true these teas are discoverable in every corner of the country. From the Fujian mountains to the hills of Hangzhou , there is diversity in types of Chinese tea and benefits which any drinker yields from their consumption.
With the best teas in China title up for debate, the team at ChinaTours.com figured it was worth throwing our yuan’s worth into the mix. After all, we are tea lovers too. In fact, some of our team could be considered just a *little* tea crazy. As travelers like you, we love sourcing the best of the best and we figured it’s only fair to share our love of tea with you.
So here it is. The ultimate list of best Chinese teas according to ChinaTours.com.
Before we get to the bottom of the tea cup of China’s best teas, it’s probably a good idea to recap on some Chinese tea essentials. Bear in mind many factors influence the creation of a tea from the ‘best of’ list: the environment in which it’s grown, how it’s processed, the way it’s stored. Make no mistake. A ‘best Chinese tea’ is never a stroke of luck. No, the Chinese approach to tea, beautifully described in The Classic Art of Tea well over 1,300 years ago, is a serious business. According to the book’s author, Lu Yu, who is revered as the ‘Sage of Tea’ and who established traditions and practices that endure today, there is a definitive art to growing, processing, and drinking Chinese tea, irrespective of where it’s grown.
That said, there are certain locations throughout China that offer more favorable conditions for growing tea. It’s these locations which are fundamental to assuring tea quality. It’s why we’ve put together our list based on the places where the tea is grown.
So, to the list. Let’s do this!
#10 Liu’an Guapian (六安瓜片) – Green tea
A staple on just about any list of China’s best teas, Liu’an Guapian is a green tea with an enviable reputation. Grown in Liu’an county in Anhui Province (a land-locked region in China’s east), teapedia.org states the literal translation for Liu’an Guapian Tea is Liu’an Melon Seed. Why melon seed? Well, the Chinese with their poetic descriptions for just about everything think the oval, flat shape of dried leaves bear a striking resemblance to melon seeds.
Whether you agree or not, the uniqueness of the tea’s processing is enough to make even a novice tea drinker sit up and pay attention. Liu’an Guapian tea is processed from the second leaf on the branch, rather than leaf buds like most other Chinese teas. The central vein of each leaf is removed (yes, by hand), and the leaves are then pan-fried and shaped, a process which prevents oxidation. If green tea is your thing, then it’s hard to pass up on Liu’an Guapian.
#9 Anxi Tieguanyin (安溪铁观音) – Oolong tea
With Anxi Tieguanyin, we move into the realm of oolong tea. From Fujian province, Anxi Tieguanyin tea reflects all the health-giving qualities of a traditional oolong tea – vitamins, minerals, amino acids, beneficial tea polyphenol antioxidants that protect liver cells, lower blood pressure and produce the best weight loss effect of all Chinese tea varieties. The history of Anxi Tieguanyin tea is one based on legend.
Depending on who you believe there are variations, however suffice to say the origins of Anxi Tieguanyin tea may have been humble, but it’s position in the best ten Chinese teas means a high level of respect is warranted. Correct processing Anxi Tieguanyin tea is vitally important because even if the growth and harvesting are done right, without proper processing, the tea’s quality can be negatively affected. When you drink a cup of Anxi Tieguanyin tea, you’re definitely drinking a brew steeped in folklore.
#8 Yunnan Pu’er (云南普洱) – Fermented tea
Looking for a tea that will last the distance? You’ll find it with Yunnan Pu’er. In a class of its own, Yunnan Pu’er, is made from large leaf varieties of camellia sinensis. What’s special about this tea? Yunnan Pu’er earns its place in the best Chinese tea list because it can be aged for decades or longer, just as you’d do with a collectible bottle of wine. The fermentation process used to produce Yunnan Pu’er allows it to be aged, allowing the tea to gain in flavor and texture.
#7 Qimen Black Tea 祁门红茶 – Black tea
A famous Chinese black tea, Qimen tea first emerged during the nineteenth century. Also grown in Anhui Province like Liu’an Guapian tea, Qimen has distinctive flavor blends that make it sound more like a bottle of wine than a health-giving tea. Perhaps another reason Qimen tea is so highly valued is because of the particularly slow withering and oxidation processes that are applied to draw out its aroma and flavor. As a black tea, Qimen has gained popularity in the west, so it may just find its way into your trove of travel mementos on a China tour.
#6 Huangshan Maofeng (黄山毛峰) – Green tea
Drama and tragedy befall even the great among us so it’s no surprise to learn that Huangshan Maofeng green tea is a brew steeped in a saga. If you can’t go past an enduring love story, this is definitely a tea to add to your stash. It’s said that Huangshan Maofeng green tea grew out of the love between a beautiful young woman and her scholar beau. The local landowner wanted the girl for himself, and while he took steps to thwart their love when the girl discovered her lover had been murdered, the tears she cried over his grave became the rain, while the grave metamorphosed into a tea tree. Now if that’s not enough to soften the heart of any hardened tea critic, nothing will! Do yourself a favor and try a cup of Huangshan Maofeng green tea – and feel the love!
#5 Junshan Yinzhen (君山银针) – Yellow tea
On the hunt for a famous Chinese tea? Look no further. Apparently a personal favorite of the late Mao Zedong, Junshan Yinzhen tea is a rare and treasured thing. Although it is identified as a yellow tea, Junshan Yinzhen is sometimes sold as a white tea, making it even more special for collectors and novices alike. Junshan Yinzhen tea grows on Junshan Island (in Hunan Province’s Dongting Lake to be exact). As it happens, this is perfect tea growing territory. Yellow tea differs from other teas in its production. Instead of being rolled and shaped, yellow tea buds are sorted by hand, heated, and wrapped in small bundles. In the final step, the tea is dried. Sweet and fruity in flavor, the location where it’s produced, and the laborious production process, means there is only a limited amount of tea produced each year. Time to save up and savor!
#4 West Lake Longjing (西湖龙井) – Green tea
Longjing – or Dragon Well – tea grown around Hangzhou, is the most expensive and arguably the best green tea in China. Rich in health giving properties, Longjing tea has been heralded as a salvation for a whole host of ailments: detoxing, eyesight improvement, oral health, cancer prevention, improving heart health, weight loss, protection against ionizing radiation, and more. With a list of benefits like that it’s easy to understand why it was deemed gong cha, or tribute tea.
#3 Xinyang Maojian (信阳毛尖) – Green tea
A product of Xinyang in Hubei province, Xinyang Maojian green tea earns its place in the list of China’s best teas for many reasons, not least of which are its distinctive characteristics – the dark green leaf color and the long, thin leaf shape. There are many things that must be in alignment to produce the perfect Xinyang Maojian tea. Among them is the ideal time at which the tea leaves should be harvested, namely in spring and fall. The very best quality leaves? Well, they’re harvested mid-April. These tea leaves are so rare, they are sold at more than two or three times the price of tea leaves harvested after this time. Hmm, it might be an idea to add this to your list of must-haves when searching for the best Chinese teas.
#2 Dongting Biluochun (洞庭碧螺春) – Green tea
Yet another green tea, Dongting Biluochun is translated literally as ‘green snail spring’ for its resemblance to a tightly wound spiral. Delicate and delicious in flavor, Dongting Biluochun has been appreciated by peasants and princes over the years. It is grown in Suzhou, Jiangsu and is arguably Chinese very best green tea, but we’ll leave that decision to you!
#1 Wuyi Mountains Da Hong Pao (武夷山大红袍) – Oolong tea
The origins of Wuyi Mountains Da Hong Pao oolong tea conjure up the classic image of Chinese tea heritage. Picture a glorious mountain in Fujian province. Add a tale of imperial proportions that resulted in the healing of a Ming dynasty emperor’s mother. Steep it in a rich history of evolving production techniques and you’ll have arrived in ‘black dragon’ tea territory. Fragrant, dark, and sought after internationally, you may just need to visit a Wuyi plantation while on tour to gain an appreciation of the age-old traditions for planting, picking, and processing this most illustrious of tea leaves. But be prepared to pay. Wuyi Mountains Da Hong Pao tea is the most expensive tea in the world. And that makes it a truly precious brew!
Can’t decide which of the best Chinese teas to start with? Relax! A visit to one of the Chinese many quality tea shops is an education process in itself. When you travel with us, we can take you there. Whether it’s a single stop or an all-encompassing Chinese tea tour, we’ve got you covered.
ChinaTours.com is dedicated to helping western travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere enjoy an authentic experience of China, including adventurers on the hunt for the very best Chinese tea. We are passionate Chinese tea drinkers too. In fact, we source the tea we drink from all corners of China – and would love to take you there. If you’d like to learn how to choose Chinese tea like a local, or even take a totally food-focused tour of China, just let us know. We’re here to share your travel passion. Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
A Chinese tea ceremony is synonymous with life in China. Hardly a surprise given that tea has been cultivated in China for more than three thousand years.
There’s no doubt that Chinese tea provides many health-giving properties, but the tradition of the Chinese tea ceremony draws more from a desire to create a spiritual and social connection with others through ritual than to simply be a healthy pastime.
The art and science of drinking Chinese tea in a ceremony is something to be learned. In fact, much has been written on the subject, including our series of Chinese tea blogs . In fact, it’s an art form on a whole new level.
Steeped in tradition and science, there are very definitive requirements for the water, the tea itself, tea sets used, and the environment in which the ceremony takes place. The people involved in the tea ceremony are also an important factor and must bring with them a quiet reverence to the experience. As such, tea is seen as a medium that transforms the relationship between people and things into something meaningful.
In China, the rich tradition of tea ceremony integrates many elements, with music, calligraphy, decoration, flower arrangements and performance among them. Referred to as the six beauties (or essential aspects) of the tea ceremony, they are intended to guide both the uninitiated and well-versed in what is necessary for this lovely timeless ritual.
‘Six Beauties’ of the Chinese Tea Ceremony
#1 The beauty of people
People are the most fundamental element in a tea ceremony, and are often thought to be the most beautiful. The understanding of beauty here reflects both inner (spiritual) and outer (physical) beauty. In simple language this means that who you are is more important than how you appear. Come to a tea ceremony ready to shine your best self.
#2 Tea leaf beauty
It’s no small statement that the appearance of tea can fill a person with a deep pleasure. With the appearance of each tea leaf to be considered (should it be flat and smooth, or straight and even?), it’s important to recognise there is such a ‘thing’ as tea leaf beauty. The color of tea leaves should also be pleasing to the eye, while the tea’s taste is equally important. Over the ages, this has varied. For example, tea lovers in the Qing dynasty praised the West Lake Longjing tea claiming it carried the ‘sweet smell of orchids; a long and continuous aroma and was clear and light, seemingly tasteless. And the sign that a tea is truly beautiful and Zen-like? There is no taste after drinking, a fact greatly influenced by the beauty of the tea leaf.
#3 Source beautiful water
In Chinese tea ceremony parlance, water is considered ‘the mother of tea’. It seems that ancient tea ceremony wisdom had a certain logic to it, with claims made that 8 parts tea leaves with 10 parts water will brew 10 parts tea, while 10 parts tea leaves with 8 parts water will brew 8 parts tea.
With clean water now readily available, there is no longer the pressure to source purified water, however tea ceremony artists do try to remove chlorine in tap water, or choose mineral water that contains less calcium and magnesium. The point here? Use the best quality water you can get your hands on.
#4 Drink from a beautiful tea set
If water is the mother of tea, then the tea set is the ‘father of tea’ – or so it’s claimed. Ever since tea became a ‘thing’ in China it has been accompanied by the proliferation of beautiful Chinese tea sets. Tea sets take many and varied shapes and sizes, but one thing they do share: the balance of beauty and function that highlight the whole tea ceremony experience. The finest tea sets take natural shapes, are made with pure materials, decorated simply with meaningful art. Of course, a tea set’s beauty is a secondary concern to its practical performance. It must also set off the soup color of tea, maintain a strong fragrance, and to be easy and enjoyable for the user.
#5 Enjoy the tea ceremony in a beautiful environment
The environment in which a tea ceremony is conducted is of equal importance to every other element of beauty. In short, it must be aesthetically beautiful and cultivate a sense of tranquility and peace in each person attending. It should encourage a desire to return to nature. As such, tea ceremony connoisseurs believe this allows people and nature to come into communion with each other.
#6 Appreciate the art form
Not only is a tea ceremony an opportunity to imbibe tea, it is also the chance to practise the fine art and skill of conducting the tea ceremony itself. Even today, a Chinese tea ceremony is considered an art form, with the practical aspects considered beautiful in and of themselves. The right tea, tea set, environment, and water are of equal importance as the cleanliness and hygiene of the environment. The science of the ceremony focuses on the time taken to brew the tea and tea ratio. Careful attention is paid to the details of tea ceremony etiquette, including the utensils used to perform the ceremony.
It’s clear there’s a whole lot more to a Chinese tea ceremony than boiling some water and pouring it on tea leaves. In fact, it can – and should be – a reverential experience. If you’re ready to try it while on tour in China, let us know. We can make arrangements for you to attend a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and create a travel memory you’ll love forever.
ChinaTours.com is dedicated to helping western travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere enjoy an authentic experience of China, including adventurers on the hunt for the very best Chinese tea. We are passionate Chinese tea drinkers too. In fact, we source the tea we drink from all corners of China – and would love to take you there. If you’d like to enjoy an authentic Chinese tea ceremony or travel to parts of China where tea is grown, just let us know. We’re here to share your travel passion. Enquire via our contact form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
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