Chinese people place great importance on food. Cuisine is highly diverse, prices range from very affordable to high-end, and both dine-in and food delivery are extremely common.
China has many regional cuisines, such as Sichuan, Cantonese, Shandong, and Huaiyang. In cities, travelers can easily find local specialties, home-style dishes, and international restaurants.
Many restaurants support QR code ordering
Picture menus or English menus are common
Staff can usually assist with ordering
Most restaurants accept Alipay and WeChat Pay
Cash (RMB) is still usable
Some high-end restaurants and hotels accept international credit cards
Pricing: Food prices in China vary widely, from very inexpensive street food to high-end dining, offering good value for different budgets.
Local reviews & discounts: Popular local apps such as Dianping and Meituan provide user reviews and discounted group-buying deals.
Food delivery is extremely common in China, with wide coverage and near all-day service. Delivery fees are usually very low. In some cities, orders may be collected from smart lockers or delivered by robots or drones.
Chopsticks are commonly used; forks are usually available on request
Hot food is the norm; hot water or tea is often served
Some dishes may be spicy or oily—preferences can be requested in advance
Inform staff in advance if you have food allergies (e.g. nuts or seafood)
Choose formal restaurants and avoid raw or cold foods
Bottled water is easily available in supermarkets and convenience stores