China Travel Glossary

Pork or vegetable filling wrapped in thin dough, boiled or pan-fried.

Eaten during Chinese New Year for good luck. Found everywhere from street stalls to fancy restaurants.

Fluffy steamed dough bun with meat or vegetable filling.

China's most common breakfast food. Try the pork and green onion (猪肉大葱) version.

Thin-skinned dumplings filled with pork and hot broth.

A Shanghai specialty. Eat carefully — bite the skin, sip the soup, then eat the filling.

Thin crepe with egg, scallion, and hoisin sauce, rolled up.

Beijing's most popular street breakfast. Vendors cook it on a flat griddle in 2 minutes.

Communal pot of simmering broth at the table; you cook raw ingredients.

Sichuan mala (spicy) or Cantonese clear broth. Hai Di Lao is the most famous chain.

Whole duck roasted until the skin is crisp, served in thin pancakes with scallion and hoisin sauce.

Beijing's signature dish. Quanjude and Da Dong are the most famous restaurants.

Diced chicken with peanuts, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Sichuan's most famous export dish. Spicy and slightly numbing from the Sichuan peppercorns.

Silken tofu in spicy chili-bean sauce with minced pork.

Another Sichuan classic. The "mapo" (pockmarked old woman) refers to the cook's traditional face.

Spicy Sichuan noodles with chili oil, minced pork, and peanuts.

Originally sold from a carrying pole (dan dan) by street vendors. Best in Chengdu.

Wheat noodles stretched by hand into thin strands, served in broth.

A Northwestern Chinese specialty. Lanzhou beef noodles (兰州牛肉面) are the most famous style.

Hand-pulled noodles in clear beef broth with sliced beef and daikon.

China's most widespread noodle dish — found in almost every city. Originally from Lanzhou in the northwest.

Warm or cold soybean milk, slightly sweet or savory.

Breakfast staple. Pairs with youtiao (fried dough sticks) and baijiamo.

Long golden strips of deep-fried dough, crispy outside and soft inside.

Eaten for breakfast with congee or soy milk. ¥2-5 per stick.

Slow-cooked rice porridge, plain or with meat, eggs, or vegetables.

A breakfast staple and a comfort food. The Cantonese version (with thousand-year eggs and pork) is famous.

Pick raw ingredients on skewers, hand to the cook, get them back in spicy broth.

A cheap street food favorite — ¥10-20 fills you up. Found in food streets everywhere.

Fermented tofu with a strong smell, deep-fried and served with chili sauce.

A Changsha (Hunan) specialty. The smell is intense but the taste is addictive.

Dumplings with a crispy pan-fried bottom, steamed on top.

Shanghai breakfast staple. Shengjian bao (生煎包) is the famous version.

Stir-fried mix of vegetables, meat, and seafood with Sichuan spices.

You pick your ingredients and they're stir-fried together. Popular in northern China.

Rice noodles in hot chicken broth with raw meat and vegetables that cook in the bowl.

A Yunnan specialty. The "crossing bridge" legend explains the hot broth in an insulated bowl.

Braised pork stuffed into a crispy flatbread (mo).

Xi'an's most famous street food. Try the lamb version (腊汁肉夹馍) too.

Cold wheat or rice noodles in vinegar, chili oil, and cucumber.

A summer staple in northwestern China (Shaanxi, Gansu). The most famous is from Xi'an.

Sweet, sticky rice cake flavored with osmanthus flowers.

A traditional dessert, especially popular in southern China during autumn.

China's high-speed train network — 45,000+ km, world's largest.

The most comfortable way to travel between cities. Speeds: 250-350 km/h.

Urban rail system with English signage in major cities.

The fastest way to get around big cities. ¥3-9 per ride. Pay via Alipay QR code.

Metered taxi. Flag fall: ¥10-14 in most cities.

Available everywhere. DiDi is usually easier and accepts foreign cards.

Ride-hailing app. Works with foreign Visa/Mastercard via the app.

Set up DiDi before flying. Use English interface by setting phone language to English.

Yellow (Meituan) or blue (HelloRide) bikes available everywhere via QR code scan.

¥1-2 per 30 minutes. Great for short distances. Available in all major cities.

China's official train ticket booking system. App and website.

Trip.com is easier for foreigners (English, foreign cards). 12306 requires Chinese ID.

China has 250+ civil airports. Major hubs: Beijing Capital, Pudong, Baiyun, Shuangliu.

Allow 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international.

High-speed rail station. Usually outside city center, connected by metro.

Arrive 30-45 minutes early. Stations are huge — allow time to find your platform.

The first station on a train route. Usually the major hub city.

Trains from origin stations have more availability and cleaner cars.

Standard HSR seat, 5 seats per row, ¥300-600 for typical routes.

The best value for HSR. Comfortable for trips under 5 hours.

The most important Chinese holiday, based on the lunar calendar (late Jan–mid Feb).

Travel is chaotic during CNY — book transport and hotels weeks in advance. Most businesses close 3-5 days.

PRC's national holiday, October 1-7. The "Golden Week" travel peak.

Avoid traveling during Golden Week if possible. Tourist sites are packed.

Moon-watching festival on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

Eat mooncakes. The night sky has a full moon. Less disruptive to travel than CNY.

The imperial palace in Beijing, 1406-1912.

World's largest ancient wooden building complex. Book tickets 7 days in advance.

The 21,000+ km fortification built from 7th century BC to 17th century AD.

Most popular sections: Mutianyu (Beijing) and Jinshanling (for hiking).

Narrow alleyway of traditional courtyard homes, especially in Beijing.

Best way to experience "old Beijing" — walk or take a rickshaw tour.

Traditional single-story residence built around a central courtyard.

Many hutongs have been converted to boutique hotels. Stay in one for the cultural experience.

Traditional Chinese tea brewing in small Yixing clay pots.

Fujian and Guangdong are the heartland. Try Tieguanyin oolong in Quanzhou.

The philosophical and ritual aspects of tea preparation and drinking.

Slower, more meditative than a tea tasting. Best experienced in a teahouse.

The ancient Chinese art of placing buildings and objects in harmony with nature.

Affects hotel layout, restaurant placement, and even the orientation of buildings you visit.

Coordinated breathing, movement, and meditation practice.

Practiced in public parks every morning. Many hotels offer classes.

Slow, flowing martial art exercise, often practiced in parks at dawn.

Free tai chi classes in most city parks. The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is iconic.

China's largest e-commerce platform. English version available.

Buy almost anything. Use the official Alipay integration for foreign cards.

Premium version of Taobao, for official brand stores.

Safer for brand-name goods. Same payment as Taobao via Alipay.

E-commerce platform known for fast delivery and authentic goods.

JD Self-Operated (JD 自营) guarantees authentic products. Especially good for electronics.

Chinese silk is world-famous, especially from Suzhou and Hangzhou.

Buy from official shops (Suzhou Silk Museum, Hangzhou Wensli) to avoid fakes. ¥200-2,000 for quality items.

China's most famous teas: Longjing (green), Tieguanyin (oolong), Da Hong Pao (oolong), Pu'er (aged).

Buy from official tea shops or tea markets. Avoid tourist-trap "ancient trees."

Fake branded products, common in street markets.

Avoid buying "Gucci bags" from tourist markets. Buy from official brand stores or malls.

Haggling over prices at markets and street stalls.

Expected at markets (20-50% off asking price). Not done in malls, restaurants, or chain stores.

Narrow lane or alleyway in a northern Chinese city.

Beijing and Xi'an have the most. Nanluoguxiang (Beijing) is the most famous.

Shanghai's equivalent of Beijing's hutong — narrow lanes with lane-gate homes.

Concentrated in former French Concession. Xintiandi is the famous tourist-oriented version.

Historic Chinese towns with canal systems, stone bridges, and traditional architecture.

Wuzhen, Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Xitang are the most famous. Day trip or overnight stay.

Multi-tiered Buddhist tower, typically 3-13 stories.

Found at Buddhist temples. Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi'an) and Liuhe Pagoda (Hangzhou) are the most famous.

Buddhist or Taoist place of worship.

Most active in the morning. Many charge ¥10-50 entry. Don't wear shorts or tank tops.

Public open space, often with monuments or fountains.

Tiananmen Square is the most famous. City squares are the center of urban life and morning exercise.

Shanghai's famous 1.5 km waterfront promenade facing Pudong's skyscrapers.

Best at sunset and evening when the Pudong skyline is illuminated. Free to visit.

Narrow lane, narrower than a street but wider than a hutong.

The French Concession is full of nongs. Live like a local by walking them at random.

Respectful term for taxi drivers, craftsmen, or anyone with a skill.

Calling a DiDi driver "shifu" is friendly and respectful. They'll appreciate it.

Respectful address for guides, scholars, or anyone with knowledge.

More respectful than "ni hao." Tour guides, museum docents, and even young tour leaders appreciate being called "laoshi."

The standard way to call a restaurant server.

Raise your hand and call "fuwuyuan!" to get service. Don't be alarmed — it's the norm, not rude.

Refers to shop or restaurant owners.

A casual, friendly way to address small business owners. Often gets you better service.

A common Chinese greeting for attractive younger people, often from street vendors.

Sometimes a sales tactic. Smile and keep walking if you're not interested.

Friendly address for older women / men, especially in parks.

Common in parks, markets, and residential areas. Strangers use it for anyone 40+.

China's dominant mobile payment app, now accepting foreign cards.

Set up the Tour Card before flying. Works with Visa/Mastercard. Available everywhere.

China's super-app: messaging, payments, social media, mini-programs.

Essential for communication. Set up with foreign phone number. Pay feature requires Chinese bank or foreign card.

Entry permit for China. 38+ countries are visa-free for 30 days in 2026.

Check if your country is on the visa-free list. Otherwise apply at a Chinese consulate.

Required for entry and for hotel check-in.

Always carry your passport. Hotels must register your passport with the local police.

China uses international star ratings (1-5 stars).

International chains (Marriott, Hilton) and domestic brands (Jinjiang, Hanting) are reliable.

Smaller, often family-run accommodation.

More personal experience than hotels. Common in tourist areas and rural destinations.

Budget accommodation, often with dorms and private rooms.

Hostelworld and YHA are the main networks. Good for solo travelers.

Public toilet. Western-style is rare outside hotels and airports.

Carry tissues. Some public toilets charge ¥1-2. The squat toilet is the norm.

Smoking is banned in all indoor public spaces and most outdoor public areas.

Look for "No Smoking" signs. Smoking in restrooms or elevators can result in fines.

Where you pay in stores and restaurants.

In supermarkets, the cashier counter is usually near the exit. Look for the "收银" sign.

Official Chinese tax receipt. Required for business expense claims.

Ask for "fapiao" when you need a receipt. Not always given automatically.

China banned free single-use plastic bags. Most stores charge ¥0.5-1 for a bag.

Bring your own reusable bag. Especially useful for street food purchases.

Shortened form of 出租车. Use when hailing.

Stick your hand out and call "chuzu!" Taxis are metered. DiDi is usually easier.

City bus, usually ¥1-2 per ride.

Alipay QR code works for payment. Useful for routes not covered by metro.

Medical facility. International clinics in major cities.

For emergencies: 120. For English-speaking: United Family Healthcare or Parkway Health.

Bank of China, ICBC, and ABC accept foreign Visa/Mastercard at ATMs.

ATMs are reliable for foreign card withdrawals. Notify your bank before traveling.

Exchange foreign currency for RMB.

Bank of China offers the best rates. Airports and hotels have worse rates but are convenient.

Mobile phone. China uses WeChat for everything instead of SMS.

Get a tourist SIM or eSIM before flying. Roaming is expensive.

Wireless internet. Available in hotels, cafes, and most public spaces.

Most places require Chinese phone number for WiFi access. Get a tourist SIM.

China uses Type A (two flat prongs) and Type I (three flat prongs). 220V.

Bring a universal adapter. Most newer hotels have USB outlets as well.

The word to use when you need assistance.

Show your phone screen with the destination in Chinese, or say "Bāngzhù" to get attention.

The phrase to use when bargaining or to walk away from a bad price.

Often brings the price down 20-30% at markets. At shops, it just means you walk away.

The most important question for any purchase.

Practice saying it. Vendors expect you to ask.

The opening bargaining phrase at markets.

Usually followed by the vendor offering a 10-20% discount. Keep negotiating.

Most public spaces in China are heavily air-conditioned, even in moderate weather.

Bring a light sweater for restaurants, museums, and shopping malls — they can be freezing.

China has hot water dispensers everywhere. Drink hot water for health.

Hotels, train stations, airports, and many restaurants have hot water taps or dispensers.

Chinese police. Emergency number: 110.

For emergency help, dial 110. Tourist police are available in major attractions.

Medical emergency. Number: 120.

Ambulance response varies by city. For serious emergencies, DiDi to the nearest international hospital.

Fire emergency. Number: 119.

In hotels, check the fire evacuation plan posted on the inside of your room door.

Formal complaint, usually to a service provider or government hotline.

Tourist Complaint Hotline: 12301. English service available.

No visa required for entry.

38+ countries are visa-free for China for 30 days in 2026. Check your country's status before flying.

Beijing's rechargeable transit card for metro and buses.

Available at metro stations for ¥20 (¥10 deposit + ¥10 credit).

A ticket scalper. Common outside popular attractions.

Avoid buying tickets from scalpers — they're overpriced and may be fake. Use official channels.

Refundable deposit, often required for hotel rooms, car rentals, or equipment.

Always ask about the deposit policy upfront. Get a receipt and check the return policy.

Tipping is not customary in China.

Some high-end restaurants and hotels may add a 10-15% service charge. Otherwise, no tipping expected.

Red-green traffic light.

Wait for green. Jaywalking is technically illegal and dangerous, especially in big cities.

Casual (sometimes neutral, sometimes joking) term for a foreigner.

Often used by street vendors and curious locals. Generally not meant as a slur — it's just what you are.

Working late or on weekends. China has a 996 culture in tech (9am-9pm, 6 days/week).

Relevant if you're doing business in China. Tourist sites are not affected.

National Day (October 1-7) and Spring Festival (variable). China's peak travel periods.

Avoid traveling during Golden Week if possible. Hotel prices triple, attractions are packed.

The internet. Google, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram are blocked in mainland China.

Install a VPN before flying. Connection speeds are fast (4G/5G everywhere in cities).

Foreign embassy or consulate.

Major cities have most embassies. Beijing has the most comprehensive services.

Weather. Check before outdoor activities.

Use Apple Weather or accuweather.com (VPN needed). Chinese apps: 墨迹天气 (Moji Weather).

Booking in advance.

Many popular restaurants and attractions require reservations. Book Forbidden City 7 days in advance.

Standing in line.

China has strict queueing culture at metro stations, restaurants, and attractions. Cut the line and expect a reaction.