The exotic foods are always an exciting part of your China Tours. Due to a large territory and various nationalities, Chinese food ranks third among the world famous cuisines and it boasts eight styles, such as the Sichuan cuisine, Cantonese cuisine and Shandong cuisine, all distinctive and fantastic. Book China Flights in advance and start your china travel plan when the vocation begins.
While enjoy its natural wonders and splendid civilization, take the opportunity to try out the delicious food. Here are 8 ones for you to start with, which are most loved by foreign visitors.
No. 1 Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork featured with a bright orange-red color and a sweet and sour taste is a Chinese dish that is particularly popular in Cantonese cuisine and may be found all over the world. For example, you may have tasted Sweet and Sour Chicken (not pork) in your country. In fact, it is an improved Sweet and sour pork. This indicates how this dish is worldwide popular. While you are in china, Taste the orthodox flavor of it here.
2nd. Gong Bao Chicken
Of course, Gong Bao Chicken is on the must-eat list of many foreign tourists to China. It is also very popular on the Chinese dinner table. As far as I know, there are at least of three styles of it. The Gong Bao Chicken here we eat in Beijing has cucumber in it while the Sichuan and Guizhou styles are spicier and there is no cucumber in it.
3rd. Ma Po Bean Curd
Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its piquancy. In other countries, people seldom taste a dish such spicy like Sichuan cuisine. Ma Po Bean curd is one of the most popular Sichuan cuisine you can find everywhere in China. And almost all the foreigners have a high opinion of it after tasting the dish.
4th. Wonton Soup
Traditional Chinese snack. New comers to China have never seen such delicacy and refreshing pasta food before.
5th. Chinese Dumplings
There is Chinese folksay, no dish can be delicious as dumplings. Different stuffing makes changes of taste. However, dumpling shows its weight in Chinese food because of its heavy taste culture. Of course, in the eyes of foreigners, dumplings can be the best represent of Chinese food. And in recent days, fried dumpling has already popular in other countries.
6th. Spring Rolls
It’s reasonable for the dish achieving a position in top list. On the other hand, it reflects that Chinese cuisine, especially Cantonese snack, has made great influence in western food culture.
7th. Chow Mein
To our surprise, many foreign friends write down Cantonese Chow Mein for their vote. It’s remarkable that Cantonese have made great achievement in promoting Chinese cuisine abroad.
8th. Peking Duck
If you will have a Travel to Beijing, the capital, never miss the chance to try out the famous dish there for its reputation and long history. You can refer to my blog “This Page Highlights Peking Duck!” for detailed information.
Your wonderful China Tours start from the capital Beijing. This is your first time to this big city and although you have booked a hotel but you do not know how to make your way there. Need advice? Check out!
There are many ways that you can choose from. You can take the subway-airport express, shuttle buses, a taxi or you can enjoy the personal airport pickup service offered either by your Beijing Hotels or the travel agents.
Subway-Airport Express
It is the fastest way of transportation, only 16 minutes from the airport to downtown. Running between the Beijing Capital Airport and Dongzhimen Station, pass by Sanyuanqiao station, with a ticket price of 20RMB per person. The subway is connected with other subway line 2, line 10 and line 13, very convenient for travelers going to downtown Beijing.
Shuttle Buses
There are shuttle buses outside Beijing International Airport. Three routes are offered. The operation time is 7:00 to 22:00 or 7:30 to 22:00, 7days/week. The interval is 30 minutes and the price is RMB 16.00/person.
Route 1: Route: Beijing International Airport- Yu Yang Hotel- Dong Zhi Men-Dong Si Shi Tiao Bridge- Chao Yang Men Bridge-Ya Bao Road-Xidan Civil Aviation Building-Dong Si Art Museum
Route 2: Beijing International Airport- San Yuan Bridge- Liang Ma Bridge-Hu Jia Lou- Guo Mao Bridge-Beijing Railway Station (west gate of Beijing International Hotel)
Route 3: Beijing International Airport-China International Exhibition Center- An Zhen Bridge-Ma Dian Bridge-Bei Tai Ping Zhuang-Ji Men Bridge-Beijing Friendship Hotel-Beijing TV Station- Zi Zhu Bridge- Hua Yuan Bridge- Hang Tian Bridge- Gong Zhu Fen
These two ways are money-saving, however, they are only recommended when you have experience with traffic in Beijing, I don’t want you to get lost. or your hotel is near the stations.
If this is your first time in this big city and you don’t speak or read any Chinese, you will definitely need someone to meet you at the airport or train station, help you with any difficulties there, and take you right to your destination. In this case, you have another three choices.
Taxis
There is a taxi line just outside the airport terminal. Many taxi drivers in Beijing can speak or read simple English. You can take a taxi and tell him where to go or show him the note with the address on it. If you do not want to wait in the line and need your particular taxi, you can make a reservation with the taxi companies asking for an English-speaking driver.
Offered by Hotels
Many hotels in Beijing offer airport pickup service. When doing your booking, ask the clerks whether their hotel offers such service. If they do, it will free you from much unnecessary incontinence.
If you are booking a hotel through an online company, leave a message while filling the reservation form, and let they know your exact flight number and time of arrival. They will book you a hotel with airport pickup service.
Offered by Travel Agents
If you have bought a tour package in a travel agent, chances are that they will offer you free airport pickup service. When arrive at the airport by your Beijing Flights, you will find the English-speaking tour guide waiting for you.
Many local companies offer airport pickup service, such as Beijing Holiday, Beijing Airport Transport and Beijing Page Travel Service. They have various types of vehicles different in size, shape and color to meet all your needs. Furthermore, their experienced drivers and well-trained English-speaking tour guides are professional and helpful. You can log onto their website for detailed information.
During your china travel, don’t forget to Travel to Beijing and check out The Summer Palace for its amazing parks and outstanding view. The Summer Palace is a very popular tourist’s destination but it also serves as a recreational park for everyone. In December 1998, UNESCO has included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List. So it is definitely and must-see destination.
The Summer Palace or Yihe Yuan means the “Garden of Nurtured Harmony” and it is a palace in Beijing and it is located in the northwest of Beijing’s centre; it is easily accessible from most parts of the city. It was mainly dominated by Longevity Hill which is 60 meters high and the Kunming Lake. It also covers an expanse of 2.9 square kilometres and three quarters of which is water. The central Kunming Lake which covers 2.2 square kilometres was entirely man made and excavated soils were used to build the Longevity Hill. You can find a variety of palaces, gardens and other classical-style architecture structures that will just blow you away. So do wear comfortable shoes and also camera as there are lots to take.
One of the View in Summer Palace
During your visit around Summer Palace, if you are lucky, you would get to see a man doing calligraphy on the pavement just infront of the lake and also if you do visit the Summer Palace during winter season, you would get to ice-skate in the huge lake in front of the Summer Palace. Also, there is not much variety of food that is being sold around the Summer Palace so it is best to eat before you visit.
Calligraphy Work
A Brief History of Summer Palace:
When the Jin Dynasty emperor Wanyan Liang moved his capital to the Beijing area, he had a Gold Mountain Palace built on the site of the hill. In the Yuan Dynasty, the hill was renamed from Gold Mountain to Jug Hill (Weng Shan). The name change is explained by a legend according to which a jar with a treasure inside was once found on the hill. The loss of the jar is said to have coincided with the fall of the Ming Dynasty as had been predicted by its finder.
The Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911), who commissioned work on the imperial gardens on the hill in the 1749, gave Longevity Hills its present-day name in 1752, in celebration of his mothers 60th Birthday. The hill is about 60 meters high and houses many buildings positioned in sequence. The front hill is rich in the splendid halls and pavilions, while at the back hill, in sharp contrast, is quiet with natural beauty.
Things to see in the Summer Palace:
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge
1) You can paddle boat across the lake to enjoy amazing views of the Summer Palace and Longevity Hill.
2) Visit the Seventeen-Arch Bridge.
3) Check out the Marble Boat in the grounds of the Summer Palace.
4) Check out the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity.
5) Visit the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
6) Climb up Longevity Hill to the Summer Palace.
7) Walk through the Long Corridor.
The Long Corridor
Address: The Summer Palace, Haidian District.
Opening Hours: 7.00am to 5.00pm (Nov 1 to March 31), 6.30am to 6.00pm (April 1 to Oct 31).
So go on and book your Beijing Tours and come experience Beijing for yourself!
Whenever you Travel to Beijing, don’t forget to check out some of Beijing’s most famous and beautiful Parks. Just choose from any of your China Tours and have an amazing trip to any of the parks around.
Last week, I went and visited Jingshan Park with my friends and it was a great day to visit the park as the weather was not that cold and the tour groups was just about to leave when we reach so the park was not that crowded. The park is very big so it is best to wear comfortable shoes as there are few hills to climb up. The park is just near the Houhai Park so you can either take a bus there or go by taxi from Houhai Park and the fare will only cost you about 10 yuan.
One of the Peaks in Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park is situated north of the Palace museum. From the Yuan Dynasty onwards, this area was a “forbidden garden”. It was opened to the public in 1928, it then formally became a park after 1949. It has a 45.7 metre high artificial hill that was constructed on the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty. The park is situated just north of the Forbidden City on the central axis of Beijing and the park consists of five individual peaks. On the top of each peak lies an elaborate pavilion and it was used by officials for gathering and leisure purposes. These five peaks also draw the approximate historical axis of the central Beijing so the views from all the five peaks are very beautiful
The Park is especially popular for the elderly people and they would socialise and gather amongst their friends. They would also do some exercise and Tai Chi in the park during the day. One can also often find elderly folks dancing and singing opera. During the weekends, you can also find groups of middle-aged and elderly people performing kuai ban on the south side of the hill and you can also join in the fun with them. Kuai ban is an oral storytelling performance that is popular in the northern China.
View of the Forbidden City from one of the Peak
Address: Jingshan Qianjie, Xicheng District.
Entry Ticket: 2 Yuan.
So whenever you want to relax and go for a hike or walk during your Beijing Tours, come and visit Jingshan Park and be blown away by the beautiful sceneries around the park.
When travelling on your China Tours and you fancy some Italian Cuisine whilst in Beijing Tours, then Annie’s Restaurant is a place that I would recommend. This Italian restaurant chain is a mixture of relaxed casual dining entwined with elegant, mouthwatering food and delectable wines. 
Having received numerous awards including Best Italian and Outstanding Pizza this Italian Restaurant chain comes highly recommended. The Salmone Affumicato and the Fettucinni Con Branzino are recommended personally for a starter and main as there were both scrumptious, and for wine I would recommend the Grace Vineyard Premium Cabernet Merlot for Shanxi, which was not too heavy for a red wine. However the pizza’s here are good if you are looking for simple food or something less refined.
Annie’s is relatively expensive compared to many other restaurants that can be found in Beijing, however, the food, quality of service and atmosphere more than make up the difference in prices.
Each restaurant has various it own style of décor, so make sure you pick the right one to suit your mood. Here is a description of each restaurant style to help you decide which restaurant to visit for each occasion.
Annie’s Chaoyang Park
Annie’s Chaoyang Park is the headquarters, which was the first to open and receives the most guests. A family style restaurant, it is also the largest of Annie’s restaurants. Its decor is warm, with a strong family atmosphere. Dining here with friends can lead to a closer relationship; it’s just like a great feeling of being at home.
Annie’s Beijing Riviera
This village style restaurant. You will enjoy the pleasure of the large space of Annie’s Beijing Riviera at Laiguangying. Located far away from the noise of the city, you can totally relax and don’t need to worry about your conversations being overheard by people at the neighboring table. Old-fashioned wine cupboards add to the atmosphere of Eastern mysticism and Western aestheticis.
Annie’s SOHO
This restaurant in SOHO is a café style restaurant. It has warm features and a slight romantic setting. This is a good choice for those going for a meal with their significant other or for enjoying the company of one or two close friends.
Annie’s 3rd Ring Road
This restaurant is described as a romantic setting and is a favourite for 
couples looking for authentic Italian cuisine and passion. With ancient Oaks on the inside and a glass ceiling to see the illuminated stars whilst dining there could not be a more romantic environment.
Annie’s Rittan
Just out of the north gate of Rittan Park, this Annie’s is described as having a business environment. The décor is fashionable, elegant and naturally Italian. The party rooms are easily able to accommodate large groups of people up to 20 people per group. This is therefore a perfect place to hold a business lunch or dinner.
So the next time you are hungry on your Beijing Tours and feel like a good meal with friends in a comfortable atmosphere then one of Annie’s Italian restaurants is where you should go.
Opportunities with china travel, planning to sightsee or work . Whatever your motivations are? To take on a city break in China has never been easier. Trying to find a visa can be found with plenty of details online about, China Visa requirements. They include instructions and information on how to successfully acquire a Visa for China and before you apply for a visa, search China Hotels for reasonable and discounted rates.
Passport requirements: You must have a valid passport to visit China. Your passport must have blank visa pages with a Chinese Visa. Your passport must have a minimum of at least 6 months before expiring. Business and student passports must have at least 12 months before expiration.
China Visas
Visa Type: The most common of visas is the L visa. All tourists are provided L visas when they visit China for sightseeing trips. Business visas require letters of invitation from a Chinese or state owned business or government agency. Tourists who want to travel to different parts of China that are not open to outsiders must apply for a travel visa once they arrive in China. A student visa requires an application form for international students issued by the Ministry of Education of China, and an admission letter with a proper school seal are required.
Photos: In China they will accept black and white as well as colour, 2 x 2 photographs with your application. These photos must be recent and be included with your visa application.
Forms: Declaration forms and L visa forms are available online. These forms can be printed and filled out before scheduling your appointment at the Chinese Embassy or consulate. China now requires a Declaration Form. This form is also available online and should accompany your request for a visa application.
Expedite: Expediting service for a Chinese visa is handled by a travel-agent expeditor. These people charge a fee for their services. These fees start at £25 and go up from there.
China
Fees: China has a set fee for visa applications. Cash or bank draft in the amount of £84 must be brought with you to an appointment or a money order.
Additional Requirements: In order to process your visa application you must verify your round trip travel tickets, your hotel reservation and check your application and declaration form and you must provide your own prepaid mailing envelope. Express mail is preferred by the Chinese government and other companies such as UPS and FEdEx are the companies that they prefer to use when returning your documents. It is also important to include a cover letter that states that you are trying to obtain a visa, what is included in the prepaid return mailing envelope with your name, address and telephone numbers included.
If you are having problems with the China visa requirements you can call the embassy or consulate. So travel now and experience China Tours.
You have had such a good time during your China Tours and now you are going back home by Air China. If you have many things to bring with you, to know about their baggage policy is necessary.
Baggage carried by Air China can be classified as checked baggage and unchecked baggage.
Unchecked Baggage (free carry-on articles)
Unchecked baggage should be suitable for placing into the closed overhead compartment or under the seat in front of passengers.
A .First and business class passengers are allowed two carry-on bags that cannot exceed 5kg in weight.
B. Economy class passengers are allowed one carry-on bags that cannot exceed 5kg (11 lbs) in weight and dimensions of 55cm (21 inches) in length, 40cm (15 inches) in width and 20cm (7 inches) in height.
C. Baggage exceeding the above free baggage allowance should be checked.
Passengers are not allowed to carry in their carry-on baggage any dangerous articles such as guns, knives, sharp or lethal weapons, or animals.
Checked Baggage
The checked baggage should be packed and fastened properly. It should be able to endure some pressure, and can be unloaded and transported safely under normal operating conditions. It also should abide by the following conditions:
A. Travel box, travel bag and handbag should be locked to avoid theft.
B. More than two bags cannot be bundled into one.
C. Additional articles should not be inserted in the baggage.
D. Bamboo baskets, net bags, ropes, straw bags, plastic bags cannot be wrapped around the baggage.
E. Passengers name, detailed address, and phone number should be written inside and outside the baggage.
Limitation on weight and volume
Maximum weight of each baggage should not exceed 45kg, and the maximum dimension should not exceed 100×60×40cm3. The baggage exceeding the above allowance should be transported as freight.
Minimum weight of each baggage should not be less than 2kg, and the minimum dimension should not be less than 30×10×20cm3.
The baggage exceeding the above allowance can not be transported as checked baggage alone.
The following items should not be packed in checked baggage. If a loss of these items occurs due to a passenger breach, Air China will not be held liable and will only compensate lost baggage according to lost baggage policies.
Important or Commercial documents, Securities, Currency, Bank Draft, Jewelry, Valuable metal and metalwork, Curio, calligraphy and paintings, Fragile articles, Perishable articles, Samples
Weight concept
Any passenger holding an adult or child fare ticket is entitled to the free baggage allowance of 40kgs (88 lbs) for first class, 30kgs (66 lbs) for business class, and 20kgs (44 lbs) for economy class. One bag is allowed free of charge for infants with the maximum dimensions no more than 115cm (45 inches), In addition, a baby stroller (if able to fold) or carrying basket may be checked free of charge.
Piece concept
The free baggage allowance per piece applies to international routes between China and the US, China and Canada, Madrid and Sao Paulo. For first and business class passengers, two bags per passenger may be checked free of charge. The maximum dimensions of each piece should not exceed158cm (62 inches) and should not weigh more than 32kg (70 lbs). For adults and children in economy class, two bags per passenger may be checked free of charge. The maximum dimensions of each piece should not exceed 158cm (62 inches) and should not weight more than 23kg (50 lbs). The maximum dimensions of two pieces should not exceed 273cm (107 inches). Infant passengers paying 10% of the adult fare are allowed to check one bag free of charge. The maximum dimensions of each piece should not exceed 115cm (45 inches). In addition, a baby stroller (if able to fold) or carrying basket may be checked free of charge. Any baggage in excess of the above regulated weight or dimensions will be subject to an excess baggage charge.
For the policy on excess baggage, you can refer to their website. Enjoy your flight and plan a china travel in your next vocation.
Planning to have a Travel to Beijing and need to book a hotel to stay? As regard hotels in Beijing many visitors always think of luxury or 5-star ones like China World (Shangri La), Grand Hyatt, and Great Wall Sheraton. If you are here to experience luxury accommodation and you don’t care about the money, they would be ok.
However, if you are planning a budget tour and want to save money, getting a discounted hotel is to be listed in top priorities, as important as cheap China Flights.
Guarantees for discounted hotels are always booking in advance, avoiding weekends and high seasons, but if you have been already scheduled, be flexible in location. The location of a hotel is decisive in its rate, so look for hotels outside the city center but with convenient transportation. Here is a list of those hotels that are mostly recommended.
No.1 Shatan Hotel Beijing 
Beijing Shatan Hotel is located very close to the Forbidden City in an interesting side street which is teemed with local shops, markets and restaurants. All these combined makes you feel you live as the locals. The room is spacious, really comfy beds, nice flat screen TV, and beautiful bathroom. The staffs are helpful and the breakfast is ok.
Add: No. 28 Shatan back Street, Dongcheng District Beijing 100009
Tel: 010-84026688
No.2 Homekey Hotel Beijing 
Homekey Hotel is a six floor building with 24 guest rooms. It is centrally located in the hutong areas, 600m from Drum Tower, 800m from Bell Tower, Forbidden City 800m, Tiananmen Square 4 km, Bird’s Nest 6 km, Wangfujiang Street 4km, Silk Market 5km, Beijing Railway Station 6km and Beijing airport 30km. Friendly English-speaking staff. Each room is equipped with TV, air-conditioner, private bathroom, shower, 24hr hot water, wireless access, two beds, and big window with lovely view.
Tel: 0086 10 64070268; fax: 0086 10 64013846
Add: No.15, Yu`er Hutong, Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing
No.3 Orange Hotels Beijing
Orange Hotel Beijing is a hotel chain with 10 hotels in Beijing – Beijing Zhongguancun, Beijing Guanyuanqiao, Beijing Tianningsi, Beijing Wukesong, Beijing Wanjing, Beijing Xinzhimen, Beijing Jingsong Dong, Beijing Jingsong Xi, Beijing Asia Games Village and Beijing Shuijin Jianguo. All the ten orange hotels are located in the major areas in Beijing, very convenient both for business and leisure travelers. All hotels are a no frills hotels. People are quite satisfied with the cleanliness of the room and the toilet. The mattress is hard like what you would find in many hotels in China. Most of the chain hotels are cozy and modern.
Add: No. 200 Beiyuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: 400-819-0099 (24 hours)
No.4 Jade Garden Hotel 
The location of the hotel is super for those who want to visit the Forbidden City and Tianamen Square; both are within a ten minute walk. The night market and Wangfujing are also very close by. The staffs at the front desk are always helpful, informative, and can speak English. Rooms are clean, comfortable and the surrounding is all right. It offers very good western and Chinese breakfast buffet. Free internet is very nice.
Add: 1 Nanheyan Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Tel: 86 10 58580966
No.5 Bamboo Garden Hotel 
The location is great, a 10 minute walk from a subway station as well as walking distance of several worthwhile sites in the city. It’s in the middle of the hutongs with walking distance to Lake Houhai and surrounding market streets, restaurants and bars. Only a short taxi ride to Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Make sure you have the location of the hotel in Chinese as it is a bit difficult to for some taxi drivers to find. The standard room is very clean, pretty and comfortable. The bathroom is modern and clean. The large flat screen TV and computer with free internet are an added delight. The hotel has a courtyard surrounding full of greenery, very calm and peaceful.
Add: No.24, Xiaoshiqiao, Jiugulou Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.
Tel: 86-10-58520088
The hotels listed can guarantee you a decent and comfy stay for your Beijing Tours while cost you much less money with the average room rate above is between US$ 20 and 60 per night.
Tibet boasts the world’s highest mountain-Mount Everest, Qomolangma, the highest river—Yarlong Tsangpo River, the highest lake–Namtso Lake, the “Sunlight City”–Lhasa and other tourist attractions like its Buddhist heritage.
Choose Tibet as one of the destinations of your China Tours.
You are advised to join a tourist package to go there instead of travel alone. Since the travel agent will arrange everything perfect for your, including China Flights, hotels, itineraries and things alike, so you don’t need to worry about them.
However, there is one thing you should thing over. Tibet is over 3000 meters above sea level and many areas are above 5000 meters. Chances are that you will be affected by this high altitude and suffer from high altitude sickness.
Those who are planning to visit Tibet should know something about the Acute Mountain Sickness and those who already decided the trip may need these tips to acclimatize the altitude and alleviate the sickness.
What Is Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common at high altitudes, and depends on the elevation, the rate of ascent and individual susceptibility. Most visitors to Tibet will suffer from at least some symptoms that will generally disappear through acclimatization in several hours to several days.
For the majority of people, the reaction will be a matter of discomfort, breathlessness, poor sleeping patterns or limited capacity for physical exertion. In some, more serious reactions can develop. These can be potentially life-threatening conditions that may only be relieved by moving to a lower altitude; travelers should inform themselves about the symptoms so that they can recognize them.
Suggestions
People with serious heart diseases should not visit Tibet. Those with less serious heart problems need to consult a doctor before traveling.
Those with high or low blood pressure need to consult a doctor before traveling.
Tips to Alleviate the Sickness
No.1 Try to keep healthy and not to catch a cold before entering Tibet.
No.2 The first day arriving in Tibet, suggest visitors not take a bath and smokers not smoke.
No.3 Drink plenty of water while traveling in Tibet. The mountain air is dry and cold and moisture is lost as you breathe. Evaporation of sweat may occur unnoticed and result in dehydration.
No.4 Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals for more energy and avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration.
No.5 Tell your guide quickly if you don’t feel well and follow guide’s advice.
No.6 It is advisable to use sunscreen, sunglasses lip creams to protect your eyes and skin, for Tibet’s high altitude and the atmosphere allow the sun’s solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intensity.
No.7 In addition to the normal medications for traveling it is advisable to bring high altitude medication. Ask your doctor for suggestions.
No.8 Avoid sedatives.
No.9 Don’t push yourself when climbing up to passes, rather take plenty of breaks.
The best time to start your Travel to Tibet would be around May to July, and September to October. Wish you a pleasant an unforgettable experience there.
You must have unforgettable culinary experiences during your China Tours and you have tasted lots of Chinese food. But did you ever taste Guizhou cuisine? I guess you did not. Although it is not listed in China’s eight famous cuisines, it doesn’t mean it is not good.
As a person, born and raised in Guizhou. Let me introduce you our food and you can try out during you next china travel.
Characteristics of Guizhou cuisine
Guizhou cuisine is also called Qian Cuisine because Qian is the Chinese short name for Guizhou Province. Guizhou Cuisine is spicy like Sichuan Cuisine, but that is where the similarities end. The cuisine in Guizhou is sour and spicy, making it unique amongst China’s cuisine styles. The locals love their Guizhou Cuisine and cannot bear to go even a day without eating it. Take myself for example, I lost 15 pounds after my first college in Beijing because the food here did not seem to agree with me and I missed Guizhou food so much. There is an ancient local saying which states “Without eating a sour dish for three days, people will stagger with weak legs(三日不吃酸，走路打蹿蹿)”. This gives a fairly good idea of our love for their local cuisine.
Fish in Sour Soup
Fish in Sour Soup is a staple of the local Guizhou people’s diet. It can be found at almost every meal. It is a dish very popular with visitors. The more you eat, the more you will want it. The Fish in Sour Soup comes from Kaili, a minority area in Guizhou’s southeast. The soup broth is the most important part of the broth and it is made with sticky rice, wild tomatoes, peppers, shallots, ginger, and other vegetables.
Chang Wang Noodle
Chang Wang Noodle could be the most popular snack in Guiyang. The name of Chang Wang implies auspiciousness. With a long history of more than 100 years, Chang Wang Noodle has been highly-praised by the people of Guiyang.
Pig intestines and blood sausage are the major additions to these famous egg noodles that have been around over 100 years. In total, over 20 kinds of condiments and seasonings are used. The processing of the intestines is particularly meticulous. The washed intestines are first braised in an earthenware pot over a low fire with seasonings such as Chinese prickly ash, resurrection lily rhizome, aniseed, ginger and spring onion, and then sliced. The blood sausage is put into a pot of sliced intestines together with green bean sprouts to make a soup shortly before serving. Then the cooked noodles are added along with fried, minced meat from the pig’s head (cuishao) and red pepper oil to complete the delicious dish.
Zunyi Mutton Rice Noodles
A traditional snack in Zunyi, the noodles were quite famous as early as the mid-Qing period. Zunyi people fancy mutton, especially in winter, as a bowl of boiling hot mutton noodles is immediately warming. The snack is made by putting the noodles in three changes of boiling water to remove their sour smell; then they are put in a bowl with thin mutton slices and red pepper oil, as well as some Chinese prickly ash powder, garlic, spring onion and coriander.
Huaxi Beef Rice Noodles
The Huaxi Beef Rice Noodles are named after the area of Huaxi where it originated. The dish is very unique and quite complicated to create. The dish is basically rice noodles in a broth, but it is much more than just that. It is spicy, and sour in taste. It is made from diced beef, handmade rice noodles, coriander, Chinese prickly ash, hot peppers, pickled cabbage and ginger. The pickled cabbage adds the sour taste to the dish and many locals like to add sesame oil or spicy oil to the broth before eating it.
My hometown, Guizhou, which has been compared to a province of natural parks, is endowed a rich bio-system in a well-balanced eco-environment. Together with its food, it is a good place to spend your vocation. Get your China Flights booked and start a journey there.
