Look beyond a dish’s name
- Ask about portions before ordering. Photos and translations help, but stocks, sauces and garnishes may be hidden. Vegetarians should specify whether meat, fish, seafood, meat stock, eggs and dairy are excluded.
- “Not spicy” describes a preference, not allergy safety. For halal, vegan or other strict requirements, check actual preparation and certification rather than inferring from a restaurant name or single dish.
- Show: “我对___严重过敏，不能吃含有它的食物，也要避免共同油锅和器具造成的接触。厨房能安全准备吗？” This asks about a severe allergy and shared fryers/utensils. Have your personal allergy card checked by a qualified person.
Water and food hygiene
Do not assume tap water is drinkable. Choose intact sealed bottles or drinking water known to be safely treated; skip ice of uncertain origin. Clean hands before eating and favour freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked food.
For severe allergies, carry medicines under your clinician’s emergency plan and brief companions. For breathing difficulty, altered consciousness or other severe symptoms, call 120 in mainland China rather than relying only on a translation app or this guide.
Toilets, charging and small essentials
- 1
Carry basic supplies
Keep tissues, hand-cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items in a small bag. Toilets may be squat-style and seated or accessible facilities vary; ask staff at malls, museums or transport hubs.
- 2
Follow facility signs
Dispose of sanitary products according to bins and signs to avoid blockages. Ask the venue desk in advance about accessible toilets, baby-care rooms and drinking-water points.
- 3
Check electrical compatibility
The common mainland supply is 220V. Read the device’s input label; plug adapters generally do not convert voltage. A plug fitting the socket does not prove compatibility. Use undamaged, legitimate chargers.
Check before you go
This page cannot certify a meal free of allergens or replace medical advice. If ingredients and kitchen capability cannot be confirmed, choose a more controllable meal and follow your medical plan.
Common questions
Does a vegetable dish contain no animal ingredients?
Not necessarily: it may contain stock, lard, oyster sauce or minced meat. Specify excluded ingredients and ask about sauces and preparation.
Is any hot water safe to drink?
Warmth does not prove safe treatment. Use a clearly designated drinking-water facility or sealed bottled water and ask staff when uncertain.
Read next & sources
Sources
- China food and water health guidance美国疾控中心 / CDC
- China travel health advice英国外交部 / UK FCDO
- Using electrical devices in Beijing北京市政府 / Beijing Government
Sources support the relevant rules, last reviewed 3 Oct 2026. Routes, budgets and practical suggestions are editorial guidance, not official guarantees. Recheck rules and service availability before travelling.