Quick answer
"Chinese food" is really eight regional cuisines. Let your route do the tasting: Sichuan in Chengdu, Peking duck in Beijing, noodles in Xi'an and soup dumplings in Shanghai.
Food guides
The 8 great cuisines (start here)
A regional map of Chinese food — what defines each cuisine and where to eat it.
Sichuan food in Chengdu
Hotpot, mapo tofu and the málà flavour, explained for first-timers.
What to eat in Beijing
Peking duck and the city's best street snacks.
Cantonese dim sum guide
How to do yum cha like a local — the essential dishes and tea ritual.
Xi'an street food
Roujiamo, biangbiang noodles and the Muslim Quarter food lanes.
Shanghai soup dumplings
Xiaolongbao and sweet-savoury local classics.
Explore & plan
China Food & Cuisine
Taste your way across China
Turn these flavours into a trip with a food-focused itinerary, or get a personalised recommendation.