Things To Do
in Dongjiangshui

Locally caught river fish steamed with ginger, scallion and light soy—found in family restaurants and riverside stalls; order whole for best presentation.

Must-Try!

Glutinous rice cooked in bamboo with local herbs and sometimes mushrooms or pork; a smoky-flavored snack sold at markets and roadside vendors.

Small river crabs or shrimps stir-fried with garlic and chili—seasonal and best at specialty eateries when supply is fresh.

Comforting rice noodle soup served in the mornings; good for breakfast or a light lunch at local noodle shops.

Bustling early market selling vegetables, rice, live freshwater catch and ready-to-eat snacks like steamed buns and fried dough. Try freshly made rice cakes and soy milk from stall vendors.

Small stalls open at dusk offering grilled fish skewers, sticky rice, and local sweets; a casual place to sample several small dishes while people-watching.

Address elders politely and allow them to be served first; small gestures of deference are valued.

Dress modestly when visiting temples or conservative villages; remove shoes if invited into a home or certain religious spaces.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially inside homes or at intimate ceremonies—some may decline.

Wait to be seated at formal meals, offer thanks after receiving food, and try a bit of each dish to show appreciation for the host's cooking.

Tipping is not customary in most small-town establishments; rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated but not expected. For private guides or exceptional service, a modest tip handed directly is fine.

Cash (Chinese yuan) is widely used in small towns. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) may be accepted in some shops and restaurants but expect many vendors to be cash-only—carry sufficient cash.

Mild temperatures and budding greenery; good time for hiking and photographing blossoms and newly planted terraces. Occasional rains bring lush scenery—pack a light rain jacket.

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; rivers are lively and swimming or boating opportunities increase. Expect mosquitoes—bring repellent and lightweight breathable clothing.

Pleasant temperatures, clearer skies and harvest activities in the fields; ideal for outdoor exploration and food festivals showcasing local produce.

Cooler and drier (rarely freezing in lowland areas), with misty mornings and fewer tourists—layers are recommended for chilly mornings and evenings.

Vegetarian options are available but often limited to vegetable dishes, tofu, and noodle soups without meat. Ask for '素' (sù) and be clear about no fish stock—many broths use animal stock by default.

Vegan dining can be challenging due to common use of fish sauce or meat broths; carry a translation card explaining 'no meat, no fish, no egg, no dairy' and seek out simple vegetable and tofu dishes.

Halal options are uncommon in small towns; it’s best to request dishes without pork and to look for Muslim-owned eateries in larger nearby towns or bring packaged options if needed.

Peanuts and soy are common in local cooking. Carry allergy cards in Chinese and inform vendors when ordering; packaged snacks vary in labeling.