Things To Do
in Jiangmen

Early-morning wet markets sell live seafood, fresh produce and Xinhui tangerines; great places to observe local ingredients and try small prepared snacks like skewers or congee.

Evening markets near busy neighborhoods offer skewers, sweet soups, rice noodle rolls and local desserts—try street-side seafood snacks and sugarcane juice when available.

A polite nod or handshake is common; use formal titles for elders. Showing respect to older family members or clan representatives is appreciated.

Cantonese dining often involves shared dishes—use serving chopsticks if provided, avoid sticking chopsticks vertically into rice, and wait for elders to begin eating.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially inside private courtyards or clan halls; many locals are friendly but respectful requests go a long way.

Bargaining is acceptable in markets but be polite. When offered tea or small gifts in homes, accept politely and avoid overly lavish gifts that cause embarrassment.

Tipping is not widely practiced in Jiangmen; small gestures like rounding up taxi fares or leaving spare change at casual stalls are acceptable. In higher-end hotels and some tourist restaurants, discretionary service charges may appear—no further tip is required but appreciated for exceptional service.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate local commerce; many small vendors also accept cash (CNY). International cards work at major hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants, but bring cash or a mobile payment solution for local markets and taxis.

Mild temperatures and blossoming greenery make spring pleasant for sightseeing; occasional rain and humidity start to rise—carry a light rain jacket and umbrella.

Hot, humid and rainy—June to August bring heavy showers and thunderstorms plus the risk of typhoons in late summer. Expect high humidity; plan indoor activities for the hottest parts of the day and stay hydrated.

September to November is generally the most comfortable period with cooler, drier weather and clearer skies—ideal for outdoor exploration and photographing countryside scenes.

Winters are mild and drier than inland northern China but can be cool and damp; dress in layers and expect fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodation.

Vegetarian options are available but fewer than in major metros—order vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, congee, or request dishes without oyster/soy sauce. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants can be found but require some searching.

Vegan dining is possible but limited; communicate clearly (use translation cards) and avoid hidden animal-based broths and sauces. Stick to vegetable dishes, rice and plain noodles.

Rice-based dishes are safe, but many sauces contain soy. Ask chefs to skip soy sauce or choose plain steamed fish and vegetables; bring a translation card explaining "no gluten/soy" if needed.

Shellfish is common in Jiangmen—if allergic, make this explicit before ordering. Carry allergy information in Chinese and consider dining at larger restaurants with staff who may better understand restrictions.