Things To Do
in Jiaoxiling

Locally cured and smoked pork from small farms, often sliced thin and stir-fried or served with greens; typically found at family restaurants and village meals.

Must-Try!

Chewy rice noodles served in broth or stir-fried with seasonal vegetables and chili oil — a common everyday staple available at noodle shops and market stalls.

Seasonal mountain vegetables foraged or grown nearby, quickly stir-fried with garlic and a splash of soy — simple, fresh and widely available.

Freshly harvested and roasted or pan-fired tea from nearby small-holder plantations; try it at local tea houses or during farm visits.

A lively market where villagers sell vegetables, preserved meats, fresh tofu and snacks; try fried rice cakes, skewered grilled snacks and fresh fruit here.

Small street vendors near the square offering skewers, dumplings, savory pancakes and sweet treats — ideal for sampling multiple small dishes.

A polite nod or brief 'ni hao' (hello) is fine; show respect to elders and remove shoes when entering private homes.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in smaller villages or when photographing ethnic minority residents.

Meals are often shared from communal dishes; try a bit of each dish and use serving chopsticks when provided. It is polite to accept at least a small amount when offered food or tea.

Small gifts like local tea are appreciated when visiting a household. Avoid political topics and be sensitive when discussing local ethnic customs.

Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants and markets; small tips are appreciated in tourist-facing guesthouses or for exceptional service, but never expected.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely used, even in many small shops. Cash (renminbi) is still necessary in very rural areas; international credit cards may be accepted only at larger hotels or restaurants in nearby cities.

Mild temperatures and blooming trees make spring a pleasant time to visit; trails can be muddy after rains and early spring mornings may still be chilly, especially in the mountains.

Warm to hot weather with a pronounced rainy season; expect afternoon showers and higher humidity — bring rain gear and be prepared for slippery trails.

Clear skies, crisp air and striking colors on the terraces make autumn an excellent time for hiking and photography; temperatures are comfortable and rainfall decreases.

Cooler temperatures with foggy mornings and occasional frost at higher elevations; many lowland areas remain mild but some mountain paths can be cold and slippery.

A regional airport within roughly 1–2 hours by road offers domestic flights to nearby provincial hubs; expect shuttle or taxi connections to reach Jiaoxiling.

A larger international airport located 2–4 hours away by car provides direct flights to major Chinese cities and international connections; travel to Jiaoxiling typically requires a bus, train or hired car from this hub.

Vegetarian options are possible but limited in small rural eateries; ask for '不放肉' (bu fang rou — without meat) and rely on vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes and noodle soups. Carry snacks if you are strict.

Veganism requires clear communication — many broths and sauces contain animal products. Use translation cards to explain '不吃奶蛋不吃肉' (no dairy, eggs or meat) and seek vegetarian teahouses or larger restaurants in nearby towns.

Halal options are limited; look for restaurants that explicitly advertise halal food in larger towns, or eat vegetarian dishes and stick to sealed packaged items when unsure.

Rice-based staples are widely available, but soy sauce and wheat-containing seasonings are common. Ask '这个含面筋吗?' (does this contain gluten?) and prefer plain rice dishes.