Things To Do
in Shangcaiyuan

A spicy, peppery breakfast soup popular in Henan with wheat or millet pieces, herbs and sometimes offal or tofu — commonly found at morning stalls.

Must-Try!

Steamed wheat breads and filled buns are staples; find them fresh at baker stalls and small eateries throughout town.

Slow-cooked pork belly in a sweet-salty soy glaze, served at family restaurants and festive meals.

Simple, seasonal vegetables from local farms—stir-fried greens, braised tofu—are common and economical.

A bustling early-morning market selling produce, fresh buns, salted vegetables and breakfast soups—best place to try hu la tang and freshly made snacks.

When operating, night stalls offer skewers, fried dough, cold noodles and sweet pancakes — a good spot for sampling small plates and local flavors.

A simple '你好' (nǐ hǎo) and a polite nod are fine; show extra respect to elders and remove shoes if invited into a home.

Wait to be seated if a host leads; using shared dishes and turning plates is common. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral rites).

Small gifts like fruit or snacks are appreciated if visiting a home. Avoid controversial topics (politics, sensitive history) with strangers and be modest in behavior.

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially inside homes, temples or of elders.

Tipping is not customary in small towns; rounding up a taxi fare or leaving small change at tourist-oriented places is acceptable but not expected. In higher-end hotels or guided tours, a modest tip is appreciated.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate most transactions in China, but in small towns some stalls and taxis may only take cash—carry RMB notes and small change for markets and rural areas.

March–May brings warming temperatures and the start of planting season; flowers and orchards bloom but weather can be changeable with occasional rain—pack layers and a light rain jacket.

June–August is hot and humid with the East Asian monsoon bringing heavy, sometimes sudden rain; bring sun protection, quick-dry clothing and be ready for afternoon showers.

September–November is the most pleasant: cooler, dryer air and clear skies—ideal for outdoor exploring and photography during harvest time.

December–February can be cold and damp; central China winters are chilly but not extreme—bring warm layers and check heating availability in guesthouses.

A nationwide favorite, table tennis is commonly played in community centers and schools.

Badminton courts are popular for casual play, especially in the evenings among local residents.

Neighborhood courts and fields are common gathering spots for youth and adults for pickup games.

Older generations and local clubs may practice tai chi and other martial arts in parks and squares.

Vegetarian options are available (stir-fried vegetables, tofu, egg dishes), but many sauces and broths may use meat stock—ask for '不要肉，不要肉汤' (bú yào ròu, bú yào ròu tāng) or '清素' to request meat-free dishes and confirm ingredients.

More challenging because many dishes contain egg, dairy or meat stock. Seek vegetable-only stir-fries, cold salads and plain steamed buns; carrying snacks is sensible.

Halal restaurants are uncommon in small towns; if you require halal food, look for Muslim-run eateries in nearby larger towns or stick to vegetarian options if halal certification is not available.

Language can be a barrier—carry translated allergy cards and the phrase '我对X过敏' (Wǒ duì X guòmǐn) meaning 'I am allergic to X'.