Things To Do
in Xiayang

Locally caught river fish braised in a light soy and ginger sauce; available at family-run restaurants along the waterfront.

Must-Try!

Thin rice noodles served in a savory broth with shredded pork or vegetables, a staple breakfast and lunch item in local stalls.

Simple steamed clams tossed with garlic, scallion and rice wine—best at riverside eateries when clams are in season.

Tofu smoked over local tea leaves for a delicate aromatic flavor, often sold as a snack or side dish.

Bustling at first light with fresh produce, fish and dumpling stalls; try steamed buns, rice noodle soup and fresh fruit here.

Open evenings with grill stalls, skewers, fried snacks and tea vendors—great for sampling small plates and local sweets.

Deferential behavior toward older people is expected; greet elders first in group situations and show patience in conversation.

Dress modestly, speak softly and follow local practices (removing hats, no flash photography where signs forbid it) when visiting religious sites.

Communal dining is common—try dishes offered, use serving chopsticks if provided, and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice as it resembles funerary rituals.

Bargaining is acceptable at small markets but should be polite; do not haggle aggressively in fixed-price shops.

Tipping is not customary for most everyday services; a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected. In tourist-oriented hotels or guides, rounding up or leaving a modest extra is acceptable.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used and accepted at markets, restaurants and shops; cash (CNY) remains useful for small vendors. International credit cards are accepted in some mid-range hotels and chains but carry cash for local stalls.

Mild temperatures and blooming flora make spring excellent for hikes and tea-plantation visits; occasional drizzle—pack a light rain jacket.

Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; carry an umbrella, stay hydrated and expect busy festival weekends.

Cooler, drier and very pleasant—one of the best times to visit for outdoor activities, clear skies and harvest markets.

Mild to cool and damp rather than freezing; layers are useful and some hillside trails can be slippery after rain.

A gentle trail winding through layered tea fields with several lookout points and a small tea farm offering tastings.

Short but steeper route along a river cliff that rewards hikers with sweeping views of the town and valley below.

Shaded woodland walk with old-growth trees, small waterfalls and a quieter atmosphere—good for birdwatching.

A cultural walk connecting a series of rural villages, rice paddies and artisan workshops—easy to do by bike or on foot.

A small regional airport serving domestic flights to nearby cities; reachable by shuttle or 30–60 minute taxi ride depending on location.

Major international hub in the nearest provincial capital (1.5–3 hours by car or fast train), offering wider flight connections and more ground-transport options to Xiayang.

Popular casual sport played in community halls and parks—easy to join a pickup game with locals.

Widely played indoors and in markets; common social pastime among older residents.

Held during summer festival periods on the river—spectacular local event if your visit coincides with the season.

Young people commonly play pickup games at school courts and public playgrounds.

Vegetarian options are available but less varied than in big cities; communicate 'I don’t eat meat or fish' (我不吃肉和鱼 wǒ bù chī ròu hé yú) and look for tofu, vegetable stir-fries and noodle soups made with vegetable broth.

Vegan dining requires care—many broths and sauces use fish or meat. Use a translation card to explain no animal products and aim for vegetable-based dishes, rice, cold tofu and steamed vegetables.

Rice-based dishes are safe, but soy sauce often contains gluten; request dishes without wheat-based soy sauce and favor plain steamed items or rice noodles.

Severe allergies should be communicated clearly in Chinese; carrying translation cards and packing emergency medication is advised, as restaurants may not understand western allergy protocols.