Things To Do
in Yankou

Fresh fish from the nearby river cooked in a savory soy-based braise with ginger and scallions; commonly found at family restaurants and market eateries.

Must-Try!

Quickly wok-tossed local leafy vegetables with garlic and a splash of rice wine — ubiquitous and always fresh at small eateries.

Homemade pickles served as a side dish or condiment; available at markets and as part of home-style meals.

Simple, comforting noodle soups or pan-fried wheat pancakes sold in food stalls and small restaurants for a quick, inexpensive meal.

The town's main market where farmers sell vegetables, eggs, live poultry, and seasonal specialties; great for fresh snacks like fried dough sticks and steamed buns.

Small evening vendors near the river offering skewers, fried snacks and sweet treats; ideal for sampling local street food and photographing lively scenes.

A polite nod or brief greeting (你好) works; addressing elders and showing deference is important in rural communities. Avoid loud, confrontational behavior in public.

Meals are communal — it’s polite to try a bit of shared dishes and to allow elders to start eating first; use serving chopsticks if provided and don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice.

Remove shoes if invited into a home and accept small gifts or tea with appreciation. It's customary to bring a small gift if visiting a household for a long stay.

Bargaining is acceptable at markets and with independent vendors but not in fixed-price stores; be polite and smile during negotiations.

Tipping is not customary in small-town China and often unnecessary in local restaurants and taxis; modest tips for exceptional service are appreciated but not expected. In tourist-oriented hotels or guided tours, tipping is more common but still discretionary.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate urban China but may be less widely accepted in very small vendors; carry some cash for markets, rural taxis and remote eateries. Major credit cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants, but always check before relying solely on cards.

Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make it ideal for walks, photography and visiting markets. Occasional rain showers are common; bring a light waterproof jacket. Pollen season can affect those with allergies.

Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms possible; riverside spots and early-morning activities are more comfortable. Expect lively night markets and more insects near water — pack light, breathable clothing and insect repellent.

Crisp, clear weather with pleasant temperatures and good visibility for hiking and photography; harvest season means markets are abundant with fresh produce. Evenings can be cool, so bring layers.

Cool to cold depending on elevation; frost and occasional light snow possible in higher areas. Fewer tourists and lower prices make it quieter, but some rural attractions may have limited services. Pack warm clothing and check transport availability during colder snaps.

A regional airport within 1–2 hours' drive offers domestic flights to nearby provincial capitals; ideal for quick access but with limited international connections.

The closest international hub is reachable in several hours by road or rail and provides frequent domestic and international flights; use it for long-haul connections and major airline services.

Vegetarian options exist but are mainly vegetable-based side dishes, tofu, noodles and soups; plainly worded Chinese phrases and pointing at dishes in markets help, as full vegetarian restaurants may be rare.

More challenging — many broths and sauces may contain animal products. Use simple phrases to ask for no meat, no egg, and avoid obvious meat-filled items; bring snacks just in case.

Rice-based dishes and many soups are gluten-friendly, but soy sauce and wheat-based pancakes are common. When in doubt, indicate gluten sensitivity and prefer plain steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and unseasoned grilled fish.

Carry a translated allergy card in Chinese (listing ingredients to avoid). Cross-contamination can occur in small kitchens, so be cautious with nuts, shellfish, and sesame.