China has a long history grounded in strong traditions that date back thousands of years. Perhaps more than any other country, these are still seen clearly today and make China a very interesting place to explore! The best way to see what you never knew about China is by taking a look at the traditions in the north and south of China, roughly defined by the Yangtze River.
We have food tours in the north and south of China, which gives you the opportunity to see how different the cuisine and culture really is as you travel through China!
The North: Food Tours in Xian & Beijing
The South: Food Tours in Chengdu, Shanghai, & Suzhou
So here are the biggest differences between North and South China…
North: Salty, without a doubt!
South: Must be sweet.
North: Plate to eat, push unwanted food to the corner of the plate or on the table.
South: Use bowl (filled with rice) to eat, put unwanted food on the plate.
North: Noodles can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are more flour dishes in the north comparably. Although rice is also common seen on the dining table.
South: Rice is widely grown in many regions, and commonly loved by everyone, it is served preferably at the end of the meal.
North: “Head north then go east and it will be on the south side of the street.”
South: “Go straight, turn right and it will be on your right.”
This is because cities in the north are built in a grid-like system with straight roads and city blocks. Cities in the South are circular like a spider web. It affects the way residents think about space and orient themselves in it.
North: As long as it’s clean, it’s enough. People will stare if someone is all dressed up. It’s not rare seeing people wearing slippers on the streets and even pajamas out and about in residential communities.
South: Most people are pretty dressed up in terms of their own beauty standards. You can discover many versions of the current fashion trends just by walking on the street.
North: “South of China is not cold, because it’s the South!”
South: “Northerners are strong and tough because the north is so cold.”
Cities in the North have government-enforced central heating in all residents and buildings stepping into the winter. Different cities and regions have different central heated months. But the South gets nothing! Winter in the south can also feel colder due to humid summers, especially if you don’t have access to proper heating.
Northerners are also not necessarily tougher due to the cold weather as they are generally protected by the central heating system. However, the coldness in the North can be unbearable once stepping outside.
North: “Tell me about the dialect from your province.”
South: “Do you know how many dialects we have in just one city?!”
Planning a trip with the whole family – whether that means toddlers, teens, or even grandparents – can be a logistical puzzle. These curated multi-day trips focus on hands-on activities packed with local flavor (literally) and experiences that are perfect for everyone.
Before you dive into China’s rich culture and delicious food, there are a few things you should know to help you feel more comfortable and avoid any awkward moments. From water etiquette to understanding the nuances of Chinese dining customs, this quick guide will help you navigate your way through everyday experiences with ease and confidence.
You probably don’t think of China when you think of wine. That’s about to change. Hidden in China’s remote northwest, where the vast Gobi desert meets the Helan mountain range, a quiet wine revolution is unfolding. Ningxia, once known for sheep herding and sandstorms, is now producing some of the most exciting wines in the world—and almost nobody knows about it.
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