Part One: Practical Guide to Managing Food Allergies in China

1. Pre-trip Preparation

• Learn Key Chinese Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with allergy-related terms (such as "allergy," "cannot eat") and memorize the Chinese names of your allergens (details in Part Two).
• Translation Cards: Prepare bilingual Chinese-English allergy cards specifying your allergens and emergency response instructions (e.g., "I have a severe peanut allergy; please do not include it in my food").
• Medication Readiness: Carry anti-allergy medications (such as antihistamines, epinephrine auto-injectors) with complete packaging, along with English prescriptions or doctor's notes (which may be required upon entry).

2. Dining Considerations

• Restaurant Selection: Prioritize international restaurants or large chain stores (like Starbucks, McDonald's), which often offer English menus and clearer allergen labeling.
• Clear Communication:
• Use translation tools (such as Google Translate, WeChat Translate) to explain your allergies to servers.
• Emphasize avoiding cross-contamination (e.g., "Please use clean pots and utensils when cooking").
• Watch Out for High-Risk Foods:
• Chinese Seasonings: Soy sauce may contain wheat, chili sauces may contain peanuts or sesame seeds.
• Hidden Allergens: Vegetarian dishes might be cooked in lard, soups may contain shrimp or nuts.

3. Emergency Response

• Emergency Number: Call China's medical emergency number 120, or ask hotel staff for assistance in seeking medical care.
• Hospital Options: International hospitals in major cities (such as Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai Jiawei) offer English-speaking services.

Part Two: How to Explain Allergens in Chinese

1. Common Allergen Translation Table

2. Useful Chinese Sentence Patterns

• Basic Expressions:
• "I am allergic to 【allergen], please do not add it."
• Wǒ duì 【huāshēng】 guòmǐn, qǐng wù tiānjiā.
• Example: "I am allergic to peanuts, please do not add them."
• Detailed Explanations:
• "If the food has come into contact with 【allergen], please let me know."
• Rúguǒ shíwù jiēchù guò 【zhīma】, qǐng gàosù wǒ.
• Emergency Situations:
• "I need a doctor, please help me call an ambulance."
• Wǒ xūyào yīshēng, qǐng bāng wǒ jiào jiùhùchē.

3. Recommended Tools

• Translation Apps: Google Translate (usable offline), Tencent Translator (supports voice input).
• WeChat Mini Programs: Search for "Allergen Translation Assistant" to generate QR codes that restaurant staff can scan for details.

Part Three: Additional Notes

1. Grocery Shopping: Carefully read package labels for warnings such as "contains" (Hányǒu) or "may contain" (Kěnéng hányǒu).
2. Street Food: Avoid high-risk stalls (such as those using shared oil for frying) and opt for freshly made dishes with clear ingredients.
3. Hotel Communication: Inform hotel staff in advance via email about your allergies and request special kitchen arrangements.