China Dietary Restrictions and Special Needs Guide

When traveling in China, the differences in dietary culture and religious backgrounds vary significantly across regions. Below is a detailed explanation and recommendation regarding Halal food, vegetarian options, and other special dietary needs:

1. Halal Food

Applicable Group: Muslim tourists or those with Halal dietary requirements
Distribution Characteristics:
- Northwest Regions (Xinjiang, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, etc.): Halal food is very common, and restaurants and snack stalls usually have clear markings, complying with Islamic regulations.
- Other Major Cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.): Halal restaurants are concentrated in Muslim residential areas (such as Niu Jie in Beijing, around Xiaotaoyuan Mosque in Shanghai).
- Non-Muslim Residential Areas: Some restaurants may be marked as "Halal," but it’s necessary to confirm if they meet international standards (it is recommended to prioritize restaurants with certification from the "Chinese Islamic Association").

Precautions:
- Avoid confusing "Halal" with "Northwest Cuisine": Some restaurants may use "Northwest cuisine" as their brand, but they may not strictly adhere to Halal standards.
- Large chain brands (such as Lanzhou Pulling Noodles) are usually Halal, but confirmation is required beforehand.
- When purchasing packaged food in supermarkets, check for "Halal" labels or Arabic descriptions.

Recommended Tools:
- Use Dianping or Meituan APPs to search for "Halal restaurants" or "Halal," selecting merchants with higher ratings.
- In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, internationally certified Halal restaurants can be found through the "Halal China" official website.

2. Vegetarian Options (Vegetarian/Vegan)

Applicable Group: Vegetarians, Buddhists, or those with health dietary requirements
Distribution Characteristics:
- Traditional Vegetarian Restaurants: Influenced by Chinese Buddhist culture, many temples have vegetarian restaurants nearby (such as Shanghai Yufu Temple Vegetarian Cuisine, Beijing Longquan Temple Vegetarian), though some dishes may contain eggs or dairy (not purely vegan).
- Internationalized Restaurants in Big Cities: Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have Western-style vegetarian restaurants (such as Vegan Concept, Gongdelin), offering pure vegan (Vegan) and gluten-free options.
- Ordinary Restaurants: Flexible ordering can meet vegetarian needs (for example: request "no meat, no green onions or garlic").

Precautions:
- Key Communication Points: Clearly distinguish between types of vegetarianism (pure vegetarian/ovo-lacto vegetarian). It is recommended to learn key Chinese phrases in advance, such as "I am a vegetarian, I do not eat meat or fish" (Wǒ shì sùshí zhě, bù chī ròu hé yú) or use translation apps.
- Avoid Hidden Non-Vegetarian Ingredients: Chinese cooking often uses lard, chicken essence, or bone broth for flavor enhancement, so it’s important to specify "pure vegetarian" (Chúnsù).
- Hot Pot and Street Snacks: Spicy hot pot base may contain animal fat; it’s recommended to choose a clear broth and confirm separately. For street snacks like Jianbing, you can request no ham.

Recommended Tools:
- Download the "HappyCow" app to find vegetarian restaurants in major Chinese cities.
- Search for "Vegetarian Map" via WeChat Mini Programs for real-time recommendations.

3. Other Special Dietary Needs

• Allergens: Be particularly cautious about nuts, seafood, etc. It’s recommended to prepare a Chinese allergy card in advance (e.g., "I am allergic to peanuts" – Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn).
• Kosher Food: Only available in a few high-end hotels or international restaurants in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, requiring prior reservation and confirmation.
• Gluten-Free: Large supermarkets (such as Ole', CityShop) sell gluten-free food, and some Western restaurants offer related dishes.

4. General Suggestions

1. Communicate in Advance: Use translation apps (such as Google Translate, Tencent Translation) to clarify your needs, saving screenshots of key phrases.
2. Choose Chain Brands: Starbucks, McDonald's, and other international chains usually provide allergen information and customization options.
3. Prepare Emergency Food: In remote areas or small towns, choices may be limited; carry energy bars, nuts, etc., as backup.
4. Plan During Holidays and Peak Seasons: Some restaurants close during the Spring Festival; plan ahead accordingly.

5. Special Scenarios Examples

• Muslim Street in Xi'an: A central area for Halal snacks, but pay attention to the hygiene of stalls.
• Tibet Travel: Tibetan restaurants mostly serve yak meat and butter tea; vegetarians can opt for vegetarian restaurants near temples.
• High-Speed Rail Catering: You can pre-book Halal or vegetarian meals through the 12306 APP.