Things To Do
in Nanfang

Small steamed or fried dishes—har gow, siu mai and custard buns—best enjoyed at a bustling teahouse or Cantonese restaurant in Guangzhou or Shenzhen.

Must-Try!

Savory rice noodle bowls with pickled vegetables and pork—ubiquitous in Guangxi and a hearty, cheap local staple.

Poached chicken with fragrant rice and ginger-scallion sauce, a specialty of Hainan island and widely available across southern China.

Delicate soup dumplings and fresh coastal seafood—try in Fujian and coastal cities such as Xiamen.

Night markets are ideal for trying skewers, oyster omelettes, rice noodle soups and tropical fruit—look for busy stalls to ensure freshness.

Morning wet markets sell fresh produce, seafood and prepared snacks; great for observing local ingredients and affordable eats.

A polite nod or handshake is common in cities; use formal greetings with elders and remove shoes when entering private homes or some temples.

Shared dishes are normal—use communal chopsticks or serving spoons when provided and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (an ominous sign).

Offer and receive items with both hands when possible; a modesty and saving face culture values politeness and indirect refusals.

Dress modestly, speak quietly and follow local rules when visiting religious sites; photography may be restricted in some areas.

Tipping is not customary for most everyday services; in higher-end restaurants, hotels and tourist-focused services a small tip or rounding up may be appreciated but not expected.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate urban areas; carry some cash (CNY) for rural markets and taxis. International cards work in bigger hotels and establishments, and China’s bank apps/QR systems can be set up with local SIM or bank accounts for longer stays.

March–May brings mild temperatures and blossoming landscapes; rainfall increases later in spring—great for outdoor exploring and fewer crowds than summer.

June–August is hot and humid with frequent rain and typhoon risk in coastal areas; beaches and islands are popular but expect higher prices and crowds.

September–November is the most pleasant—cooler, drier air, clear skies and excellent conditions for hiking and photography.

December–February is mild in lowland coastal areas but can be cool and foggy inland and in higher elevations; southernmost islands remain warm and are good winter escapes.

Widely played recreationally and competitively across the region; public courts and clubs are common.

Extremely popular urban sport with many city courts and local leagues.

Traditional water sport celebrated during festivals—look for regional races on rivers and harbors.

Growing spectator and participation interest, especially in larger cities with professional clubs.

Vegetarian options are available but many dishes use fish sauce, oyster sauce or lard—learn phrases to request no meat, no fish sauce and explain dietary needs. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are common in city temple areas.

Carry translations for allergies (e.g., nuts, shellfish) and use apps or printed notes to show cooks; reliance on packaged snacks or vegetarian temples helps when options are limited.