If you’re planning to dine out in Hong Kong, whether you’re in a fine-dining restaurant or at a local dai pai dong, there are some dining etiquette rules to keep in mind. You’ll want to be aware of the cultural norms in terms of service and etiquette to avoid any faux pas that may embarrass you or your tablemates.

In Hong Kong, it’s customary to tip servers and staff, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and cab drivers. A 10% service charge is added to your bill in most restaurants, so it’s important that you have cash on hand to leave a generous tip when you’re satisfied with the level of service you receive.

You’ll often see large groups of people dining together in restaurants, especially at dinner, which is considered the main meal of the day. This is because most Hong Kong apartments are too small to accommodate extended families and friends, so they meet at their favorite eateries for social gatherings. If you’re seated with another group, don’t be alarmed if you are asked to share the table; it’s perfectly acceptable.

The majority of the population in Hong Kong identifies as Cantonese, so it’s no surprise that most restaurants are Cantonese in nature. This means that you will see a lot of seafood, dim sum, and Cantonese-style dishes on menus. However, the city is also home to a large number of international restaurants that offer cuisines from all around the world, including Japanese, French, and American.

Many restaurants in Hong Kong serve buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a great way to try out different foods at one place and save money. While most of the buffets at hotels and independent restaurants are mediocre, the buffet spreads at some of Hong Kong’s best hotels (like the Island Shangri-La) are truly spectacular.

When eating at a restaurant or a cha chaan teng, be sure to bring some napkins to the table. While some places will provide napkins, most won’t, so you’ll need a little extra in case of spills or accidents. It’s also a good idea to carry some tissue paper, which can be purchased at any convenience store (think 7-Eleven or Circle K).

When you’re served tea during a business meeting or dining in a Chinese restaurant, it’s customary for the person with the lowest seniority to pour the first cup. After that, everyone should pour their own tea, even if the other cups are still full. If you need more tea, you can request for a refill by openly opening the lid of the pot. Alternatively, you can also tap the table with three fingers to indicate that you’d like more.

China is the largest and most diverse country in Asia. With a long history and rich culture, it has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a place to take photos with cute giant pandas or explore the Great Wall, it has plenty to see and do.

The best time to visit China is in spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and not too hot or rainy. But the climate varies across the different regions of China. The southwest region, including Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou, is warm all year round and is a good choice for those who don’t want to deal with snow in winter. Northeastern China, including Harbin and Shenyang, is cold and dry in winter.

If you’re planning a trip to China, you should make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. You should also bring your visa, health insurance card, credit cards and any other documents that might be required for your trip. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your passport in case it gets lost or stolen. It is also a good idea to bring a medical kit with you. You should also bring a pair of comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.

China’s capital city, Beijing, is full of sights to see. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest surviving palace complex in the world. The Forbidden City, which was once the Imperial Palace, is a must-see for any visitor. It is a complex of palaces, gardens and temples that was built for the Emperors and their families.

Tiananmen Square is another major landmark in Beijing. It is the site of several significant events in Chinese history, including the 1989 pro-democracy protests that led to the deaths of thousands of people. The outside world may associate it with a violent past, but Beijingers understand that it is the heart of their city. The complex contains the Monument to the People’s Heroes, which is a beautiful tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for democracy.

Visiting China can be a wonderful experience for anyone who loves history and art. The National Museum of China is an excellent option for those who want to know more about the country’s history and its rich cultural legacy. It displays over a million artworks that are considered to be rare. The museum exhibits everything from ancient bronze vessels to beautiful paintings and sculptures.

Acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping are all traditional Chinese medicine techniques that can be very effective at treating many health conditions, such as high blood pressure, back pain, neck pain, arthritis and insomnia. They can also help reduce the risk of stoke and improve your overall health.

Acupuncture is a painless process, and the results are quick. Most people who receive acupuncture treatment report an immediate decrease in pain and an increase in flexibility. Some patients have even reported an improvement in their general mood after receiving acupuncture treatments.

Hong Kong Travel

The ultra-modern city of Hong Kong is a cultural melting pot that’s influenced by the East and the West. This urban metropolis is packed with attractions that range from ancient temples and historical sites to modern skyscrapers, shopping malls and street markets.

A Hong Kong trip can easily burn through your vacation budget if you’re not careful. But with a bit of advance planning, you can stay within your budget and still have an amazing time in this world-class destination.

One of the best things you can do to save money in Hong Kong is purchase an Octopus digital or physical travel card before your trip. This smart payment tool works on all public transportation and can also be used for dining, entertainment and shopping. You can buy a Mobile Octopus in advance for HK$39 and have it loaded with HK$50, or get the Tourist Octopus that includes a refundable deposit of HK$39 when you arrive at the airport or the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry concourse.

Another way to save on your Hong Kong travel is to shop around and find the cheapest hotel prices. A stay at a luxury four-star hotel can set you back several thousand dollars per night, but there are plenty of affordable options as well. Some of the best places to look for deals on hotels in Hong Kong are in Wan Chai, Central, Soho and Sheung Wan.

If you want to save even more, you can avoid some of the most popular events and activities in Hong Kong. For instance, summer is a popular time for tourists to visit the city, but it can be hot and humid with high crowds. Similarly, major holidays like New Years can see spikes in hotel prices and crowds. Instead, you can enjoy more affordable room rates and fewer crowds by visiting in the shoulder season of October to early December.

When it comes to food, try to avoid the many chain restaurants and opt for local eateries. These smaller establishments tend to have cheaper menu items and are more authentic. Plus, they will likely speak English or Cantonese, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

You can save even more on meals by packing your own lunch. You can find a variety of grocery stores and mini-markets throughout the city, and many carry a wide selection of snacks and supplies for your backpacking adventure.