I wanted to make the guide book as simple, clear and informative as possible. You will find: * Over 60 popular dishes that you can order across China. Each description has the Chinese characters, the pinyin transliteration and of course the English name. There is also a short list of the standard contents of the dish, and another section pointing out any special instructions on how it should be eaten or interesting points of cultural or historical significance. With most dishes you will also find a full colour photo, so you can know exactly what to expect! * An easy Reference sheet that lists all the dishes above (and variants) in a compact form that you can carry with you to every meal. * Handy restaurant phrase sheet. Sometimes the simplest of things can be difficult to explain in an unfamilar language. This one page, designed specifically for restaurants, should save you from most potential problems. * Regional styles. China is a vast country and as such the food varies tremendously from region to region. For instance, the southwest is renowned for it's tongue burningly spicy dishes. You will be guided through the different styles of cooking and preparation and learn the best dishes to try no matter where you are traveling. * The Five Tastes. A successful and enjoyable meal should encompass every one of the five tastes. Find out what they are and recognize them in each meal. * History of Chinese food. It's great to be able to order tasty food but Chinese food is steeped in tradition and an integral part of the culture. A greater understanding of the food will give you a better understanding of China and it's people. * Food symbology. Did you know that peaches represents longevity, or that walnuts symbolize flirtation?! Almost everything that can be eaten has a hidden meaning. It's not essential that you know these things to eat well but, if you do, it will certainly add to your enjoyment of the food - and be a great topic for future conversations! * Etiquette. Learn what to expect at a Chinese restaurant, from the moment you enter: seating arrangements; how to use chopsticks; table manners. These are things that you definitely should know when Eating Out in China.