This province is known for the fiery, sweat-inducing Sichuan pepper, which, according to ancient Chinese medicine, helps the body to expel dampness and prevent disease. If you like it hot, then Sichuan is calling your name. A word of warning: it can be hard to find vegetarian and vegan food in China, but it can be done. Famous dishes to try include kung pao chicken, Peking roast duck, Mapo tofu and char sui. It’s also meatier with lots of beef, pork and duck, though seafood and tofu are also popular. Generally, Chinese food tends to be heavier than Japanese with more spices, chilli and oil. GO ON A REAL FOOD ADVENTURE IN JAPAN Chinese wonton soupĬhina is massive – and so nearly every region has its own cooking style. Tea is a big deal in Japan, and if you attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony you’ll never look at a cuppa in the same way again. Or swap your morning coffee for a matcha latte or antioxidant-packed green tea. Popular dishes include unagi (grilled eel), takoyaki (octopus dumplings), karaage (Japanese fried chicken), yakitori (meat skewers) and shabu-shabu (Japanese-style hot pot).įeeling thirsty after all that soy sauce? Quench your thirst with a cold beer or glass of sake. Meat is a popular ingredient, though seafood is where Japan shines (hello, sashimi). Most dishes comprise rice or noodles, a few side dishes and soup. Japanese cuisine is renowned for its fresh, seasonal produce and meticulous preparation. Japan brought sushi, ramen and tempura to the world (and for that, I’ll be eternally grateful), but there’s so much more on offer. SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA Food Japanese yakitori (meat skewers) This contrast between the ancient and the modern is particularly strong in cities like Shanghai where giant skyscrapers loom over traditional lilong houses. With 56 ethnic groups (the largest being the Han), modern Chinese culture is rich and complex. Though China continues to grow and change at a rapid pace thanks to a booming economy, centuries-old philosophies are interwoven in daily life – including the theories of the five elements and yin-yang – and traditional values such as family, social harmony and loyalty remain at the heart of society. China has also gifted the world with many cultural riches including martial arts, Chinese medicine, kungfu, tai chi and Chinese calligraphy. Relics of China’s dynastic past are littered throughout the country, including the iconic Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Morning tai chi in BeijingĪs one of the world’s oldest civilisations, China has an intriguing history of dynastic rule and ancient cultures influenced by Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Sleek bullet trains whoosh past centuries-old temples and tea houses, and you might see geishas using state-of-the-art vending machines selling everything from lettuce to lobsters (only in Japan!).Īlthough the younger generations continue to push the cultural boundaries, social harmony is the pillar of Japanese society, and traditional values like saving face, humility and respecting your elders are just as important today. Ancient Japanese philosophies are also integrated into daily life, including ikigai (reason for being), omotenashi (providing impeccable hospitality without expecting anything in return) and kaizen (continuous improvement). On the one hand, there are thousands of years of traditions influenced by Shinto, Buddhism and Confucianism, but on the other is a trailblazing society setting trends in tech, fashion-forwardness and architecture. Japanese culture is a fascinating mix of old and new. Culture Women wearing traditional Japanese kimonos Failing this, you can always flip a coin. We’ve put together a handy guide comparing all the top considerations to help you out – we’re talking culture, food, cities, landscapes and weather. Both countries are steeped in history and boast incredible landscapes, world-class cuisines and more adventures than you can poke a chopstick at. Especially when it’s between Japan and China. If you’re anything like me (and have an ever-growing bucket list), then it’s not easy choosing where to travel next. Because sometimes the hardest part of travelling is choosing where to go.
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