If you ever have the opportunity to eat Chinese food in Beijing, don't miss out on the Beijing Roast Duck (what used to be called Peking Duck). It'll be expensive, but it's a taste treat; you'll get strips of mostly duck skin served with plum sauce, strips of spring onion, and light crepes.

Restaurant-style Chinese food can be rich in calories and fat; if that's an issue you're worried about, focus on light foods like steamed vegetable dumplings, steamed shrimp and broccoli, Moo Goo Gai Pan, chicken and bean sprouts, and steamed vegetables.

If you don't already, try using chopsticks the next time you have Chinese food in a restaurant. Not only will chopsticks add a touch of authenticity to your meal, they'll also force you to eat more slowly (given the mechanics of their use), allowing you to savor every bite.