Chinese Foods
This popular American takeout staple, containing a paper slip with a vague piece of wisdom or lucky numbers, was actually invented in California and is completely unfamiliar to most people in China.
Fortune cookie
What famous black-and-white animal is native to China?
Panda
I love you in Chinese.
我爱你 - wo ai ni
This dense, round pastry filled with sweet lotus seed or red bean paste is traditionally eaten exclusively during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Mooncake
What is the name of the meal where people cook ingredients in a shared pot of broth?
Hot pot
This festive, half-moon-shaped food is traditionally eaten during Lunar New Year because its shape resembles ancient silver ingots, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Dumplings (or jiaozi)
What is the capital city of China?
Beijing
Translate this number into English: Shíbā (十八)
18
According to Chinese dining etiquette, you should never stick these vertically into a bowl of rice, as it visually resembles incense used at funerals.
Chopsticks
Often referred to China's "mother river", this river is well known for its yellow-colored silt and diverse aquatic life.
Yellow river (Huang He)
Eaten on birthdays, these long noodles are served uncut. The longer the noodle, the greater the blessing. Can be served in many different ways, including with broth or stir-fried.
Longevity noodles (长寿面cháng shòu miàn)
What famous ancient structure stretches across northern China and was built and expanded for defense?
The Great Wall of China
This respectful title is commonly used to address a teacher.
Lǎoshī (老师)
Literally meaning "to touch the heart," this style of meal features bite-sized portions served in small steamer baskets alongside hot tea.
Dim sum
Found only in China, this endangered animal is known for its specialized diet and distinctive appearance.
These crispy rolls symbolize bars of gold and are named after the seasonal festival where they are eaten to welcome wealth.
Spring rolls
What ancient trade network connected China with regions in Central Asia and Europe?
The silk road
Translate this phrase into English: 我爱汉堡包。Wǒ ài hànbǎobāo
I love hamburgers
Red envelopes handed out during Lunar New Year contain this to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
Money
In Chinese tradition, this is considered the most unlucky zodiac sign. Associated with vulnerability, indecisiveness, and hardship.
Goat (羊, yáng)
A staple across countless countries and one of the world's most harvested crops, China is the top producer. Producing around 135 million tons per year, approximately 17% of the world's output. (2026)
Wheat
Which Chinese dynasty built much of the Great Wall that visitors see today?
Ming dynasty
Tigers in Chinese folklore often feature natural dark markings on their forehead that resemble this character meaning "king".
Wáng (王)
These long, uncut noodles are traditionally eaten on birthdays to symbolize this.
Long life
The number 4 is often avoided or considered unlucky because it sounds like the Chinese word for this.
Death