Weinan

Do not drink tap water in China, including Huayin or on the mountain. Always drink bottled or boiled water. On Mount Hua, this is non-negotiable. The vendors' hot water for tea or noodles is boiled, which is safe.

It's challenging but possible. On the mountain, you're limited to instant noodles (check the flavor packet—some are vegetable-based), steamed vegetable buns (ask for "su baozi"), and fresh cucumbers/tomatoes. In Huayin or Xi'an, seek out Buddhist vegetarian restaurants or explicitly order dishes like "qing chao shucai" (stir-fried vegetables), tofu dishes, or egg and tomato over rice. Be clear: "wo chi su" (I eat vegetarian).

Cash. Always have a stack of small denomination bills (1, 5, 10, 20 RMB). Hold out the money and let them take what they need. It's straightforward. In more established small restaurants in town, they might accept international credit cards, but don't count on it. Assume cash is the primary method outside of big city centers.

Almost certainly not for any market, stall, or small shop. The payment ecosystem runs on cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. Relying on a credit card will leave you unable to buy essentials. Ensure your mobile payment apps are topped up and carry a stash of RMB.

It's a normal part of the transaction here for non-essential goods. Start by asking the price, then give a counter-offer that's about 30-40% lower. Use a friendly tone and smile. If they say no or give a final price, you can usually accept it or walk away. Walking away often triggers a "Okay, okay!" and the lower price. It's a game, not a confrontation.

The packaged items like bottled water, sealed crackers, and branded instant noodles are fine. Be more cautious with unpackaged, pre-boiled eggs or cut fruit, especially on hotter days. Use your judgment. I've eaten boiled eggs from vendors at major rest stops without issue, but I wouldn't risk it at a very remote stall.

Gloves. It sounds trivial, but the iron chains are cold, sometimes rusty, and your hands will thank you. Buying them on the trail costs 4x more for an inferior selection. Get a sturdy pair with good grip, put them in your pocket, and don't think about it again until you're clinging to the side of the mountain.

Most are not. The locks, keychains, and mass-produced trinkets are factory-made. You can find genuinely hand-carved stone seals or some wooden items, but they will cost significantly more. Ask directly: "Zhè shì shǒugōng de ma?" (Is this handmade?). For true handicrafts, the temple shops are a more reliable bet than the general souvenir stalls.

The hand-painted gourds. While you can find painted gourds elsewhere in China, the styles in Qiachuan often reflect the local loess plateau scenery and folk stories. Finding an artisan who grows, dries, and paints them on-site is the real prize. Ask, "Zhe shi ni ziji zuo de ma?" (Did you make this yourself?).