Chinese night markets are the most lively places after dark: a street of stalls, the scent of grilled meat, vendors calling out, bustling from 5-6 pm until late.
Must-try list: grilled skewers (lamb, chicken wings, eggplant), stinky tofu (smells awful, tastes great), jianbing guozi, candied hawthorns, milk tea; coastal cities add seafood barbecue.
How to order: most stalls show prices; point and say "one skewer" or "two portions". Walk the whole street first - the stall with the longest queue is usually the best.
Hygiene tip: pick busy stalls and watch food cooked fresh; if your stomach is sensitive, avoid raw or cold items and carry stomach medicine.
Cost: 30-80 yuan per person fills you up - cheaper than restaurants and far more local.
Night markets are also photo gold: red lanterns, neon signs and crowds - everyday life in every frame.
