Which Chinese City Is The Best For Vegans? A Comprehensive Guide

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

With China's plant-based food market growing by over 17% between 2015 and 2020, identifying which Chinese city is the best for vegans has become a key question for travelers. While bigger cities offer more vegetarian and vegan restaurants, local traditions and regional cuisine heavily influence the plant-based options available across the country.

Quick Summary

An evaluation of the most vegan-friendly cities in China, including the dining scenes in Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu. The article outlines local specialties, lists top-tier and budget-friendly restaurants, and offers crucial Mandarin phrases for ordering plant-based meals. It concludes with an assessment of the best destination for specific types of vegan travelers.

Key Points

Shanghai is the most modern: As a global hub, Shanghai offers the most diverse and innovative vegan dining, blending traditional Chinese flavors with Western influences.
Beijing has a strong legacy: The capital features a sophisticated vegan scene rooted in Buddhist traditions, with Michelin-starred fine dining and traditional buffets.
Chengdu excels in local flavors: For an authentic, spicy, and plant-forward experience, Chengdu's Sichuan cuisine is naturally adaptable for vegans, offering unique culinary adventures.
Language and apps are key: Learning a few essential Mandarin phrases and using apps like HappyCow are vital for navigating menus and ensuring your meal is truly vegan across China.
The vegan scene is rapidly growing: Across major Chinese cities, the plant-based movement is expanding, driven by health, environmental, and ethical concerns among younger generations.
Traditional is not always vegan: Be aware that some traditional-looking vegetarian dishes might contain hidden animal products like oyster sauce, shrimp paste, or even be cooked in lard.

China's Growing Plant-Based Scene

Rooted in Buddhist traditions, vegetarianism has a long history in China. A modern, Western-influenced vegan movement is also gaining traction, particularly among younger people concerned with health and environmental issues. This has resulted in a wider array of traditional and modern vegan dining choices, primarily in major urban centers. While larger cities offer more diverse options, finding accidentally vegan dishes is possible across the country with some preparation and language skills.

Shanghai: The Modern Vegan Hub

Shanghai is often considered a leading city for China's modern plant-based movement, offering a diverse vegan dining experience. The city's international character supports a variety of options, from traditional Buddhist cuisine to innovative Western-fusion. Shanghai features many fine dining establishments, casual eateries, and an increasing number of vegan-friendly chains.

Notable Shanghai Vegan Restaurants

Fu He Hui (福和慧): A Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined vegetarian, mostly vegan, fine dining with seasonal menus.
DULi: A popular, fully plant-based bistro known for its creative fusion of Western and Asian flavors.
Godly (功德林) & Gongdelin (功德林): A historic vegetarian chain offering classic Buddhist-inspired dishes.
Budget-Friendly Options: Temple canteens and inexpensive buffets like Su Man Xiang are available for budget travelers.

Beijing: The Capital's Vegan Legacy

Beijing provides a well-established vegan food scene that blends traditional and modern influences. The capital features long-standing Buddhist-influenced establishments alongside newer fine-dining and fusion restaurants.

Notable Beijing Vegan Restaurants

King's Joy (京兆尹): A three-Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant known for its fine dining and sustainability focus.
Vege Tiger (素虎): Recommended for its extensive vegetarian buffets, many of which are vegan, offering variety at a good value.
Pure Lotus Vegetarian (净心莲素食餐厅): Highly regarded for its quality vegetarian food and peaceful setting.

Chengdu: Southwestern Spice and Plant-Based Cuisine

Chengdu offers a distinct vegan-friendly experience focused on adapting its naturally plant-forward, spicy southwestern cuisine. The bold flavors of Sichuan cooking often come from plant-based ingredients, making it easier to find delicious vegan options with careful ordering.

Notable Chengdu Vegan Restaurants

Zao Zi Shu (枣子树素餐馆): A popular vegetarian chain offering authentic, well-presented dishes at reasonable prices.
Mi Xun Teahouse (谧寻茶室): Awarded a Michelin Green Star for its refined Sichuan-style vegetarian cuisine.
Wenshu Monastery Vegetarian Buffet (文殊院素食): A traditional and budget-friendly choice for experiencing local vegetarian food.

Vegan Travel in China: Essential Tips and Phrases

Navigating China as a vegan requires some preparation, though it's increasingly accessible. Key phrases and tips include:

“I am pure vegan.” (我吃纯素。 – Wǒ chī chúnsù.) This helps clarify dietary needs.
“Please, no meat/fish.” (请不要放肉/鱼。 – Qǐng bùyào fàng ròu/yú.)
“Please, no dairy/eggs.” (请不要放奶/鸡蛋。 – Qǐng bùyào fàng nǎi/jīdàn.)
Use the HappyCow app: This is a valuable tool for locating vegan and vegetarian eateries across China.
Confirm ingredients: Be mindful of hidden animal products like lard, oyster sauce, or shrimp paste. Asking “请用植物油” (Qǐng yòng zhíwùyóu), meaning "please use vegetable oil," is helpful.

Comparative Table: Shanghai vs. Beijing vs. Chengdu


Feature	Shanghai	Beijing	Chengdu
Overall Vegan Scene	Highly modern, innovative, and diverse, with both Western and Chinese options.	Mature, with a strong mix of traditional Buddhist and modern fine-dining.	Authentic and flavorful, focusing on adapting local, spicy southwestern cuisine.
:---	:---	:---	:---
Fine Dining	Excellent, featuring Michelin-starred Fu He Hui and other upscale restaurants.	Impressive, anchored by the three-Michelin-starred King's Joy.	Emerging, with notable options like the Michelin Green Star Mi Xun Teahouse.
Budget-Friendly Options	Plentiful, including temple buffets, affordable eateries, and quick-service chains.	Good, with traditional buffets (like Vege Tiger) and casual dining spots.	Very good, especially temple buffets and budget-friendly traditional restaurants.
Local Adaptability	Good, but more reliance on dedicated vegan/vegetarian restaurants.	Good, particularly in navigating older, traditional restaurants.	Excellent, as Sichuan cuisine is inherently plant-forward and adaptable.
Global Cuisine Options	Best selection of international vegan and vegetarian restaurants.	Strong selection, though perhaps less diverse than Shanghai.	Less focus on international cuisine, more on local specialties.
Ease of Communication	Generally easier for non-Mandarin speakers due to higher expat population.	Good, with many restaurants in expat areas having English menus.	More challenging for non-Mandarin speakers outside of major tourist areas.

Conclusion: Finding the Right City for You

The ideal Chinese city for vegans depends on individual preferences. Shanghai stands out for those seeking the most modern, diverse, and internationally-influenced vegan scene. Its global status supports a wide array of innovative dining options. For a blend of historical depth and sophisticated plant-based cuisine, Beijing offers a well-established scene. Chengdu is an excellent choice for adventurous foodies who desire authentic, spicy regional flavors that are naturally plant-forward and adaptable. Regardless of destination, China's growing vegan movement ensures a rewarding culinary experience. For further resources, visit the China Vegan Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it can be challenging outside of major cities, it is absolutely possible to be vegan in China. Larger cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu have booming vegan scenes with dedicated restaurants and knowledgeable staff. In smaller areas, you can rely on naturally plant-based dishes and some key phrases.

The most effective way is to learn a few key Mandarin phrases. Say 'Wǒ chī chúnsù' (我吃纯素) for 'I am pure vegan.' It is also wise to specify 'Qǐng bùyào fàng ròu/yú' (Please, no meat/fish) and 'Qǐng yòng zhíwùyóu' (Please use vegetable oil) to be clear.

Yes, plant-based options are becoming more common in chain restaurants. Some international fast-food giants and local chains have introduced vegan items on their menus, especially in major cities like Shanghai.

Not necessarily. Many Buddhist-style vegetarian restaurants, such as those found in temples, do not use meat, but some might use dairy or eggs. It is always best to confirm with staff, especially using the phrase for 'no dairy/eggs'.

Yes. Watch out for oyster sauce, fish sauce, shrimp paste, and lard, which are common in many Chinese dishes, even vegetable ones. Always use specific phrases to ensure your food is cooked without these ingredients.

Yes, especially in international cities like Shanghai and Beijing. These cities have restaurants and cafes that offer Western-style vegan dishes like pastas, pizzas with vegan cheese, burgers with plant-based patties, and salads.

Many classic Chinese dishes are accidentally vegan. Examples include rice, many stir-fried vegetable dishes (ensure they use vegetable oil), tofu dishes, and certain types of dumplings or noodles if made without eggs or meat broth. Tofu and mushroom dishes are widely available.