Shit(s) Happens

It is true that a number of people experience The Shits (TS) when visiting China. This could be caused by a number of factors including change in environment, ingredients, water, soil, or cooking style. But eventually the shits go away and you're able to fully enjoy all that authentic Chinese food has to offer.

In fear of TS, the US Olympic team has brought their own food and rented out a cafeteria at Peking University (Beida) for their athletes. Although I understand that TS may not be so timely when you're diving or jumping hurdles, I still find it a shame that these athletes have come all this way and not to experience such great food!

My suggestion for visitors is to slowly ease yourself into Chinese food when you visit China. Start with one small meal of Chinese food and 1-2 meals of food you're used to (you can always trust a McDonald's or Pizza Hut). Then, work your way up to 2 meals of Chinese food/day. By day 4, you should be able to have one grand meal without any stomach troubles.