when travelling in small town,
Make sure pick up the street shop are clean, ie table, chair are wiped clean, you can see there is running water facility.
It is a popular shop than others

lots region serves very spicy and salty food, be sure to ask chef to put no chilly or less salt in your food.

My personal favorite is train when travelling between the cities, it is so much nice if you are not in a hurry.
because the landscape is changing a lots in China, and you get a chance to see a real china.

However, there are number of things you need to know,
never get a slow train, it stops every tiny station
get one with air condition in the summer
get a first class ticket so you have own spaces, better services.
food on the train is not great and expensive, so bring enough snack if you going on a long trip.