Pam,
I went to Beijing and Xi'an this past spring. The food was wonderful, but I do have to admit, I think the food that is served in the American Chinese restaurants have been "Americanized" to fit the American palette. I found the original dishes absolutely tantalizing with tastes that I have never experienced in the States. I was very fond of the Peking duck sold in Beijing. The presentation was beautiful as well. I could go on and on about it.
E