China City in Myrtle Beach: What to Expect When You Visit

China City is a casual Chinese restaurant in Myrtle Beach's downtown area, known for lunch buffets and Americanized Chinese dishes

China City sits on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach and serves the kind of Chinese food most Americans grew up eating—fried rice, lo mein, General Tso's chicken, and egg rolls. The restaurant operates a lunch buffet during midday hours, which draws both locals and visitors looking for a quick, affordable meal. Dinner is available as well, with ordering from the menu rather than the buffet.

The space itself is modest and straightforward, decorated in the style typical of casual Chinese restaurants across the Southeast. Service is fast, which suits the buffet format and the lunch crowd that tends to move through quickly. Prices are low enough that families and solo diners can eat without spending much, making it a practical stop if you're exploring Myrtle Beach's dining scene without a big budget.

Key Takeaways

• China City operates a lunch buffet during daytime hours, with menu ordering available at dinner.
• The restaurant specializes in Americanized Chinese cuisine—fried rice, lo mein, General Tso's chicken, and similar dishes familiar to most diners.
• Located on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, it is easily accessible and close to other downtown attractions.
• Pricing is budget-friendly, making it a practical choice for families or travelers watching their spending.

What the Buffet Includes

The lunch buffet at China City rotates through standard Chinese-American dishes. You'll find fried rice (usually chicken and vegetable varieties), lo mein noodles, egg rolls, and several prepared entrées that change based on the day. The buffet also includes soup, typically egg drop or wonton, and a selection of vegetables and proteins that let you build your own plates.

Buffet service means you pay one price and eat as much as you want during your visit. This works well if you're hungry and want to try several dishes without ordering multiple items. The trade-off is that buffet food sits under heat lamps, so dishes are kept warm but not freshly cooked to order.

Hours and Location

China City is located on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach's central area, making it convenient if you're staying downtown or exploring that part of the city. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours can shift seasonally—Myrtle Beach restaurants often adjust their schedules based on tourism traffic.

Before you visit, call ahead or check their current hours online, especially if you're planning a trip during the off-season or on a holiday. This prevents a wasted trip if they've closed early or adjusted their schedule.

Parking and Nearby Attractions

Parking at China City is on-site, which is convenient compared to restaurants in busier downtown areas where you might need to hunt for street parking. The North Kings Highway location also puts you near other Myrtle Beach dining and shopping options, so you can combine a meal here with other activities in the area.

If you're visiting Myrtle Beach for the beach itself, China City is a short drive from the oceanfront. It's also close to downtown shops, mini-golf courses, and other casual attractions that make up the Myrtle Beach experience.

What to Order if You Skip the Buffet

If you come for dinner or prefer ordering from the menu, China City offers the standard Chinese-American selections you'd find at similar restaurants. Fried rice dishes, lo mein, chow mein, and egg foo young are typical menu items. Protein options usually include chicken, pork, shrimp, and beef, with vegetarian choices available.

Menu prices are comparable to the buffet cost, so ordering individual dishes is reasonable if you want something specific or prefer food cooked to order rather than from the buffet line. Combination plates often bundle an entrée with fried rice and a spring roll, which can be a good value.

Dining Style and Atmosphere

China City is casual dining—no reservations, no dress code, no tablecloths. It's the kind of place where families with kids fit in easily, as does anyone looking for a no-fuss meal. The atmosphere is straightforward and unpretentious, focused on getting food out quickly rather than creating an upscale experience.

This makes it a good fit if you want to eat and move on to other activities, or if you're traveling with children and want a relaxed environment. It's not the place to go for a quiet, romantic dinner or special occasion, but it works well for casual, affordable eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a lunch buffet every day?

China City typically runs the lunch buffet during daytime hours, but hours and buffet availability can change seasonally or on holidays. Call the restaurant directly to confirm the buffet is available on the day you plan to visit.

Can I make a reservation?

China City operates as a walk-in restaurant without reservations. During peak tourist season, lunch can get busy, so arriving before noon or after 1 p.m. may mean shorter waits.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. The buffet and menu both include vegetable dishes and vegetarian entrées. Ask your server what vegetarian options are available on the day you visit, as the buffet rotates dishes daily.

Is the restaurant close to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk?

China City is on North Kings Highway, which is a short drive from the oceanfront and boardwalk area. It's not within walking distance, but it's close enough for a quick trip if you're staying downtown.

What payment methods does China City accept?

Most casual Chinese restaurants in Myrtle Beach accept cash and credit cards, but it's worth calling ahead to confirm what payment methods China City takes, especially if you prefer to pay a specific way.