Is there any way to know of these places will be open when I go eat there? Seems like these buffet places just close when I need them the most…
These are restaurants that have various foods out at a modest price (if you are careful) and many people go there to get food.
Posters are more likely, I think, to be familiar with Hanyu Pinyin romanization, which is worth (IMHO) the effort to learn. I believe you’re talking about zi4zhu4can1, or cafeteria-style places. They may be open for limited hours at peak meal times, e.g. 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., and 5:30-8:30 pm. The best thing to do is to find the ones nearest you and ask what time they’re open. They will often write this on the door, so have a look.
I have never seen any of them write that on the door… in fact sometimes I go their during their “normal” business hours and they’re not open… I don’t know why. Only way I can know their operating days/hour is by going there on a regular basis.
Open your mouth and ask.
Suh-NAP!!
Just ask
qing3wen4, ji3dian3 kai1, dao4 ji3dian3?
(lit. may I ask, what time open, to what time)