I don't know a lot about Chinese food, but as someone who has lived in France, worked in the gourmet food business there and who has eaten at lots of French restaurants in France and what passes for French in the U.S, IMHO the "French" in the US is not very French. And authentic French food in France is really a LOT better (and different). For example, it is very difficult to get a good selection in a cheese course in the U.S., if a cheese curse is even offered. And, if you think US "Italian" is authentic, better take a trip to Italy.

On the other heand, often Mexican food in California is better than the same across the border.

Back on topic, the Chinese food I ate recently in Beijing, when I went down the hutongs and ate with the locals was not at all like the food in the fancy tourist places. And it was more like less than two dollars for dinner for two. And, it was very yummy (still don't know what a lot of it was), but some of it was very weird in texture and taste.