Chinese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its variety and flavor. Our gourmet tour takes you on a culinary journey through the country’s most famous dishes and food regions.
This 13-day tour will immerse you in China’s rich culinary heritage while allowing you to explore its vibrant cities and cultural landmarks.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to rest and get acclimated.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Peking Duck. This iconic dish has been perfected over centuries and offers a perfect start to your culinary adventure.
Day 2: Exploring Beijing’s Culinary Delights
Start your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. These historical sites are a must-see in Beijing.
For lunch, head to a local restaurant to try Zhajiangmian, a noodle dish topped with a savory soybean paste.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. Dinner will be a feast of Beijing-style hotpot, where you can cook various meats and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Day 3: The Great Wall and Traditional Cuisine
Today, you’ll visit the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the wall. After an invigorating hike, enjoy a hearty lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring local specialties like dumplings and stir-fried dishes.
Return to Beijing for dinner at a traditional courtyard restaurant, where you can sample classic mutton hot pot in Beijing.
Day 4: Travel to Xi’an
This morning, fly to Xi’an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. After checking into your hotel, visit the famous Muslim Quarter. Here, you’ll find a vibrant street market filled with delicious snacks and local specialties.
Try the local flavor the Biangbiang noodles.
End your day with a visit to the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, iconic landmarks in the heart of the city.
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors and Roujiamo
Begin your day with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized statues that have stood guard over Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb for over two millennia.
For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Shaanxi at a local eatery. Relish in the taste of ‘roujiamo’, a succulent pork-stuffed Chinese hamburger. In the evening, explore the Xi’an City Wall, offering stunning views of the city.
Day 6: Xi’an’s Culinary and Cultural Heritage
Visit the Shaanxi History Museum to learn about the region’s rich history. Then, head to a local restaurant for a lunch of Yangrou Paomo, a traditional Xi’an dish of crumbled flatbread soaked in mutton broth.
In the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple. Conclude your day with an enthralling Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.
This cultural extravaganza blends a sumptuous dumpling banquet with an impressive display of traditional music, dance, and theatre. It’s a feast for both the eyes and palate, reflecting the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.
Day 7: Travel to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and the heart of spicy Chinese cuisine. After checking into your hotel, visit the Jinli Ancient Street. This vibrant area is famous for its street food, where you can try delicacies like Sichuan-style skewers, spicy tofu, and glutinous rice balls.
In the evening, enjoy a Sichuan hotpot dinner, where you can cook a variety of ingredients in a bubbling spicy broth.
Day 8: Giant Pandas and Sichuan Cuisine
Start your day with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can see these adorable animals in their natural habitat.
For lunch, try Dan Dan noodles, a spicy and flavorful noodle dish. In the afternoon, visit the Du Fu Thatched Cottage and Jinsha Site Museum to learn about Chengdu’s history and culture.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant specializing in Sichuan cuisine, featuring dishes like Mapo Tofu and Kung Pao Chicken.
Day 9: Travel to Guangzhou
Fly to Guangzhou, the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. After checking into your hotel, visit Shamian Island, a historical area with colonial-era buildings and tree-lined streets.
For lunch, try Cantonese dim sum, a variety of small dishes served with tea.
In the evening, take a Pearl River cruise, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline and savor a seafood dinner.
Day 10: Guangzhou’s Culinary Treasures
Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, an architectural masterpiece showcasing traditional Cantonese craftsmanship. For lunch, head to a local restaurant to try roast goose, a Cantonese delicacy.
In the afternoon, explore Yuexiu Park and see the iconic Five Rams Statue. Dinner will be at a restaurant specializing in Cantonese seafood, offering dishes like steamed fish and shrimp dumplings.
Day 11: Cantonese Cuisine and Cultural Experiences
Start your day with a visit to the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, where you can learn about the region’s ancient history.
For lunch, try clay pot rice, a comforting dish popular in Guangzhou. In the afternoon, explore the bustling streets of Beijing Road, a famous shopping area.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant featuring Cantonese barbecue, including dishes like char siu and crispy pork belly.
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Guangzhou at your own pace. Visit a local market to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or take a leisurely stroll along the Pearl River.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. This concludes your 12-day Best China Gourmet Tour, a culinary adventure through China’s most famous food regions.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit China for a gourmet tour is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities. Additionally, many food festivals and events take place during these seasons, allowing you to experience local culinary traditions at their best.
This 13-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and culinary delights. From the imperial flavors of Beijing to the spicy dishes of Sichuan and the delicate tastes of Cantonese cuisine, this tour will satisfy your taste buds and leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or visiting China for the first time, this gourmet tour is designed to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience. So pack your bags and get ready for a culinary adventure through the heart of China!
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