What cuisines are featured on this trip?

The itinerary explores Sichuan, Hunan (Xiang), Fujian (Min), Shanghai (Benbang), Huaiyang, Shandong (Lu) and Beijing cuisines.

Do I need cooking experience?

No. The cooking classes are designed for all experience levels and focus on participation and cultural learning.

How different are the regional cuisines featured on this trip?

Each region has its own distinctive flavours, ingredients and cooking styles. From the bold spice of Sichuan and Hunan to the delicate seafood dishes of Fujian, the refined traditions of Huaiyang cuisine and the iconic dishes of Beijing, the trip showcases the remarkable diversity of Chinese food culture.

How much walking is involved?

The trip involves moderate sightseeing walks through markets, historic districts and cultural attractions.

How do we travel between destinations?

The itinerary uses China's extensive high-speed rail network, complemented by private transfers and local transport.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Many dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, although options may be more limited in some regions. Please let us know on booking.

Street food carts, Fujian

Zongzi Chinese sticky rice dumpling

Beautiful local Sichuan cuisine | Alana Johnstone

Making Xiao Long Bao dumplings

Enjoying a chinese banquet

Tradtional chinese street food in local market, Chengdu

White Pagoda Temple rebuilt in Ming Dynasty style, Fuzhou

Walking on the Great Wall at Mutianyu | Peter Walton

New

Flavours of China: A Journey Through Regional Cuisines

Discover China's diverse regional cuisines through cooking classes, food markets, local restaurants and cultural experiences from Chengdu to Beijing.

China

15 Days from

$4690 USD

Trip Code: CRR

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$770 USD

Duration

15 Days

Activities

13 days adventure touring

Style

In Comfort Adventures

Accommodation

14 nights hotel

Meals

13 Dinners
12 Lunches
14 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Trip highlights

Discover seven distinct regional Chinese cuisines across multiple provinces
Learn to prepare classic Sichuan dishes at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Visit food markets, spice markets and historic food streets
Participate in cooking classes including Xiao Long Bao and traditional dumplings
Sample authentic Sichuan, Hunan, Fujian, Shanghai, Huaiyang, Shandong and Beijing cuisines
Travel across China aboard its modern high-speed rail network
Enjoy a family-hosted dumpling-making experience in Beijing
Visit the Giant Panda Sanctuary in Chengdu
Experience traditional tea culture in Chengdu and Fujian

Overview

Follow China's flavours across the country on a journey from the mountain landscapes of Sichuan to the imperial capital of Beijing, discovering how geography, history and local traditions have shaped one of the world's richest culinary cultures. Beginning in Chengdu, home of world-renowned Sichuan cuisine, you'll experience the fiery aromas of local kitchens, wander bustling food markets, relax in traditional tea houses and savour the distinctive flavours that define each region. Travelling aboard China's advanced high-speed rail network, you'll move effortlessly between dynamic cities, ancient towns and ever-changing landscapes, watching misty mountains, winding rivers, terraced countryside and soaring skylines unfold beyond your window.

Browse local markets, dine in family-run restaurants, join hands-on cooking classes and discover seven of China's most celebrated regional cuisines, from the bold spice of Sichuan and Hunan to the delicate seafood dishes of Fujian, the refined cooking of Yangzhou and the imperial flavours of Beijing. More than a culinary journey, this is an exploration of China through its food, landscapes and people, where every destination offers fresh perspectives, memorable encounters and a deeper appreciation of one of the world's most diverse food cultures.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Join in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of China’s most celebrated culinary centres. Known for its relaxed tea-house culture, vibrant street food scene and rich history, Chengdu provides the perfect introduction to the journey ahead. After settling into your hotel, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a trip briefing at 6pm before enjoying a welcome dinner featuring classic Sichuan cuisine. This first meal offers an introduction to the flavours, aromatic spices and distinctive peppercorns that have made Sichuan cooking famous throughout the world. Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel or similar

Meals: D

Beginning the day with a visit to Chengdu’s renowned Panda Sanctuary and Research Base, where giant pandas can be observed in a carefully managed conservation environment. Later, delve into the culinary traditions of Sichuan at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, where exhibits explore the history, ingredients and techniques behind one of China’s most influential regional cuisines. A hands-on cooking class provides the opportunity to prepare classic dishes including Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu and panda-shaped dumplings under the guidance of local instructors before enjoying your creations for lunch. Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Food is woven into daily life in Chengdu and today offers an opportunity to experience the city through its markets, tea houses and street food culture. Begin with a visit to local spice and tea markets, where colourful displays of chillies, peppercorns, herbs and specialty teas provide insight into the ingredients that underpin Sichuan cuisine. Lunch features the region’s famous hotpot, a social dining experience centred around simmering broths and fresh ingredients. Later, visit a traditional tea house where locals gather to socialise and relax before spending the evening exploring Chengdu’s lively food streets, sampling a range of local specialties and experiencing the city’s vibrant culinary atmosphere. Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, board one of China's impressive high-speed trains for a journey to Changsha (08:00-13:45), the lively capital of Hunan Province and the birthplace of the bold, spicy flavours that define Xiang cuisine. After lunch, stretch your legs with a visit to Orange Isle, a landmark in the Xiang River associated with the early life of Mao Zedong and renowned for its riverside setting. As evening falls, we will explore the atmospheric lanes of Taiping Street, where centuries-old buildings now house traditional snack vendors, teahouses and local boutiques. Tonight, we'll dine at the famous Fire God Palace, one of Changsha's oldest restaurants, where you'll discover Hunan cuisine with its bold, spicey, and savory flavours. The must-eat local specialties include black stinky tofu, spicy crayfish, Changsha rice noodles, and sugar-oil glutinous rice cakes. Accommodation: International Finance Center Exotic Impression Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Rise early to experience Changsha as the locals do, wandering through the bustling Shangbixiang morning market. This lively neighbourhood is filled with fresh produce, street food vendors and the everyday rhythms of city life, offering an authentic glimpse into local culture beyond the usual tourist sights. Later, over lunch travel by high-speed train to Fuzhou (12:02-16:30), the historic capital of Fujian Province, once an important gateway on China's Maritime Silk Road and renowned for producing some of the country's finest teas. This evening, step back in time as you stroll through the beautifully preserved Three Lanes and Seven Alleys historic quarter. Here you'll sample the distinctive flavours of Fujian cuisine and watch skilled local artisans prepare regional specialties, including delicate Meat Swallow (pork) Dumplings and Yonghe Fish Balls in broth, before enjoying dinner in this atmospheric heritage precinct. Accommodation: Manxin Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

Today explores the cultural and culinary heritage of Fujian Province beginning with a visit to Mt Guling, a mountain retreat overlooking Fuzhou that became a popular summer refuge for foreign merchants and missionaries in the late nineteenth century. After lunch we explore the historic districts of Shangxiahang and Yantai Hill, where trading houses, traditional architecture and former consulates reflect Fuzhou's importance as a gateway for maritime trade and tea export. This evening's dinner showcasing Min (Fujian) cuisine, known for its delicate flavours, refined broths and emphasis on fresh ingredients. It is characterised by three regional styles: Fuzhou (light and savory), Southern Fujian (spicy and sweet), and Western Fujian (hearty and salty). Accommodation: Manxin Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After a free morning in Fuzhou travel by high-speed rail to Shanghai (12:40-17:19), China's largest city and one of Asia's great commercial centres. Upon arrival, experience the contrast between historic neighbourhoods and the city's modern skyline before settling into your centrally located hotel. This evening's dinner features Benbang cuisine, Shanghai's traditional local cooking style, characterised by fresh river and seafood ingredients, soy-based braising techniques and subtly sweet flavours that reflect the city's rich trading history. Accommodation: Central Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning visit Yu Garden, one of China's finest examples of classical garden design, with its pavilions, ponds and intricate rockeries dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Continue with a hands-on cooking class focused on Shanghai's famous Xiao Long Bao, learning the techniques required to prepare these delicate soup-filled dumplings before enjoying them for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the French Concession, the Bund and Shanghai's modern skyline before taking an evening cruise on the Huangpu River. Dinner provides a further opportunity to experience the flavours of traditional Shanghai cuisine. Accommodation: Central Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Travel by high-speed rail to Yangzhou (08:25-10:18), a city long celebrated as the birthplace of Huaiyang cuisine and one of China's most refined culinary traditions. On arrival, we enjoy a cruise on scenic Slender West Lake before sampling a variety of local specialties at lunch including crab soup dumplings, Osmanthus Lotus Root Starch Balls, Braised Shredded Dried Tofu, Yangzhou fried rice and traditional sweets such as Dragon Beard Candy. In the afternoon, we stroll through historic Dongguan Street, a commercial centre for more than 1,200 years, where traditional shops, tea houses and food vendors continue to preserve the city's rich culinary heritage. Accommodation: Wanqing Zhenyuan Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Begin the day with a visit to Dai Temple before observing demonstrations of traditional local foods including Tai'an pancakes and steamed buns which we will have for lunch. In the afternoon visit the sacred Mt Tai, one of China's most revered mountains, ascending by cable car to enjoy views across the surrounding landscape before transferring to Jinan, known as the "City of Springs". Dinner provides another opportunity to explore the rich flavours and culinary traditions of Shandong Province. Accommodation: Shungeng Hillview Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Travel by high-speed train to Qufu (09:49-12:51), the birthplace of Confucius and one of China's most important cultural centres. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion and Confucius Cemetery, gaining insight into the life and teachings of China's most influential philosopher. This evening, enjoy dinner featuring Lu cuisine from Shandong Province, one of China's oldest culinary traditions and a foundation of many northern Chinese cooking styles. Shandong cuisine is relished for the many kinds of seafood and vegetable dishes and their style of frying in high heat that locks in the flavors so that it is light and crispy. Accommodation: Jianguo Puyin Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning explore Jinan's famous springs, lakes and historic districts, including Baotu Spring, Black Tiger Spring and Daming Lake, which have shaped the city's identity for centuries. There is an afternoon a high-speed train to Beijing. On arrival in China's capital, our dinner is a traditional hotpot, a popular northern Chinese dining experience. Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Discover some of China's most important historical landmarks, beginning with Tiananmen Square and the vast imperial complex of the Forbidden City. In the afternoon you will visit the Temple of Heaven and enjoy a family-hosted meal that starts with a visit to a local food market followed by a hands-on dumpling-making class. This sharing experience with your hosts provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the importance of food, family and hospitality in Chinese culture. Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

No visit to China would be complete without experiencing the Great Wall, and today you'll explore one of its most spectacular sections at Mutianyu. Set amongst forested hills, this beautifully restored stretch offers sweeping views and a fascinating insight into one of the world's greatest engineering achievements. Continuing on, discover the elegance of the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, where tranquil lakes, ornate pavilions and landscaped gardens provided a peaceful retreat for China's emperors. On the way back to the city, we explore the historic streets of Dashilan, renowned for its traditional shops and much-loved local delicacies. This evening, celebrate the end of our culinary journey with a farewell dinner featuring Beijing's most iconic dish, Peking Duck. Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, the trip concludes in Beijing.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

14 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 13 dinners
Comfortable (4* and 5*) and character-filled hotel accommodation on a twin-share basis
High-speed rail travel as per itinerary
Private transfers and touring transport
Cooking classes and culinary experiences as listed
Entry fees and sightseeing as per itinerary
Expert local guides and a tour leader
Medical kit

Not included

International airfares and taxes
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages unless specified
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Transfer at trip end
Any items not listed as included

About your guide

Charles is our leading food guide, with an exceptional knowledge of China's regional cuisines and a talent for selecting the best local dishes. Combined with his many years of guiding experience, warm personality and excellent organisational skills, he ensures every meal is a memorable part of the journey. He will accompany you throughtout the journey and will be supported by Leah and Stony, expert local guides.

Leah, a native of Shandong Province, one of the regions visited on this trip, brings more than 20 years of guiding experience and an intimate knowledge of the area's culinary traditions. Her local insight and genuine care for travellers make her an outstanding guide.

Stony, a Guangzhou native, has been guiding since 2001 and shares the same passion for authentic Chinese cuisine. His extensive travels throughout China and love of regional food ensure travellers enjoy the diversity and richness of the country's culinary heritage.