A Culinary and Cultural Adventure

Ni Hao! Welcome to Beijing, China’s vibrant capital! Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide at the airport and transferred privately to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to unwind, relax, and recover from your journey.

Your Beijing adventure begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest and most famous public squares. Right next door is the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, home to China’s emperors for over 500 years. Your guide will lead you through this ancient royal complex, explaining its stunning architecture and rich history. For lunch, savor the iconic Zha Jiang Mian, a beloved Beijing noodle dish. In the afternoon, head to Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City from Wanchun Pavilion. End your day with a truly unforgettable experience: a classic Peking Duck dinner. Watch as the chef skillfully slices the golden, crispy duck, which you’ll enjoy wrapped in a delicate pancake with vegetables and savory sauce.

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, an imperial altar nestled within lush gardens. Here, you’ll learn about the ancient customs of the Chinese emperors and have the chance to observe locals practicing Tai Chi. Then, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Take a cable car up to this beautifully preserved section, where you can hike between watchtowers and marvel at the stunning views of the Wall snaking through the mountains. After a local lunch, enjoy some free time to explore Beijing at your leisure, perhaps trying out some delicious street food or sampling the local delicacies.

This morning, your guide will introduce you to some local food favorites, including Mung Bean Soup, as you wander through Beijing's historic Hutongs (traditional alleyways). Then, it’s time to board a flight to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China for over a thousand years. Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to the city’s rich cultural history and distinctive cuisine. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel or exploring the vibrant city.

Start your Xi’an tour with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. You’ll marvel at the life-sized clay soldiers, chariots, and horses created over 2,000 years ago to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. In the afternoon, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, home to vibrant street markets and food stalls offering mouthwatering local specialties. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Xi’an’s famous flatbread and noodle dishes.

This morning, experience local life with a visit to a Xi’an family, where you’ll learn to cook traditional Chinese dumplings and hand-pulled noodles. If time permits, accompany your host to the local market to shop for fresh ingredients. After lunch, take a high-speed train to Chengdu, the UNESCO-recognized "City of Gastronomy." Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to your hotel for a restful evening.

Begin your day with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you’ll see these adorable creatures up close. Watch them eat, play, and nap in their natural habitat. For lunch, enjoy some delicious local snacks at a traditional Chengdu restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the tranquil Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu’s largest and best-preserved Buddhist temple, before immersing yourself in the city’s relaxed lifestyle at People’s Park. End your day with a classic Sichuan hotpot, where you can cook your ingredients in a communal pot and experience the bold, spicy flavors of this renowned dish.

Today, you’ll dive deeper into the flavors of Sichuan with a visit to the wholesale Spice Market, where you can sample the fiery spices that define Sichuan cuisine. Then, at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, you’ll join a hands-on cooking class. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll learn to cook famous Sichuan dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and taste a variety of traditional snacks. Afterward, enjoy a feast of your own culinary creations. The rest of the day is yours to explore Chengdu at your leisure.

Leave behind the spicy aromas of Chengdu and take a flight to Guangzhou, the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. After arrival, your guide will take you to your hotel, where you can relax or venture out for your first taste of this region's lighter, more delicate flavors.

Today, your guide will show you the must-see sights of Guangzhou, including the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family. Then, indulge in a quintessential Cantonese experience: Yum Cha (dim sum). Savor a variety of bite-sized treats, from shrimp dumplings to sweet buns, all accompanied by fragrant Chinese tea. Afterward, explore the bustling Qingping Market to get a taste of old Guangzhou and shop for unique local goods.

Enjoy a relaxing morning before you board the high-speed train to Hong Kong. In just under an hour, you’ll arrive in this dynamic city that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences. After checking into your hotel, embark on a walking food tour through Kowloon, where you’ll sample Michelin-recommended street food such as rice noodle rolls and local pastries.

Today, experience Hong Kong’s unique mix of ancient traditions and modern marvels. Begin with a sampan ride through the floating community of Aberdeen, then visit the scenic Repulse Bay and Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island. Finally, take the Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak for breathtaking views of the city. On the Peak Circle Walk, enjoy a 1.5-hour stroll that will reward you with panoramic vistas of Hong Kong’s skyline and harbor.

Today is yours to explore at your own pace. You might visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple, Liu Seng Chun, or the Bird Garden, or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea at one of Hong Kong’s elegant cafes.

As your culinary adventure draws to a close, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of unforgettable flavors, cultural insights, and remarkable sights from across China. We look forward to welcoming you back to China soon!