All-inclusive China Food and Cooking Tour May 9 – May 18, 2025

Join us for a 9-night/10-day China Culinary Tour

Embark on an Unforgettable China Food Tour: 10 Nights, 9 Days of Culinary Excellence

Join us for a spectacular 10-night, 9-day China food tour that takes you through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai, and charming local stops. This immersive journey is designed for food lovers who want to explore China’s diverse culinary landscape in style.

Tour Highlights:

• Explore Major Cities and Hidden Gems: Experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai, along with visits to smaller villages and local shops.
• Expert-Led Tours: Enjoy guided tours led by experts who provide insights into each destination’s history and culinary traditions.
• Hands-On Cooking Classes: Participate in cooking classes to learn how to prepare authentic Chinese dishes from experienced chefs.
• Market Visits: Visit local markets and street food stalls to experience the full range of flavors and ingredients that define Chinese cuisine.
• Boutique Accommodations: Stay in handpicked boutique hotels that offer comfort and a touch of local character.
• Great Companions: Connect with a small group of fellow travelers who share your passion for food and exploration.

Why Choose Us?

Unlike other food tours that cost $6,000 per person and include few meals, our affordable China food tour offers exceptional value. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner included daily, ensuring you experience the best of Chinese cuisine without worrying about extra costs. You’ll be well-fed and well-cared-for throughout your journey.

Don’t miss this chance to indulge in a culinary adventure across China. Book your spot today and savor the flavors of China like never before!

TL/DR

• Fill out this form and pay a $ 1,000 per person nonrefundable deposit (We will invoice you)
• Remainder due February 27, 2025

Price for a double or twin room (double occupancy)	$8,400 per couple
Price for a single room (single occupancy)	$4,850 per person

UPCOMING TRIP DATES

May 9, 2024 – May 18, 2025

CHINA FOOD TRIP ITINERARY

MAY 9, 2025, DAY 01 – ARRIVE IN BEIJING

Arrival || Group Transfer to Hotel || Dinner || Overnight in Beijing

• NOTE: Many of us try to arrive the day before so we can deal with jetlag and allow for any travel mishaps. If so, we can help organize an extra night at the hotel.
• Arrive in Beijing: Airport code PEK.
• Transfer to Hotel: You will be met at the airport or your arrival point and transferred to your 4-star hotel in Beijing.
• No meals are included on this day since people drift in all day and night.
• Overnight: You will spend the night at your 4-star hotel in Beijing.

MAY 10, 2025, DAY 02 –BEIJING

Breakfast || Temple of Heaven || Tiananmen Square || Forbidden City || Wudaoying Hutong || Overnight in Beijing.

• Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, perhaps trying traditional Chinese dishes like baozi, jianbing, or congee.
• Temple of Heaven: Visit the Temple of Heaven, exploring its beautiful architecture and serene gardens.
• Tiananmen Square: Next, we’ll visit Tiananmen Square, home to key landmarks like the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.
• Forbidden City: From Tiananmen Square, we’ll enter the Forbidden City, Beijing’s ancient imperial palace, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
• Wudaoying Hutong: After a day of history, head to Wudaoying Hutong, known for its narrow alleys, traditional architecture, and trendy cafes. It’s a great spot for dinner and experiencing modern Beijing.
• Overnight in Beijing: Return to your accommodation to unwind and rest for the next day’s adventures.

MAY 11, 2025, DAY 03 –BEIJING

Breakfast || Great Wall of China () || Cable Car Journey || Summer Palace || Dinner in a Local Restaurant| Overnight in Beijing.

• Great Wall of China: Today, we visit the iconic Great Wall of China, specifically the Mutianyu section, known for its well-preserved condition and stunning scenery. This less crowded area offers a peaceful experience to fully appreciate the Wall’s majesty, surrounded by dense woodlands and panoramic views. Your visit includes a round-trip cable car ride, allowing more time to explore and take in the breathtaking vistas.
• Lunch: Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at a local restaurant after your morning adventure.
• Summer Palace: After lunch, visit the Summer Palace, a royal garden and summer retreat for emperors. Stroll around Kunming Lake, walk the Long Corridor with its intricate paintings, and admire the Marble Boat, symbolizing Empress Dowager Cixi’s luxurious lifestyle.
• Return to the Hotel: After a day of exploration, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to relax.
• Dinner: End your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional dishes that showcase Beijing’s culinary diversity.
• Overnight in Beijing: Rest up for the next day’s adventures in Beijing.

MAY 12, 2025, DAY 04 –BEIJING – XI’AN

Breakfast || High-Speed Train Journey || Lunch on the train || Arrival in Xi’an || Hotel Transfer || Explore Local market

• Departure from Beijing: Today, we leave Beijing to go to Xi’an, an ancient city rich in history and culture. You’ll board a high-speed train that showcases China’s technological advancements. The morning train provides a comfortable way to travel the 1,200 kilometers between the cities.
• The Train Journey: The 5-hour journey to Xi’an offers time to relax and enjoy views of China’s diverse landscapes, blending urban and rural scenes.
• Lunch on the Train: We’ll have a simple box lunch, with options available for various tastes. Packing snacks beforehand is also an option.
• Afternoon Arrival in Xi’an: Upon arrival, our guide will take us to the hotel, passing by Xi’an’s impressive city walls and lively streets.
• Grand Tang Walking Mall: The Grand Tang Mall in Xi’an is a modern pedestrian street themed around the Tang Dynasty. It features sculptures, murals, and nightly light shows, blending history with contemporary experiences. We can explore shops offering traditional crafts and souvenirs.
• Overnight in Xi’an: Rest at your hotel in preparation for tomorrow’s exploration of Xi’an’s rich history, including the Terracotta Army.

MAY 13, 2025, DAY 05 XI’AN

Day 5: Xi’an || Breakfast at Hotel || Terracotta Warriors || Ancient City Wall || Muslim Quarter || Street Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk || Overnight in Xi’an

• The Terracotta Warriors – A World Wonder: After breakfast, you’ll visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. Located an hour east of Xi’an, this site houses thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, over 2,000 years ago. You’ll explore the three main pits, each offering a unique view of this ancient army. The first pit is the largest, the second features military command figures, and the third contains specialized forces like cavalry and archers.
• Exploring Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall: After the Terracotta Warriors, you’ll return to Xi’an to visit the Ancient City Wall, the best-preserved in China. The Wall encircles the old city, offering historic and modern Xi’an views. You can walk or rent a bicycle (at your own expense) for a unique perspective.
• Dive into the Muslim Quarter: Next, you’ll visit the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant area filled with street vendors selling traditional snacks and souvenirs. It’s an ideal spot for shopping and experiencing local culture.
• Dinner Street Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: Enjoy a street food tour by Tuk-Tuk in the evening, exploring Xi’an’s hidden eateries and savoring local delicacies.
• Overnight in Xi’an: After a day of history, culture, and food, you’ll return to your hotel to rest for the next day’s adventures.

MAY 14, 2025, DAY 06 XI’AN – CHENG DU

Day 6: Xi’an to Chengdu || Breakfast at Hotel || Big Wild Goose Pagoda || High-Speed Train to Chengdu || Hotel Transfer || Overnight in Cheng Du

• Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast that will energize you for the adventures ahead.
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda: We will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi’an’s most iconic landmarks and a significant symbol of the city’s rich cultural and religious history. This towering, ancient structure, which dates to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), is a testament to Xi’an’s historical significance as a center of Buddhism in China.
• Transfer to Xi’an Railway Station: Our guide will escort us to the Xi’an Railway Station for our departure to Chengdu. Hopefully, we will have a little time to pick up a few last-minute souvenirs from the station’s shops.
• High-Speed Train Journey to Chengdu: We’ll board a high-speed train bound for Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, during which you can relax and enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel further south. The train ride offers a comfortable and efficient way to cover the distance between these two historic cities, providing glimpses of the countryside, towns, and rivers that define the region.
• Overnight in Cheng Du: Conclude your day in Cheng Du with a comfortable overnight stay, preparing you for more enchanting experiences in this captivating island destination.

MAY 15, 2025, DAY 07 – CHENG DU

Breakfast || Breakfast || Panda Breeding & Research Center || Sichuan Cuisine Museum ||Cooking Class|| Dinner|| Overnight in Cheng Du

• Pandas! Visit the Panda Breeding & Research Center to see China’s national animal, one of the most endangered species in the world. The center mimics the giant panda’s natural habitat, offering winding pathways to observe these bears while they sleep and play. If you’re lucky, you might see newborns in the panda nursery.
• Sichuan Cuisine Museum: Explore the rich history and culture of Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold, spicy flavors, at the museum. The exhibits include ancient cooking utensils, traditional recipes, and interactive displays showcasing the unique aspects of Sichuan cuisine.
• Cooking Class: Participate in a cooking class at the museum and enjoy eating the dishes you create.
• Dinner: End your day with a delicious dinner, sampling local or international cuisine.
• Overnight in Chengdu: Rest comfortably as you prepare for more adventures in Chengdu.

MAY 16, 2025, DAY 08 – CHENG DU – SHANGHAI

Breakfast || Transfer to Cheng Du Airport || Fly to Shanghai || Yu Gardens ||Bund / Waitan || Shopping at Nanjing Road || Dinner || Cruise on the Huangpu River. || Overnight in Shanghai

• Breakfast and Transfer to Chengdu Airport: After breakfast, our guide will assist with the transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport for your flight to Shanghai, one of China’s most dynamic cities.
• Fly to Shanghai: The 2-3 hour flight offers time to relax before arriving in Shanghai. After checking in at the hotel, the exploration begins.
• Visit Yu Garden: Our first stop is Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the Old City. It features beautiful pavilions, ponds, and ancient trees, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture and landscape design. Nearby is Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional arts, crafts, and snacks.
• Stroll Along The Bund: Next, we head to The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront, offering stunning views of the skyline and historical buildings. It’s an ideal spot for photography.
• Shopping at Nanjing Road: One of the world’s busiest shopping streets, Nanjing Road offers everything from luxury brands to local boutiques, plus a variety of restaurants and cafes.
• Cruise on the Huangpu River: After dinner, enjoy a relaxing Huangpu River cruise, offering breathtaking views of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline and historic buildings.
• Overnight in Shanghai: After the cruise, return to your hotel to rest for another exciting day in Shanghai.
  
  

MAY 17, 2025, DAY 09 – SHANGHAI

• Breakfast || Shopping for ingredients || Cooking Class || Eat what you cook || Dumpling restaurant ||

• Breakfast at Hotel and Shopping for Ingredients: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Shanghai. After breakfast, we’ll head out for a unique experience: shopping for fresh ingredients at a local market. Shanghai’s vibrant and bustling markets offer a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. With the guidance of a local chef, we’ll explore stalls brimming with fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, and a variety of meats and seafood.
• Cooking Class – Learn to Cook Authentic Shanghainese Dishes
  Following your market visit, you’ll head to our chef’s house to begin our Shanghai cooking class. The chef will walk you through each step, from preparing the ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques that make Shanghainese cuisine so flavorful and unique.
• Lunch: Eat What You Cook: After the cooking class, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the fruits of your labor by sitting down to a delicious meal of the dishes you’ve just prepared.
• Evening: Visit to a Dumpling Restaurant: In the evening, we’ll continue our culinary journey with a visit to one of Shanghai’s famous dumpling restaurants. Shanghai is renowned for its dumplings, particularly xiao long bao (soup dumplings), filled with savory pork and rich broth encased in a delicate dough wrapper. You’ll also learn to eat these delicacies properly, ensuring you get the full flavor and experience without losing any precious soup inside.
• Overnight in Shanghai: Enjoy a restful night’s sleep, dreaming of the culinary adventures that have filled your day.

MAY 18, 2025, DAY 09 – DEPART FOR HOME

• After breakfast, we can begin getting ready to head to the airport and home. If you’re like everyone else who has gone on these trips, you will leave with some lifelong friends.

NEXT STEPS

• Fill out this form and pay a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 per person. (We will invoice you)
• Remainder due February 27, 2025

Price for a double or twin room (double occupancy)	$8,400 per couple
Price for a single room (single occupancy)	$4,850 per person

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• All accommodations
• Breakfast, lunch, & dinner on all tour days
• All in-country travel
• Private transportation for the group in an air-conditioned bus
• Entrance fees
• Experienced English-speaking Driver / Guide
• Group Pick up at Shanghai Airport
• Transfer to all in-country airports on the itinerary
• Cooking classes as specified in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities to Driver / Guide, porters, and wait staff.
• Water at meals (All other drinks are extra)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Transportation / International Airfares from your home to Beijing or from Shanghai
• Visa costs
• Individual transfers from the hotel to the airport
• Any incidental expenses 
• Required travel insurance
• Any meals not listed in the itinerary
• Any extra excursions or events you plan
• Alcoholic drinks, massages, extra snacks, telephone calls, or laundry
• Anything from room service or the hotel minibar
• Note that the trip begins in Beijing and ends in Shanghai.

Payment Schedule

• $1,000 non-refundable deposit, payable immediately (please do not ask for it back, no matter what)
• The remainder of the payment is due by Feb 27, 2025. I will invoice you the remaining amount. You can pay in installments or total by the due date.
• Please note we will only run this trip with 20 or more guests. If the trip has fewer attendees 60 days before, we will cancel and refund your deposit. 

Put down your $1,000/person deposit ASAP.

Our trips typically fill quickly. We will limit the trip to the first 30 people who send their deposit. Fill out this form immediately, and Great Culinary Travels will send you an invoice. You can pay from the invoice directly.

First Come, First Served

• We will take the first 30 bookings (the first deposits).
• Everyone else will be put on a waitlist.
• It is vital to put down your deposit as soon as possible

Roommates

If you do not have a travel partner, purchase a single occupancy room and have it all to yourself! If you would like a roommate, please post in the Facebook group and see if someone is interested in rooming with you. It is up to you to find a suitable roommate.

If you don’t get along with your roommate, GCT is not responsible for this 🙂

Required Document

• Required Waiver. Please sign a waiver holding Teknilogic Inc. not responsible for any travel mishaps. Instead, please get travel insurance so you are covered.
• Required Trip Insurance. Please note that trip insurance is required to join us on a Great Culinary Travel trip. FYI, most major credit cards (such as American Express, CHASE Sapphire, and Capital One) offer complimentary insurance when you purchase using their card.
• Required COVID-19 Vaccination card. We are cautious to protect ourselves on these trips. No one will be allowed to travel without proof of vaccination.

Please read our FAQs page to answer any other questions you may have.

Our Culinary Tours Travel Philosophy

We choose places where the US dollar is strong, the food culture rocks, and the locals benefit from our visits. The tours are food and learning-focused. We combine a few tourist activities with activities and places that regular tourists rarely see.

We want you to experience the country as the locals do without skipping significant sites. These are first-class trips, and we make them as all-inclusive as possible. From when you arrive until you leave, you will only need your wallet to shop or order alcohol and other incidentals. Your very low price includes food, drink, transport, and ALL TIPS!