- Verified itinerary · Updated regularly
13-Day Chinese Cuisine Tour
This is a culinary tour of China designed for travelers who want to taste the country’s regional diversity in a meaningful way. It blends famous landmarks with authentic food experiences, local restaurants, food streets, tea culture, and the everyday flavors that define each destination.
13 Days / 12 Nights
A multi-region China food journey • Smooth pacing • Rich culinary variety
Top Flavors
Peking roast duck • Xi’an street food • Sichuan cuisine • Guilin rice noodles • Cantonese dim sum
Private Tour
Private guide & driver • Flexible pacing • Local insight • Easy planning
Best For
Food lovers • Culture seekers • Couples & families • First-time China visitors
What Makes This Journey Different
A Hong Kong–registered travel group
Backed by a Hong Kong group, with local teams across China.
Secure payments
Pay safely by Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
24/7 support
Real human assistance before, during, and after your journey in China.
Custom experiences
Activities and pacing tailored to your interests and travel style.
13-Day Chinese Cuisine Tour Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Beijing | Imperial landmarks, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, classic hutong food culture, and signature northern flavors such as Peking roast duck. |
| 4–5 | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors, ancient capital atmosphere, the Muslim Quarter, hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, and vibrant local street food. |
| 6–8 | Chengdu | Giant pandas, bold Sichuan cuisine, tea house culture, local markets, and authentic Chengdu food experiences. |
| 9–10 | Guilin & Yangshuo | Li River scenery, Guilin rice noodles, countryside flavors, village-style meals, and a slower southern food rhythm. |
| 11–13 | Hong Kong | Refined Cantonese cuisine, dim sum, roast meats, lively food streets, and a vibrant finale to your China food journey. |
A 13-Day China Food Tour Designed to Flow Smoothly
This 13 day Chinese cuisine tour combines Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hong Kong in a route designed for smoother travel, regional food diversity, and a richer introduction to Chinese cuisine. It balances landmark sightseeing, local dining, and authentic cultural experiences across China’s most memorable food regions.
Domestic Flights for Longer Distances
High-Speed Trains for Shorter Routes
Moments You’ll Remember Long After the Last Bite
This 13-Day Chinese Cuisine Tour is not just about tasting famous dishes. It is a journey through the stories, techniques, ingredients, and everyday rituals behind Chinese cuisine — from imperial Beijing and historic Xi’an to spicy Chengdu, scenic Guilin, and the refined flavors of Hong Kong.
See a Different Side of the Forbidden City
Go beyond the standard sightseeing route in the Forbidden City with your private guide. Explore quieter halls, lesser-known corners, and the stories behind imperial life, power, and ritual — the kind of details many visitors miss.
Enjoy Peking Roast Duck at One of Beijing’s Classic Tables
Taste Peking roast duck, the most famous Beijing dish, in a time-honored restaurant where tradition still matters. Seeing the roasting process up close makes the experience even more memorable.
Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu
Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most rewarding sections for first-time travelers. With mountain views, well-preserved watchtowers, and a more relaxed walking experience, it is one of the defining highlights of any classic China journey.
Stand Before the Terracotta Warriors — Then Make One Yourself
At the Terracotta Warriors, history feels immediate and unforgettable. Beyond seeing the site itself, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind it by trying a hands-on warrior-making experience inspired by ancient techniques.
Take a Food Adventure in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter is one of China’s most exciting food streets. Sample local specialties, discover authentic street food, and experience a lively culinary atmosphere shaped by trade, faith, and centuries of cultural exchange.
Meet the Giant Pandas at Their Most Active Time
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding early in the morning, when the giant pandas are usually most active. It is one of the most heartwarming and unforgettable moments of the entire trip.
Discover the Secrets of Sichuan Cuisine — and Cook It Yourself
At the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, explore the flavors, ingredients, and techniques that define one of China’s most famous regional cuisines. Then go beyond tasting by joining a hands-on cooking experience and learning to prepare representative Sichuan dishes yourself.
Step Into the Food Traditions of Longji
In the Longji Rice Terraces, discover the culinary traditions of China’s ethnic minority communities. Share a home-style meal, learn how bamboo rice is prepared, and experience a side of Chinese food culture that feels deeply local and personal.
End with Michelin-Recommended Dim Sum in Hong Kong
Finish your journey in Hong Kong, where Cantonese cuisine reaches a refined and elegant finale. Enjoy carefully crafted dim sum and local favorites in places loved by both locals and food lovers from around the world.
Real Moments on the 13-Day Chinese Cuisine Journey
Below is a suggested itinerary for this private tour, designed to balance landmark sightseeing, regional cuisine, guided experiences, and free time.Experience the essence of this 13 day Chinese cuisine tour — from imperial Beijing and Xi’an street food to Sichuan cuisine, Li River scenery, ethnic village flavors, and the refined dining culture of Hong Kong.
How Your 13-Day Chinese Cuisine Journey Unfolds
This 13 day Chinese cuisine tour is designed to let you experience China through its regional flavors, local food traditions, and cultural landmarks. From Beijing and Xi’an to Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong, the route moves naturally from northern wheat-based cuisine to bold Sichuan cuisine, lighter southern dishes, and refined Cantonese cuisine, while balancing sightseeing, authentic meals, and comfortable travel.
Day 1 – Beijing Arrival
Welcome to Beijing. If you arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, your local guide will meet you in the arrivals hall and escort you to your hotel in a private car. Everything is arranged to make your arrival smooth and stress-free, so you can settle in easily before your 13 day Chinese cuisine tour begins.
Hotel options:
Penta Hotel Beijing (4-star)
Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town (5-star)
Day 2 – Beijing
The Forbidden City, Hutongs, and Peking Roast Duck
Start at Tian’anmen Square, the world’s biggest city square, then continue to the Forbidden City, the imperial heart of Beijing and one of the best places to understand old court life, architecture, and China’s rich history. This is also where the cultural background of northern Chinese cuisine begins to make sense.
At lunch, enjoy Peking roast duck, the most famous Beijing dish and one of the true signature experiences of this food tour. This gourmet lunch introduces the elegant and ceremonial side of Beijing dining. Later, walk through the hutongs to see the everyday life of old Beijing and the local roots of its traditional food culture.
Day 3 – Beijing
Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, and Authentic Northern Flavors
Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, when you may see locals singing, practicing tai chi, and starting their day in the park. Then head to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved and most scenic sections.
Before or after your Wall visit, enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant serving authentic northern dishes. The cable car makes access easy and comfortable, leaving more time to walk the Wall and appreciate the mountain scenery.
Day 4 – Beijing to Xi’an
Summer Palace and High-Speed Travel to an Ancient Capital
Before leaving Beijing, visit the Summer Palace, the Qing emperors’ imperial summer retreat, with lake views, pavilions, and gardens that show a quieter side of imperial life.
After lunch, continue to Xi’an by flight or high speed train. The train option is ideal for travelers interested in modern China and works especially well on a route linking Beijing Xi’an Chengdu.
Hotel options:
Somerset Xindicheng Xi’an (4-star)
Wyndham Grand Xi’an South (5-star)
Day 5 – Xi’an
Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, and Muslim Quarter Food Adventure
Start with the Terracotta Warriors, one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Your guide will help bring the site to life with local stories and historical context.
Later, visit the Ancient City Wall, part of Xi’an’s most complete city defense and one of the best-preserved urban fortifications in China. This complete city defense system is a major reason Xi’an remains such an important ancient city.
Then head to the Muslim Quarter for a real street food and authentic street food experience. This district is famous for roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, pita bread soaked in lamb soup, and other delicious traditional food that makes Xi’an one of the top stops on any serious China food tour.
Day 6 – Xi’an to Chengdu
Xi’an History and the Journey into Sichuan
Before leaving Xi’an, visit the history museum to understand the city’s role in empire, trade, and food exchange. Xi’an is a key bridge between the flavors of north China and the spice-rich world of southwest China.
In the afternoon, continue to Chengdu by high speed train, one of the smoothest ways to travel between Xi’an Chengdu.
Hotel options:
Tibet Hotel Chengdu (4-star)
Sofitel Chengdu Taihe (5-star)
Day 7 – Chengdu
Giant Pandas and the Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Begin early at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, also known as the Chengdu Research Base, where the giant pandas are usually most active in the morning. Visiting the panda base early is one of the most memorable experiences of the trip and also offers insight into giant panda breeding and conservation in Chengdu.
One of today’s major highlights is the chance to visit Sichuan Cuisine Museum, a unique Sichuan cuisine museum where you can discover the ingredients, methods, and flavor logic behind world-famous Sichuan cuisine. Here you may taste authentic Sichuan snacks, learn how chilies, garlic, and fermented sauces create complex flavor layering, and better understand why Sichuan cuisine is so influential across China.
With the chef’s guidance, you can also cook representative dishes, including three typical Sichuan dishes, gaining a hands-on appreciation for one of China’s most distinctive culinary traditions.
Day 8 – Chengdu to Guilin
Chengdu Local Life and Street Food Before the South
Before flying south, enjoy more of Chengdu through old alleys, tea culture, and typical Chengdu street food. This is a good time for street food hunting and for seeing how Chengdu’s relaxed pace shapes its dining culture.
Then continue to Guilin, where the culinary mood becomes lighter, fresher, and more rice-based.
Hotel options:
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel (4-star)
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin (5-star)
Day 9 – Guilin
Longji Rice Terraces and Ethnic Minority Food Traditions
Escape the city and head to the Longji Rice Terraces, where food traditions are deeply connected to mountain agriculture. This is also where Chinese ethnic minorities live, and their cooking reflects the local environment and way of life.
Depending on timing, you may enjoy an ethnic minority food breakfast or lunch-style tasting, followed by a local meal cooked with fresh ingredients. Learn how bamboo tube rice is prepared and experience a style of cooking that feels deeply local and rooted in the terraces.
Day 10 – Guilin to Yangshuo
Li River Cruise and Southern Countryside Flavors
Today’s highlight is the Li River cruise, one of the most iconic scenic experiences in southern China. The Li River landscape gives this itinerary a quieter and more poetic chapter after the spice and city energy of Chengdu.
After arriving in Yangshuo, enjoy the countryside at your preferred pace. The natural surroundings and slower rhythm make this day an ideal bridge between Guilin’s local cuisine and the final urban chapter in Hong Kong.
Hotel options:
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (4-star)
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel (5-star)
Day 11 – Yangshuo to Hong Kong
Bamboo Rafting and the Move to Cantonese Cuisine
Start the day with a bamboo rafting tour on the Yulong River, one of the most peaceful ways to experience Yangshuo’s countryside. Later, continue to Hong Kong, where the route shifts into the polished and dynamic world of Cantonese cuisine.
Depending on the final arrangement, this leg may use flights or domestic flights.
Hotel options:
The Salisbury YMCA of Hong Kong Hotel (4-star)
The Harbour Plaza Hong Kong Hotel (5-star)
Day 12 – Hong Kong
Dim Sum, Street Markets, and Cantonese Food Culture
Today is dedicated to Hong Kong, a culinary hub where Chinese and Western cultures meet through food, daily life, and urban rhythm. Lunch is arranged at a specialty dim sum restaurant, where the refinement of Cantonese cuisine is on full display and each dish highlights freshness, timing, and technique.
Later, visit local markets and a dazzling street market, then follow your local tour guide through narrow lanes in search of authentic street food, classic drinks, and snacks featured on Michelin-style street food lists. This is one of the best days to understand how Hong Kong’s busy urban life shapes its culinary identity.
Day 13 – Hong Kong Departure
After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport. Your 13 day Chinese cuisine tour ends with memories of imperial capitals, regional food culture, hands-on cooking, street food, scenic landscapes, and the extraordinary range of Chinese cuisine from north to south.
Hotel Options & Location
We select clean, quiet, and well-located hotels to keep transfers short and rest quality high. Exact hotel names are confirmed after booking and tailored to your style.
- 4-star comfort in the best locations (standard).
- 5-star / star hotel upgrades or boutique hotels on request.
- Family rooms or connecting rooms available (subject to availability).
Tip: Share your preferences (location, breakfast, gym/pool, quiet rooms) and we’ll recommend the best match.
Tour Price & Inclusions
From US$4,000
per person
Tour Code:CN-CU-13D
- Indicative price for a private tour (2 adults) with well-located 4-star hotels.
- Price includes basic travel insurance and a complimentary translation device for easy local interaction.
- Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, room type, and hotel level (boutique / star hotel upgrades on request).
- Domestic flights and/or high-speed train tickets are arranged based on the confirmed itinerary.
Comfort-first private touring
Private guide & driver in each city — flexible pace.
Designed around you
We tailor sights, timing, and hotel level to you.
Clear pricing, no surprises
Inclusions confirmed before you book.
What’s Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all scheduled transfers
English-speaking local guide for all included sightseeing
All entrance tickets and activities listed in the confirmed itinerary
Domestic flights and/or high speed train tickets between itinerary cities (as per plan)
Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (4-star standard; boutique hotels / star hotel upgrades optional)
Government taxes and service charges
24/7 support while you are traveling
What’s Not Included
International flights to and from China
China visa fees (if applicable)
Meals not specified in the itinerary (many lunches are included; dinners often flexible)
Personal expenses and optional experiences
Booking & Payment Details
- Deposit: 20% to confirm your booking. The deposit is refundable within 48 hours after confirmation if plans change.
- Balance: Due 15–20 days before arrival, or upon confirmation for late bookings.
- Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Changes: Free minor itinerary adjustments up to 14 days before the trip starts.
- Cancellation: Flexible cancellation policy. Specific terms will be confirmed based on travel dates and hotel selection.
Customize Your Journey (Optional)
This is a fully flexible private tour. Let us know how you’d like to adjust the itinerary — our travel specialists will take care of every detail.
Popular customization options include:
Adjusting the travel pace or adding rest time
Extending the journey or adding nearby destinations
Upgrading hotel standards or choosing scenic stays
Accommodating dietary preferences and special requests
Simply share your ideas, and we’ll tailor the journey to match your travel style.
Visa-Free & Travel Tips
- Visa-Free Entry to China — check if your passport is eligible.
- How to Visit China Without a Visa — 144-hour transit options.
- eSIM & Mobile Payments in China — WeChat Pay, Alipay and bank cards.
- China Weather by Month — plan around seasons and festivals.
Why This Itinerary Works So Well
This itinerary is built around the idea that food is one of the best ways to understand China. Each destination adds a distinct culinary voice — Beijing for imperial and northern classics, Xi’an for Muslim Quarter street food, Chengdu for bold Sichuan cuisine, Guilin and Yangshuo for local southern flavors and ethnic traditions, and Hong Kong for refined Cantonese cuisine and market energy. It feels far richer than a standard sightseeing route with meals added on.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
Before You Book: What to Know About This 13-Day Chinese Cuisine Tour
Everything you may want to know before setting out on this 13 day Chinese cuisine tour — from travel style and regional flavor differences to hands-on cooking, food markets, and pacing.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This is a private tour, which means more flexibility in pacing, dining style, sightseeing, and hotel choices. It is ideal for travelers who want a more personal China food tour with the support of a local guide rather than a fixed group schedule.
What kind of food experiences are included?
This journey includes a wide range of regional food experiences, from Peking roast duck in Beijing and street food in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter to Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu, ethnic minority cooking traditions near Longji Rice Terraces, and refined Cantonese cuisine in Hong Kong. Some days also include hands-on cooking, tea-house visits, or home-style food experiences.
What are the main highlights of this 9-day Taiwan tour?
Yes. One of the major highlights in Chengdu is the chance to visit Sichuan Cuisine Museum, a unique Sichuan cuisine museum where you can learn about chili peppers, fermented sauces, layering of taste, and the cooking logic behind typical Sichuan dishes. Many travelers especially enjoy the chance to taste authentic Sichuan snacks and prepare three typical Sichuan dishes themselves.
Is this tour only for serious food lovers?
No. It is ideal for dedicated food lovers, but it also works very well for first-time visitors who want a richer way to understand China. The route balances food with major cultural landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Ancient City Wall, and the Li River, so it feels broader than a purely culinary workshop itinerary.
How do travelers move between the cities?
This itinerary usually combines flights, domestic flights, and high speed train travel depending on the route and your preferences. For example, the high speed train between Xi’an and Chengdu is a popular and efficient option, while longer sections may be smoother by air.
What makes this different from a standard China tour package?
Unlike a standard tour package with meals added in, this itinerary is built around regional culinary differences, local dining culture, markets, tea houses, cooking experiences, and everyday food traditions. It helps you understand Chinese cuisine through geography, ingredients, history, and local life — not just through famous landmarks alone.
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