13 Days Classic Foodie Travel in China

Full Itinerary Day by day (Can Be Customized)

Day 1 Beijing Arrival ( D )

Ni Hao! welcome to Beijing, the iconic city and capital of China! You will be met by our local tour guide at the arrival hall of Beijing Airport and escorted to your downtown hotel by a private comfortable vehicle.

In the evening, you can taste the most authentic Beijing snacks in Huguo Temple Snack Street. The street contains the essence of Beijing snacks and is very popular among the locals. Lǘdagunr, Cooked Beef or Sheep Tripe, Noodles with Soy Bean Paste Beijing Style, and Yellow Pea Cake are good choices for you.

Arrival Ideals: At present, there are many international and domestic flights to Beijing. Besides, you can take a high speed train to this capital city from Shanghai (5-6 hrs), Xian (5.5 hrs), Guangzhou (8-9.5 hrs), etc.

Day 2 Beijing ( B, L )

After breakfast, start to explore the historical face of Beijing with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square, now the largest city plaza in the world. Tiananmen Gate on the northern side of the square was the site where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Stepping into the Tiananmen, you will see one of the world’s five most important palaces - the Forbidden City, a huge palace complex of more than 9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. Pass through various doorways in this magnificent structure to admire the beautiful and well preserved buildings decorated with yellow-glazed tile roofs, white marble bases and splendid colorful paintings.

After lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to spend an enjoyable time in the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and corridors while feasting your eyes on the vast lotus in Kunming Lake and the colorful paintings in the Long Corridor.

After the tour, you will have dinner at Niujie Snack Street. The street is full of Muslim flavors and you can also eat many Beijing local snacks here.

Optional activities: 1) You can watch a wonderful Kungfu Show in the Red Theater (Hong Ju Chang) which usually starts at 19:30; 2) Enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater between 19:30-21:00.

Day 3 Beijing ( B, L, D )

After breakfast, drive about 70km to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Wall. Visit the Mutianyu, a less crowded yet well-preserved segment of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty. It will more than live up to all of your expectations! You’ll take a cable car to ascend the Great Wall, then hike the most beautiful and interesting part of Mutianyu and climb up its rising towers to enjoy scenic views of the wall as it wriggles along mountain ridges and you take brag-worthy photos. After the exciting time, descend by cable car. (Note: If energy permits, you can hike up or down which takes about 40 minutes to climb steps. Please tell your likes to your travel consultant.)

Continue your trip to Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, known as the Son of the Heaven, who came from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way, also would return to Heaven through this road. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and Great Palace Gate and you’ll see the magnificent stone guard of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then drive back to Beijing city and take a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to view its famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

As for dinner, we prepare the flavorful dish of Peking Roast Duck or Hot Pot, Mongolian Style for you. You can choose as you wish. If you want to experience other Chinese cuisine, that's totally ok. All you have to do is telling your guide and he/she will arrange the dinner according to your request.

After the dinner, drive back to your hotel.

Day 4 Beijing & High Speed Train to Xian (B, L)

After breakfast, drive to Temple of Heaven, a historic site once used by emperors for sacrificial ceremonies. As you explore this grand complex of buildings and gardens, you'll discover the rituals and beliefs of the Ming and Qing emperors, who sought divine blessings for good harvests through intricate ceremonies. Beyond its historical importance, you'll observe vibrant local life, with residents practicing Tai Chi, dancing, and engaging in various exercises among the lush pine woods.

Then get back to the central city to hop on a rickshaw to experience the Beijing Hutongs - narrow alleys lined with historic quadrangle dwellings. This journey will immerse you in the traditional Beijing lifestyle, where you can explore charming antique shops, boutique stores, and witness the city's historical evolution. You'll also visit a local family's home in the Hutongs, offering a glimpse into everyday life.

Your Beijing tour is now about to end. Your tour guide will see you off at the Beijing West Railway Station for a high speed train trip to Xian (about 5 hours). You will be picked up by your tour guide at Xian North Railway Station and escorted to your hotel in Xian. The rest of the day is on your own to explore this ancient capital of China.

Day 5 Xian ( B, L )

After breakfast, drive about 40km to discover one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, built by the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits for more than 2,000 years until uncovered by a local farmer in 1974, form an ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc. Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans.

After lunch, return back to Xian to visit Da Cien Temple, a famous Buddhist sutra translation site during the Tang Dynasty. Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the most famous building in the temple. The pagoda, rising to a height of 64.5 meters, was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve classic scriptures he bought back from India during the early Tang Dynasty. Xuanzang was the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”. (Note: It costs an extra 30 RMB if you want to climb up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.)

This visit is followed by a relaxing wander around bustling and lively Muslim Quarter, a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture.

Optional activities: Enjoy a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show (usually from 8pm to 9pm) after a hearty dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6 Xian & High Speed Train to Chengdu ( B, L )

After breakfast, you will go to take a wonderful stroll on the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total circuit of nearly 14 kilometers. (Optional activity: Take a relaxing cycling on the Ancient City Wall if you like.)

Then, you will visit a local family to check out what is the daily living of a traditional Chinese Family. You will also be taught to make Chinese dumplings under the friendly instruction of host. Enjoy the unique Dumpling Banquet.

After the tour, you’ll be escorted to Xian North Railway Station for a high speed train to Chengdu (about 3.5~4 hours). Welcome to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas! Upon your arrival at Chengdu East Railway Station, you will be met by local guide and then transferred to your hotel in Chengdu downtown. The rest of today is free on your own to explore this laid-back city.

Optional activity: In the evening, you can enjoy a delicious dinner of Sichuan cuisine like Hot Pot at a local restaurant.

Day 7 Chengdu Panda & Cooking Class ( B, L, D )

This morning you will make a stirring visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding which is not only the most important panda scientific research center, but also dwelling home for more than 100 Giant Pandas. Walk at leisure through the bamboo framed paths, and closely observe giant pandas of different ages eating bamboos, playing with each other, tumbling, climbing trees, etc. Don’t miss the chance to watch female pandas nursing their cubs in the nursery rooms. There is also a very informative Panda Museum for you to learn more scientific facts about Giant Pandas.

After visiting the giant pandas, drive to Sichuan Cuisine Museum in Pixian County, the only eatable museum in China with new way to experience Sichuan cuisine culture. Appreciate 6000 pieces of antiques, artifacts and books and hear many Sichuan food facts, know how Pixian chilly bean paste is made, experience making bean curd pudding, taste different kinds of Sichuan snacks, worship Kitchen God in the biggest Kitchen God Ancestral Hall in the world, partake in the cooking class to personally make three typical Sichuan dishes, like Kung Pao chicken, Mapo Tofu, Panda steamed dumpling, etc. Under the guidance of professional Chuancais chef, learn how to cut, control fire, complete cooking process and accomplish your dish. Share and enjoy your dishes with your families or partners and be awarded with official certificate of “Master of Chuancais”.

Please Note:

1. The visiting in Sichuan Cuisine Museum begins around 13:50 and finishes around 17:40 or after.

2. There are two kinds of pre-arranged cooking menu. Menu A includes Kung Pao chicken, Mapo Tofu, Panda steamed dumpling and Menu B includes Pumpkin steamed dumplings, Daqian dry-braised fish, boiled beef in chili sauce. You can choose your favorite one and tell us your likes to your travel consultants beforehand.

3. If you want to cook other Sichuan dishes which are not on the above list, please tell us your needs in advance and we’ll inform Sichuan Cuisine Museum to make some preparations.

Day 8 Chengdu (B, L)

On this day, you will take a meaningful visit to Jinsha Site Museum. Constructed on the Jinsha ruin site which reveals the unique bronze civilization of the mysterious ancient Shu Kingdom (approximately 2900 - 3200 years ago), Jinsha Site Museum conserves the original expansive site for sacrifice as well as numerous ivory tusks and gold artifacts, including the symbol of China Culture Heritage - the Gold Sun and Immortal Bird.

Then, be followed a trip to a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple in the hustling downtown of Chengdu - Wenshu Temple. Marvel at the exquisite Buddhist architecture, soak in the reverent atmosphere, and wander on the peaceful paths.

Chengdu is famous for its relaxing and leisure pace throughout China, which will be proved after a stay in Renmin Park. Sit down, order a pot of Chinese tea, make a casual chat with your friends and watching locals indulging themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment – napping in a lively teahouse, playing mahjong, disco dancing, neck massage, ear cleaning…Next is an impressive trip to the famous Jinli Old Street. Time steals away from you quietly while walking on the lively streets which are full of delicious local snacks (Spicy or sweet, crispy or soft…the snack will satisfy your taste buds), delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.

Optional activity: In the evening, watch a wonderful performance at the Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, and other delightful entertainment. (usually starts at 8pm and last 1.5 hours)

Day 9 Flight to Guilin from Chengdu ( B )

In this early morning, be escorted to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to take your flight to Guilin (around 1.5 hrs).

Upon arrival, your local guide and driver in Guilin will meet you at the airport Then make a visit to the symbol of Guilin landscape - Elephant Trunk Hill. A giant rock hill vividly shapes like an elephant which is drinking water. Besides, there are many historical sites here for you to explore, such as stone carving, Buddhist temple, relic exhibition, etc. Then, drive about 7 kilometers to next attraction - Reed Flute Cave, a majestic underground palace with sparkling different colors. The magical Mother Nature condenses millions years of natural efforts to form the incredible stalactite, stalagmite, stone shield and stone waterfall of different sizes and shapes.

Accommodate at Guilin City.

Day 10 Guilin ( B, L, D )

As the declaration in Chinese textbook "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven", today you will explore this best landscape starting with a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. Along the 84-kilometer cruise, dazzling scenery overwhelms your eyes like a vast endless Chinese painting of winding river, green limestone karst mountains, fascinating countryside views.

After about 4 hours’ cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town, and check in your hotel. Take a short break, throw yourself into the stunning countryside views and relaxed atmosphere. Be enthralled by the patches of paddy fields nestling under green hills and near the mirror-like river, with farmers cultivating the soil with their water buffalos.

This evening is for you to walk leisurely on the ancient West Street to witness how the western culture and Chinese culture perfectly and peacefully coexist here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.

As for dinner, you can choose to eat the famous Yangshuo Beer Fish. This dish is the must-eat dish when people visit Yangshuo.

Optional activity: watch the splendid evening performance of Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River itself as the stage, which was directed by famous director – Zhang Yimou (usually performs for an hour between around 19:45 and 22:20).

Day 11 Flight to Shanghai from Guilin & Shanghai ( B )

After breakfast, your tour guide will take you to Guilin Liangjiang Airport to catch your flight to Shanghai, the most flourishing metropolis in China. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be escorted by local tour guide to check in your downtown hotel.

Have you wondered why Shanghai developed into a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan city from what was originally a shabby fishing village? You'll enjoy a half day to Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center will answer that question fully while also giving you an overview of the City’s ambitious plans for future. The Center is a fashionably designed modern museum, themed with “City, Citizens, Environment and Development”. Different usages of photography, models and interactive multimedia displays make your visit enjoyable and entertaining. The best features are the old rare photos of landmarks, such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, during the international settlement, and the large scale model showing the detailed layout of Shanghai.

Next is a wonderful visit to Jade Buddha Temple, the site of the largest jade Buddha in the world and numerous religious artifacts, ancient statues and Buddhist scriptures. This peaceful kingdom of Buddhism hidden among modern blocks and dominating mansions is a great place for a nice break in this very busy city.

Day 12 Shanghai ( B, L )

You will take a full day of sightseeing to explore both the past and present of Shanghai. Your first stop is Shanghai Museum, one of the Best Four Museums in China. This modern museum, with a round top and a square base which symbolizing the ancient Chinese perception of the world as "round sky, square earth", has collected many international-standard exhibits of bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, jade from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing dynasty. Then you will take an interesting visit to Yu Garden, a shining star among all the ancient Chinese gardens in Jiangnan. This garden fully embodies the traditional design of Chinese architecture with jagged pavilions with elegant decorations, glittering pools with roving fish, and pine trees sprouting to the sky, all designed to refresh your mood and spirit. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you can savor tasteful local snacks and explore elaborate traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works. Next, you will drive several kilometers to enjoy a panoramic view of the modern face of Shanghai from the 100th floor (474m) of “the Eye of Shanghai” - Shanghai World Financial Center. 

You will then be transferred to another popular landmark of Shanghai, Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise as well as a great place to take a wonderful walk to experience the modern atmosphere of the City. Lastly, you will stop at the Bund, originally a simple towpath for transporting goods but now transformed into a feverish trading district. You will stroll along the Bund, seeing and feeling the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while at the same time taking in the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes! 

Optional activities: 1) Attend an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00); 2) Take a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets sparkling under the atmospheric cover of darkness (about 50 minutes).

Day 13 Shanghai Departure ( B )

Today, be free until your tour guide escorts you to the airport to catch your flight to next destination or home.

The quotation for this trip is from $2299 Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Good morning, Tracy.

We have completed our travel in China. Thank you very much for arranging this wonderful tour for us.

You amended the itinerary 3 times according to our needs. One of the changes in the itinerary was your suggestion to add the Xingyi Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area which was an excellent recommendation. All of us enjoyed this beautiful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city as well as away from the regular tourist crowds.

I understand that you wish me to provide our reviews and feedback. Here they are:

Tracy is efficient and very patient with us. Tour was very well arranged. Everything is good.

The following is what I intend to post on tripadvisor. My user name in tripadvisor is Hing2013:

“CHINA DISCOVERY - AMAZING 13-DAY PRIVATE TOUR Our group of 8 seniors have just finished a wonderful 13-day private tour to Guizhou and Guilin arranged by Tracy. From the first email, Tracy had shown her willingness to help. She had been courteous and efficient. All my requests were attended promptly. Sceneries in both Guizhou and Guilin are spectacular. Everything was well arranged. The guides and drivers in both Guizhou and Guilin were caring. Guilin guide Kenny was particularly knowledgeable. It was a wonderful and memorable trip and we all enjoyed the tour. We will book with China Discovery again and have no hesitation to recommend China Discovery to anyone who is interested in traveling in China.”

Have a good day!

Lena

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Lena‚ China, November 13, 2024

Hi Jack,

We had a great time on our trip thanks.

The trip went very well (apart from a rainy day in Pingyao), with no hitches.

Guides were all excellent, and took us to some great restaurants! All drivers were good as well - all punctual and drove safely.

Hotels were excellent, with the Beijing and Pingyao hotels standing out.

We had a great time and are sorry that it's over so quickly!

Many thanks.

Steve

Steve‚ Britain, November 12, 2024

Dear Jack,

We would like to thank you for the trip arrangement. It was very good and we had a wonderful time. Jessica, our guide, was very helpful and knowledgeable, and she took great care of us.

Thanks.

Warmest regards.

Sok Yong

Yong‚ Singapore, November 10, 2024

Hi Jack,

The tour was excellent and so were the guides (Michelle and Cecilia) and driver (Mr Wei). Both Michelle and Cecilia were knowledgeable and helpful and made our trip a memorable one.

Regards,

Lawrence

Lawrence‚ Singapore, November 9, 2024

Hi Leo,

Thanks for everything. I really enjoyed the Yunnan trip. Highly appreciated your tourist guides’ professional services. I will recommend your company to my friends. I definitely will come back again.

Ka

Ka‚ China, November 8, 2024

Check What our customers are saying about us on Tripadvisor.com

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Han Meng

"Decided to choose China Discovery after reading great reviews on TripAdvisor and I was glad I chose them. Rita Jiang was my travel consultant and she was very patient with all my questions and changes..." read more »

Reviewed on November 16, 2024

Ken C

"Wonder has been great right from the start. Very responsive to emails and questions making the trip very easy. Everything was taken care. From picking up to hotels, tours and tour guides were well..." read more »

Reviewed on November 15, 2024