Taste the Real China with Every Bite
Foodie Trips in China by China Explorer Tour
Discover the taste of real China with our premium foodie tours — where every bite tells a story!
At China Explorer Tour, we specialize in immersive culinary adventures that take you beyond tourist restaurants and into the heart of Chinese food culture. Whether you’re craving spicy Sichuan hotpot, delicate dim sum, or hidden village recipes passed down through generations, our tours are crafted to satisfy both your appetite and your curiosity.
From one-day street food crawls in Beijing or Chengdu to cross-country culinary journeys through ancient towns and modern cities, our curated foodie tours are the perfect way to eat, explore, and connect with China. Join us to unlock the regional diversity of Chinese cuisine — and create unforgettable memories along the way.
Chinese cuisine is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world — but it’s not a single style. With over 5,000 years of culinary evolution and vast regional differences, “Chinese food” is really a collection of many micro-cuisines, each shaped by geography, climate, history, and local traditions.
Chinese food has many flavors and ways to cook. Local foods and old customs shape these styles in each area. Meals are about sharing many dishes at the same time. People mix colors, tastes, and textures to enjoy together. Every region has its own special foods and ways to cook. Some places have spicy Sichuan dishes. Others in the south use fresh seafood. Food in China often has special meanings. People believe in balance and use Yin and Yang foods for health. Today, Chinese food mixes old flavors with new ideas. This helps keep the culture fun and alive.
China has eight main food styles. Each one is different. They use special ingredients and ways to cook. The eight cuisines are Sichuan, Hunan, Guangdong (Cantonese), Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Shandong. Each place has its own way of making food:
| Cuisine | Cooking Techniques and Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Sichuan | Stir-frying, bold flavors, spicy and pungent dishes |
| Hunan | Steaming, stewing, braising, hot and sour tastes |
| Guangdong | Flexible methods, focus on natural taste, skilled cutting |
| Fujian | Simmering, stewing, light seasoning, soups |
| Jiangsu | Complex prep, focus on flavor and appearance |
| Zhejiang | Mixes southern ingredients, northern methods |
| Anhui | Stewing, braising, careful heat control |
| Shandong | Quick stir-frying, deep-frying, keeps nutrition |
Why Choose Our Foodie Tours?
Authentic Local Flavors — Curated with Care
We don’t follow the guidebooks — we follow the locals. Every restaurant, market stall, and tasting stop is handpicked for its local roots, cultural value, and unforgettable flavor.
Dietary-Friendly, Worry-Free Experience
Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, or vegan, we’ve got you covered. Our team works closely with trusted local chefs to accommodate your preferences without compromising on authenticity.
More Than Eating — It’s a Cultural Connection
We believe food is the best way to understand a place. That’s why our tours include hands-on experiences, from dumpling-making with local families to tea tastings in ancient courtyards. You won’t just eat — you’ll learn, laugh, and connect.
Day Trips for Quick Bites and Local Vibes
Looking to squeeze maximum taste into minimum time? Our half-day and full-day foodie experiences bring you straight to the heart of local street eats, vibrant markets, and iconic dishes. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families who want to walk, taste, and learn — all in just a few delicious hours.
Hidden Gems: Eat Like a Local, Far from the Crowds
Go beyond the cities and discover the flavors of rural villages, ancient towns, and cultural enclaves where food still follows the rhythm of tradition. These 3–9 day escapes are rich in storytelling, community experiences, and one-of-a-kind meals you won’t find in any guidebook.
Cross-China Journeys: A Feast Across Provinces
For those who want to explore China through a culinary lens, our long-haul gourmet tours stretch across provinces and cuisines — from spicy Sichuan to sweet Shanghainese, and everything in between. With premium comfort, cultural excursions, and expertly curated menus, this is the ultimate way to taste your way through China.
Not quite the trip you had in mind?
What Our Travelers Say
Genuine Feedback from our Valued Travelers
An Unforgettable Chongqing Experience with Lesley
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Chongging with my girlfriend, and I must say our experience was truly unforgettable. Thanks in large part to our exceptional tour guide, Lesley. From the outset, we had some concerns about navigating a city that was entirely new to us. However, Lesley's patience and extensive knowledge made all the difference. She provided us with in-depth assistance that not only eased our worries but also enriched our understanding of the local culture and attractions. We explored numerous spots, and each location was more impressive than the last, showcasing Chongqing's unique landscape. If you would like a Chongqing experience guided by locals themselves, I highly recommend it.
A Fantastic Harbin Experience with China Explorer Tour – Thank You for an Amazing Trip!
We had the best experience in Harbin!!! Thank you so much China Explorer Tour! Super smooth, no hassle with our Harbin trip. Our kids were so happy with the snow and the activities! We will definitely book with China Explorer Tour again! Lesley has been so responsive with all my inquiries since November! Good job! See you again next year!
A very packed day in Xi'an, very well-organised, good guide, really worth it. Highly recommend!
Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Discover China tours from a trusted China travel agent, offering a wide range of options for every traveler. Whether you're looking for a luxurious vacation tour in China or an exciting tour through China, we have the perfect package for you. Our tours to China cater to all interests, including cultural explorations and historical sites. With our expert China tour agency, you’ll experience the best of this incredible country. Explore the best China tours with us and book your next tour to China today!
An unforgettable experience with the Chinese Explorer Tour
Our guide Sophia was warm, friendly and knowledgeable and we had a fantastic time with her. We learned a lot about local history and ancient China. The local lunch of biangbiang noodles and roujiamo was delicious! The service from the China Explorer Tour was excellent - very responsive and helpful. The tour was a perfect blend of history, food and culture. I highly recommend this China tour agency for your next China adventure!
Guizhou: China's Hidden Gems
Our trip to Guizhou was an mind-blowing! I have always been fascinated by this region and Yunnan and this trip exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Jacky, was one of the best I've ever encountered, he was like a friend, showing us around his hometown and introducing us to the local culture and cuisine. I was amazed at how few tourists were around and how well Jacky connected with the locals. It was a truly authentic cultural experience. The stunning scenery of Guizhou feels like a huge national park. Although Guizhou is not well known, it is a hidden treasure that is worth exploring on your tours of China.
Explore More with Our Foodie Blog
Discover the stories behind iconic dishes, learn tips for navigating food as a traveler, and explore the diverse flavors of China’s regions — one bite-sized article at a time.
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FAQ
Booking with confidence
Tour to China typically costs from $100 to $200 a day, depending on accommodation, transportation and activity, cities, and routes chosen. Whether you’re looking for China tours from a China travel agent or planning a vacation tour in China, China Explorer Tour ensures you receive the best deals and find the perfect fit for your travel needs.
At present, foreigners from 54 countries can enjoy the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, covering 31 ports in 23 cities in 18 provinces in China, and you can find out
whether you need to sign the visa through the government’s real-time announcements.
The above information is for reference only, the specific policy is subject to the announcement of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the local community.
China is a vast land, which owns a great amount of tourism resources. It is very suitable for first-time travellers. According to our China tour agency, we recommend four destinations, including Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Chengdu.
Beijing is a must-visit for its rich cultural heritage, featuring iconic views like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Xi’an is famous for the Terracotta Army and ancient capital.
Shanghai blends modern and traditional styles vibrantly, reflecting China’s rapid development. Finally, Chengdu is known for Panda and delicious Sichuan cuisine.
Our seasonal featured tours allow you to experience some of China’s most unique attractions, from spring blossoms to leafy mountains, tailored to the time of your visit.
No matter how many times you have eaten Chinese food outside, it can not compare with the authentic Chinese food you eat in a Chinese restaurant. Here we will share two kinds of delicious food you can eat during your vacation tour in China.
- Dumplings
Dumplings are a very popular traditional Chinese dish, especially in the northern regions. It’s made of dough that wraps around different fillings, such as pork, shrimp, and chives. Dumplings can be steamed, boiled or fried and are usually eaten with soy sauce and vinegar. Dumplings are a must-try when travelling to China, and many China tours include a dumpling tasting.
- PekingDuck
Peking Duck is a very famous Chinese dish with crispy skin and tender meat. The duck is often sliced thinly and wrapped in a pancake with seafood sauce and vegetables. Many vacation tours in China recommend tourists to try the authentic Peking duck, which is a highlight of the tour to China.
- Hairy Crab
Hairy crabs are a delicacy in Shanghai and are very popular, especially in autumn, and should not be missed on your tour to China. High-quality hairy crabs have tasty meat and rich crab yolk. The main ways to prepare hairy crabs are usually steaming and stir-frying, both of which are delicious!
The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and shopping malls, but cash or mobile payments (like Alipay or WeChat Pay) are commonly used, especially in smaller businesses.
Direct access to Facebook and Google Map is not available in mainland China. Using a VPN is a common workaround, but it’s essential to be aware of the legal implications and potential risks involved.
However, using RORO eSIM, you can access Facebook, Google Maps, WhatsApp, and other commonly restricted apps in China without the need for a VPN.
Use our exclusive discount code (CETRORO) when purchasing a RORO data plan to enjoy special savings on your connectivity needs.
WIFI is available in hotels. However, sometimes the signal might not be strong. It is recommended to have roaming on or obtain a sim/esim.
We recommend purchasing from our trusted partner, RORO, where you can enjoy an exclusive discount as a China Explorer Tour customer. Use the discount code CETRORO when placing your order. Visit RORO’s website to explore options for physical SIM cards and eSIMs designed specifically for travelers in China.