Duck, Dumplings & Dim Sum

ITINERARY

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DAY 1-3
Beijing
Capital City
The day is here for your foodie fuelled adventure around China! While you’re in the capital you’ll tour all the main cultural highlights including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. You’ll also enjoy jianbing, a type of filled fried pancake and one of China’s most popular street breakfasts. And if it’s excellent duck you’re after, look no further than Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant - this unassuming restaurant is notorious for its no-fuss style and authentic Beijing duck.

PLACES TO STAY
Lobby at Shichahai Shadow Arts Hotel, Beijing
Shichahai Shadow Arts Hotel
A unique hotel in Beijing that's centered around the ancient art of shadow puppetry.

DAY 4
The Great Wall of China
Activity & Adventure
It’s time to explore the Great Wall of China! You’ll visit the Jinshanling section, one of the best-preserved parts of the wall with plenty of original features still intact. Tuck into a picnic lunch as you enjoy the gorgeous mountainous views from the wall. Afterward, you’ll head to the Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall where you can relax in the tranquil organic gardens before heading on to your hotel.

DAY 5-6
Xi’an
General Tour + City
Hop aboard the high speed bullet train and enjoy your 1st class ride to Xi’an. Once you arrive you’ll tour the Muslim Quarter before tucking into a decadent dumpling dinner, followed by a cooking demonstration. The next day you’ll visit one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world; the Terracotta Army. Stare in wonder at the thousands of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of the First Emperor of China. These warriors were buried with the emperor in 210-209 BCE and are thought to have been created with the purpose of protecting the emperor in his afterlife. That evening you’ll hop aboard a tuk-tuk and embark on a food tour where you’ll try Xi’an’s famous noodles and burgers.

DAY 7-8
Chengdu
General Tour
Ready to see some Pandas? Today you’re off to Chengdu, a city home to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here you’ll be able to see endangered giant pandas in a natural habitat and learn about the conservation work carried out at the base. While in the city you’ll also dine at a restaurant famous for its hot pot dinners and visit the Sichuan Cuisine Museum where you’ll learn about the local cuisines. You’ll also have the chance to join in with a cookery class and take home a pot of pixian chilli paste as a souvenir.

DAY 9
Guilin
General Tour
You’ll fly into Guilin, a riverside city in the South of China known for its stunning surroundings and natural beauty. Spend your afternoon here as you please; people-watch in Central Square, explore the city’s past at Guilin Museum or indulge in some Guilin cuisine. Try the sweet tofu or a water chestnut cake.

DAY 10-11
Yangshuo
General Tour + Cruise
It’s time to leave land behind and board the Li River Cruise to Yangshuo. Enjoy lunch on-board as you cruise through one of the world's top ten watery wonders, as rated by National Geographic. Once you arrive you’ll go on a cycling tour of the area before watching a Liu Sanjie light and sound performance in the evening. The next day you’ll take part in a morning cookery course in a countryside kitchen. You’ll learn how to cook (and taste!) five different dishes including the local favorite, beer fish.

DAY-12-15
Shanghai
City
It’s off to the bright lights and dizzying heights of Shanghai today! Once you arrive in the city you’ll head off on an authentic breakfast tour. You’ll uncover a fascinating blend of cuisines from traditional Shanghainese to more Western-influenced dishes and everything in between. In the evening you’ll get a table at Lost Heaven which specializes in Yunnan folk cuisine: think papaya salad, lamb samosa, and crispy chicken. The next day you’ll learn how to cook authentic Chinese Dim Sum.

On Day 15 you’ll leave China behind with plenty of fond memories and lots of new recipe ideas to try out at home.