Culinary Adventure Through China: Hong Kong to Beijing - 13 Days

Highlights

• Indulge in China's culinary highlights, ranging from spicy hot pot to Peking duck
• Ride a bamboo raft down tranquil rivers overlooking dramatic mountains in Guilin
• Meet local pandas in their natural habitat, followed by an evening food tour
• In between tasty eats, tour historic sites like the Terracotta Army and Great Wall

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hong Kong, Dim Sum Foodie Tour

Welcome to China! Well, technically, you'll arrive in Hong Kong, a miraculous city that is at once part of China and wholly apart. This glitzy city's modern era began in 1842 when it was ceded to the British after the First Opium War. It remained a British colony until 1997, when sovereignty was transferred back to China under the principle of "one country, two systems," allowing Hong Kong to maintain a high degree of autonomy.

From the airport, you'll transfer to your hotel. Then, venture out into the city on your first foodie adventure in China—a classic yum cha tour. In Cantonese, yum cha literally translates to "drink tea" but actually refers to the traditional practice of having a meal comprised of various dim sum dishes served with Chinese tea. This social dining experience is popular among locals and is typically enjoyed during breakfast or lunch hours. Over two hours, you'll visit some of the best dim sum houses in Hong Kong's hotels and skyrises—some of which are bestowed with Michelin stars.

At each, you'll dive into beloved classics and exotic specialties. These include bite-sized har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (cup-shaped dumplings with pork filling), chewy lor mai gai (glutinous rice steamed in lotus leaf), baked barbecued-pork bun, savory rice paper rolls filled with prawns, and sweet egg tarts. The only rule is that you must bring your appetite—and enjoy!

Day 2: Highlights of Hong Kong & Street Food Tour

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll hit the streets of Hong Kong along with your expert local guide to experience the sights and flavors of this dynamic city. Start with a classic ride on the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for panoramic city views. Then, head to Repulse Bay, a wealthy suburb in the south of Hong Kong famous for its beautiful beaches. Stroll along the shoreline before continuing to the popular Stanley Market in a nearby coastal village. Wander through the market and browse its selection of clothing, accessories, home furnishings, and more, stopping to grab a bite for lunch.

Later in the day, head to the Kowloon district for a four-hour street food walking tour. You'll start in Sham Shui Po, a blue-collar area known for its open-air markets, delectable street food, and several Michelin-starred eateries. As you explore, sample smooth tofu pudding, steamed sugar cakes, and rice noodle rolls in various dipping sauces. Walk toward Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, passing through many of Kowloon's most famous neighborhoods, while your guide offers a dose of history and culture, covering the origins of Kowloon and its present-day lifestyle. 

Day 3: Free Time in Hong Kong, Transfer to Guilin

Take the morning to relax and explore Hong Kong at your own pace. A pleasant experience is to hop aboard the Star Ferry for a ride across Victoria Harbour to Kowloon. You can also take a stroll through the city's enchanting neighborhoods on foot or in a double-decker bus.

In the afternoon, board a high-speed train for the 3.5-hour ride north and inland to Guilin. During the trip, you can sit back, relax, and watch through your window as Hong Kong's skyrises give way to verdant rice paddies backed by soaring mountains. Eventually, you'll arrive in Guilin, a rural city famous for its surrounding landscapes of rivers, green fields, lakes, and limestone karst towers. After disembarking the train, you'll transfer to your hotel.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Longji Terraced Fields, Bamboo Rice Workshop

Head into the Guilin countryside today on a full-day tour to experience the region's culture and natural beauty. Meet your driver after breakfast for the two-hour ride to the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the "Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces." They earned this moniker due to the terraced fields blanketing the green hills, which, when viewed from a distance, resemble the scales of a great dragon.

When you arrive, follow your guide on a 45-minute hike up a mountain (or opt for a shuttle ride). Waiting for you at the top is a magnificent viewpoint where you can marvel at panoramic vistas of rolling hills and rice paddies that change color with the seasons. The area is also home to 10 ethnic tribes, like the Zhuang and Yao people, so you may spot their traditional villages nestled in the terraces.

Speaking of which, part of the tour involves a visit to one such village, where you'll be welcomed into the home of a local family. During the visit, you'll participate in a hands-on cooking workshop, during which you'll learn to make bamboo tube rice—a local specialty. Preparing this rustic delicacy involves stuffing small cubes of meat, veggies, and rice into a short section of bamboo tube. It's then sealed with banana leaves and baked in a charcoal fire, resulting in a savory, fragrant dish that's one of the most beloved staple foods in the region. After the tour, you'll transfer back to Guilin and return to your hotel.

Day 5: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, Country Cooking Class

This morning, take a cruise on one of China's most picturesque waterways, the Li River, all the way from Guilin to the resort town of Yangshuo. This is the best way to see the region's classic karst (limestone) formations, and you'll enjoy the gentle breeze as you visit famous landmarks, including the Nine-Horse Fresco and Yellow Cloth Shoal (depicted on the 20 yuan note). You'll also pass idyllic farms, villages, and fields as you marvel at the otherworldly towers dotting the landscape.

After around four hours, you'll disembark in the town of Yangshuo for a guided tour of the vibrant West Street. The oldest street in town, it dates back 1,400 years and is filled with local artisans by day and lively bars and restaurants by night. Purchase handwoven textiles or locally-made pottery, stop in one of the many cafés, and wander the charming street lined with historic buildings.

Part of your time in Yangshuo will be spent in a local cooking class. During this small-group workshop, you'll learn the secrets to making regional Chinese specialties. Techniques include preparing meat and veggies on wooden chopping blocks, heating the wok, and adding just the right balance of seasonings and sauces to the dish. Time permitting, you'll also visit a traditional market where you can pick up staple ingredients for the class. Later, after everyone sits down and enjoys the finished meal, you'll head to your guesthouse in Yangshuo.

Day 6: Yangshuo Cycling & Rafting Tour, Fly to Chengdu, Sichuan Dinner

Start your day with an active adventure as you set off on a bicycle ride through rural Yangshuo. Pedal along verdant rice paddies, karst mountains, and picturesque villages dotted with traditional homes and ancient temples. You'll also witness a slice of traditional country life as you pass farmers tending their crops while water buffalo graze nearby or locals washing their clothes in meandering streams.

Later, you'll trade the bicycle for a bamboo raft and set off on a scenic cruise down the Yulong River. Drift gently under ancient stone bridges and past traditional villages and terraced fields. The riverbanks are teeming with birdlife, so keep your eyes peeled for herons, egrets, and ducks. Afterward, meet your driver for the 1.5-hour ride back to Guilin. At the airport, you'll catch a two-hour flight to the city of Chengdu. This city is the capital of China's Sichuan Province, an area famous for many things, not least of which is its namesake chili peppers and mouth-on-fire cuisine.

That's exactly what you'll experience tonight when you sit down at a restaurant popular with locals to try their regional specialty, the infamous Sichuan hot pot. This vermilion broth is infused with the fire of dozens of red chilies, making it a formidable (but delicious) culinary challenge. That said, hotpot isn't just about the food. It's a communal experience where family and friends gather around a table in a relaxed atmosphere and connect with each other in a dining tradition that dates back over 1,000 years. 

Day 7: Giant Panda Experience, Visit Wenshu Monastery, Evening Food Tour

Besides the spiciness of its food, Sichuan is also known for giant pandas, whose native environment is the highland bamboo forests of central China. Just outside the city is the Chengdu Panda Base, the world's largest non-profit panda research and breeding facility. Wake up early for a transfer by car to the base, where you'll embark on a half-day tour to see both adult and baby pandas as you learn about the facility and the breeding program. Then, you'll view the newborns in the delivery room. 

Afterward, you'll return to the city and visit  Wenshu Temple. This complex was built in 1706 CE during the Qing Dynasty and is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Chengdu. Explore the monastery's 13 acres (5 ha) of gardens and buildings, including five halls, a pagoda, and a library of ancient Buddhist texts. Breathe in the aromas of burning incense and soak in the tranquility as you share the space with local worshippers and get a glimpse into the daily life of the Buddhist monks.

Then, head to nearby People's Park, the city's main green space. Here, you can walk among gardens and pavilions, enjoy a drink at a tea house, and play a game of mahjong with friendly locals. In the evening, hop in a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) to discover the flavors of Chengdu on a food tour. During this jaunt, you'll stop at local restaurants to try famous Sichuan dishes. These range from hotpot and mapo (spicy) tofu to dan dan noodles and chuanchuan (meat and veggies on bamboo skewers). This fun-filled evening ends at a bar, where you'll toast the evening with a local spirit.

Day 8: Chengdu Market Tour, Transfer to Xi'an, Family Cooking Workshop

For your final morning in Chengdu, visit one of its largest wholesale markets in the city. Along with a guide, you'll browse the stalls and follow the scents of aromatic spices and seasonings. Rows and rows of shops and stalls here sell spices ranging from hot chilies and garlic to fresh ginger, star anise, and broad bean chili paste. There are also plenty of tongue-numbing Sichuan peppers available for purchase. As you browse the aisles, your guide will reveal the stories behind each spice and seasoning, which all have roots in Sichuan Province dating back millennia.

In the afternoon, transfer to the station, where you'll board a train for the 3.5-hour ride northeast to Xi'an. Located in Shaanxi Province, this well-preserved ancient city was once the starting point of the famed Silk Road and the capital of several of China's most significant dynasties. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside the train station and transfer to your hotel for check in and to freshen up.

Later, you'll receive a warm introduction to Xi'an's rich culture when a local family welcomes you into their home for a cooking class. Over the course of three hours, you'll learn to cook a few regional dishes from scratch, which might include dumplings, noodles, and stir-fries. Like with previous cooking workshops, this activity might include a stop at a local market to pick up ingredients.

Day 9: Day Trip to the Terracotta Army & Muslim Quarter

This morning, meet your driver at your hotel for a half-day excursion east of Xi'an to Mount Li, home to the Terracotta Army Museum and the famous life-size warrior sculptures. When you arrive after the one-hour drive, explore the massive collection of incredibly detailed, life-size clay sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, founder of the Qin Dynasty and the first emperor of China (221 to 210 BCE). 

Hike around the outer edge of the excavation pits, marveling at the various warriors, chariots, and cavalry horses, each with distinct hairstyles and facial expressions. This enormous site covers approximately 38 square miles (98 sq km), and its discovery in 1974 represents one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. Spend hours discovering the secrets of the army, who were created as symbolic guardians of Qin's burial tomb and thus protect his spirit in the afterlife. Afterward, head back to Xi'an, stopping for lunch on the way. 

Before dinner, visit the historic Muslim Quarter in the center of Xi'an. The old buildings lining the narrow streets are home to Xi'an's Muslim, or Hui, community. Islam was first introduced by Arab merchants during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). Today, the quarter is a popular area with many shops, restaurants, and street food vendors. Make sure to sample the typical halal food of the district, like yangrou paomo (lamb stew) and roujiamo (lamb burgers). 

Day 10: Xi'an City Tour, Transfer to Beijing, Peking Duck Dinner

It's your final day in Xi'an, but more adventures are in store. After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour to discover this ancient city's famous sites. You'll begin at the Fortifications of Xi'an. These gray stone walls were commissioned in the late 14th century by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, to protect the city. They run 8.7 miles (14 km) around the historic Old Town in a rectangular pattern and are the most well-preserved ancient walls in China. 

While here, you can rent a bicycle or walk along the ramparts for panoramic views of the Old Town and surrounding areas. After exploring the fortifications, see the ancient artifacts in the historic 12th-century Drum Tower. During the visit, you'll enjoy a performance of the bian zhong, a traditional Chinese chime bell. Then, in the early afternoon, you'll return to the station and board a high-speed train for the 5.5-hour journey northeast to Beijing.

Welcome to the capital of China! As one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, this metropolis has been the seat of power in the country for eight centuries. After checking into your hotel, you'll head to a restaurant for a traditional dinner of Peking duck. This royal dish has been a staple in Beijing cuisine for centuries, popular with locals and visitors alike. Consisting of slow-roasted duck served with paper-thin pancakes, thinly sliced scallions, and drizzled with hoisin sauce, the resulting combination of tender meat, crunchy skin, and fresh vegetables is uniquely delicious and a must-try when in Beijing. 

Day 11: Tour Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City, Hutongs Food Tour

In the morning, you'll meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby and embark on a grand tour of Beijing, beginning at the famous Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square. This massive public space, dating to the 15th century, is surrounded by government buildings, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. 

Walk through the square to the enormous portrait of Chairman Mao at Tiananmen Gate, which is the entrance to the Forbidden City, constructed in 1415 CE during the Ming Dynasty. Tour this vast, UNESCO-listed complex that served as the Chinese imperial palace from 1420 to 1912. For several hours, you'll wander among the 980 buildings spread across 180 acres (72 ha) and visit the Imperial Garden, former living quarters, and galleries featuring ancient imperial artifacts.

In the afternoon, give your legs a rest with a 30-minute pedicab tour through the hutongs of Beijing. Hutongs are narrow alleyways that crisscross old neighborhoods. Some of these even go as far back as 800 years to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. There's a traditional Chinese folk culture here, but your visit focuses on the area's food. During a walk around, you'll stop in at neighborhood eateries to try local specialties and snacks. These include sugar-roasted sesame buns, mung bean cakes, sachima (an egg-battered dessert), fried cream cakes, fermented bean drinks, and more.  

Day 12: Day Trip to the Temple of Heaven & Great Wall

Rise early and head over to the Temple of Heaven, a historic 13th-century complex comprising several buildings in central Beijing. The temple sits on 670 acres (271 ha) and was the principal imperial temple where emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties up until 1900 CE prayed to heaven for a good harvest. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and other iconic buildings, including the Circular Mound Altar, the site of winter solstice ceremonies, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. This circular building housed the stone tablets used in the harvest prayer ceremonies.

Afterward, your grand Chinese adventure culminates with a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Wall of China. First constructed in the sixth-century before being rebuilt in 1368 CE by the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, this ancient fortification is separated into various sections open to visitors. You'll be visiting Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Wall.

Travel with your driver and guide 40 miles (64 km) north of Beijing. When you arrive, take the cable car to the top of the wall and walk along the cobblestones, peering out through the battlements at the far-reaching views. Enjoy a moderate hike along the wall for two to six hours, depending on your chosen route. This section of wall stretches for 13 miles (22 km), with 22 stone watchtowers sitting atop steep hills blanketed in rich green pines and cypress trees. Take your time and soak in the views, which are nothing short of spectacular on a clear day. Later, you'll return to Beijing.

Day 13: Depart Beijing

The time has come to bid a fond farewell to China. After breakfast at the hotel, your driver will transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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