A Taste of Chengdu: 3-Day Culinary & Cultural Immersion

Day 1 Chengdu

Welcome to Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan’s legendary food culture! Upon arrival, you’ll meet your professional guide, who will ensure a seamless start to your culinary adventure. Your journey begins with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, home to the world’s largest population of captive pandas. Walk through the lush bamboo groves as you observe these adorable creatures munching on fresh bamboo, playing, and even napping in their naturalistic enclosures. Your guide will share fascinating insights into panda conservation efforts, their habits, and the breeding programs that help protect this beloved species. If you’re lucky, you may even see newborn panda cubs in the nursery, a rare and heartwarming sight.

For lunch, indulge in a Sichuan hotpot experience, a must-try dish that defines Chengdu’s fiery cuisine. In a lively, traditional hotpot restaurant, your guide will introduce you to the intricate flavors of Sichuan spice. You’ll select from an array of fresh ingredients, including thinly sliced beef, mushrooms, lotus root, and handmade meatballs, before dipping them into a steaming pot of mala (numbing and spicy) broth. Learn the art of balancing spice levels and creating the perfect dipping sauce from the condiments bar. This interactive meal is not just about eating—it’s a true cultural experience.

After lunch, stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, a beautifully preserved historic district where Qing Dynasty architecture meets modern Chengdu’s vibrant street life. As you wander through the narrow alleys, your guide will introduce you to authentic Chengdu snacks, such as Zhong dumplings, Long Chaoshou wontons, and Sichuan pepper-infused desserts. Learn about the history behind these delicacies while soaking in the traditional courtyard atmosphere. End the day at People’s Park, a local favorite where Chengdu residents gather to play mahjong, sip Gaiwan tea, and even enjoy a traditional ear-cleaning service. Unwind at the Heming Teahouse, where your guide will introduce you to the Chinese tea culture, letting you experience firsthand the city’s relaxed and leisurely pace.

Day 2 Chengdu

Start your day at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, the only museum in China dedicated entirely to the art of Sichuan cooking. Your guide will lead you through fascinating exhibits displaying ancient cooking tools, regional spices, and the history of iconic dishes. Gain a deeper understanding of flavor layering in Sichuan cuisine, where spicy, numbing, sour, and umami notes are masterfully combined to create bold and unforgettable tastes.

Next, step into a hands-on Sichuan Cooking Workshop, where a professional chef will teach you how to prepare classic dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken, Fish-Fragrant Eggplant, and Twice-Cooked Pork. Learn the techniques behind stir-frying, dry-frying, and hot oil infusion, while your guide explains how each dish reflects Sichuan’s unique culinary philosophy. This interactive class will give you the confidence to recreate these famous flavors at home. Afterward, enjoy a delicious meal featuring your own creations, alongside other regional specialties prepared by the chef.

To end the day, visit the Shuijingfang Museum, a historic distillery where Sichuan’s famous Baijiu (Chinese white liquor) has been brewed for centuries. Learn about the meticulous distillation process, the significance of aging in clay pots, and the history of Baijiu in Chinese culture. Enjoy a tasting session, guided by a liquor expert who will introduce you to different flavor profiles, from light floral notes to bold, fiery finishes. This cultural and sensory journey will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Sichuan’s rich food and drink traditions.

Day 3 Chengdu

Begin your final day with a visit to Pixian Doubanjiang Factory, where the soul of Sichuan cuisine—fermented chili bean paste—is made. Walk through the vast fermentation yards lined with countless clay pots, each containing aging doubanjiang that has been developing deep umami flavors for years. Your guide will explain the step-by-step process, from selecting the best chili peppers and broad beans to the months-long fermentation under the Sichuan sun. Witness the craftsmanship that goes into making this essential ingredient, which gives famous dishes like Mapo Tofu and Hotpot Broth their signature taste.

For lunch, indulge in a doubanjiang-infused feast, where each dish showcases the rich umami, layered heat, and deep complexity of this essential Sichuan ingredient. Your meal will be a carefully curated selection of authentic local specialties, each highlighting the unique depth that aged doubanjiang brings to Sichuan cuisine. Savor spicy braised tofu, where silky tofu absorbs the bold, fermented chili flavors, creating a perfect balance of heat and savoriness. Enjoy stir-fried pork belly with aged doubanjiang, where tender, caramelized slices of pork are coated in a fragrant, spicy sauce that lingers on the palate. Accompanying these dishes will be seasonal stir-fried vegetables, doubanjiang-infused soups, and handmade noodles, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive culinary experience. With every bite, you’ll taste centuries of tradition, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of Sichuan cooking.

In the afternoon, journey to Anren Ancient Town, a well-preserved historical gem known for its traditional Sichuan architecture, cultural museums, and artisanal workshops. Walk along stone-paved streets, where your guide will introduce you to masters of traditional handicrafts, including sugar painting, bamboo weaving, and handmade clay figurines. Step into a local food workshop, where you’ll learn how to make Three Cannon glutinous rice balls, a popular Chengdu street snack that’s theatrically tossed onto a wooden board before being coated in ground soy flour and served with a sweet syrup. Alternatively, try your hand at making Tangyou Guozi (crispy caramelized dough balls), a beloved childhood treat in Sichuan.

Your guide will then accompany you to the airport or train station, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure. As you leave Chengdu, you’ll take with you not only unforgettable flavors and cooking skills but also a deep appreciation for Sichuan’s culinary heritage and way of life.

Price Per Person in US Dollars