Beijing Food Tour: A Journey Through China’s Capital Flavors
Beijing, the heart of Chinese history and culture, is a vibrant hub for food lovers, offering a rich culinary legacy shaped by its long-standing history as the imperial capital of China. Known for its diverse array of flavors and textures that reflect centuries of evolution, the city’s cuisine balances subtlety and richness, emphasizing pork, beef, lamb, noodles, dumplings, and wheat-based dishes.
Influenced by its proximity to northern China, Beijing’s food culture features hearty dishes with bold flavors like soy sauce, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. From the world-famous Peking Duck, a crispy and succulent masterpiece dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, to the sizzling skewers at bustling night markets, Beijing’s food scene is a feast for the senses. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a casual traveler, our Beijing Food Tour offers a deep dive into the city’s unique culinary heritage, showcasing its imperial past, regional specialties, and vibrant street food culture.
Itinerary
Our carefully crafted Beijing day tour ensures you make the most of your day in China's capital:
Day 1: Culture, Markets, and Traditional Beijing Cuisine
Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where you’ll enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this UNESCO site before heading to a local market for a traditional Beijing breakfast. Savor zhajiangmian (wheat noodles) or baozi (steamed buns). From there, take a short drive to Wangfujing Snack Street, where you can sample a wide variety of street food, from jianbing (Chinese crepes) to crispy spring rolls and even scorpions on a stick. For lunch, head to a renowned Peking Duck restaurant, where you can enjoy the iconic Peking Duck with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Afterward, visit Dashilan Street for traditional snacks like suanr (fermented rice porridge) and baozi while exploring the historic shops. Then we will take you to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, where you’ll immerse yourself in China’s imperial history. For dinner, experience a Beijing hotpot where you can cook your own meats and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
- Transportation: Private vehicle tranfer from hotel
Day 2: Dim Sum, Tea Culture, and Hidden Gems of Beijing
Begin your day with a visit to a Cantonese restaurant for a delicious dim sum breakfast, where you can try favorites like xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). After breakfast, head to the Summer Palace, a beautiful imperial garden where you can stroll along the lake and enjoy stunning views of the pavilions and walkways. For lunch, visit a local restaurant to try jiaozi (dumplings) and Beijing-style noodles with braised pork or beef.
In the afternoon, your guide will take you to hidden food markets, where you can sample douhua (tofu pudding), biang biang noodles, and chestnut cakes. Afterward, explore the 798 Art Zone for a break from food, where you can discover contemporary art galleries and modern Chinese desserts. For your final meal, enjoy an imperial cuisine dinner, featuring specialties like beggar’s chicken and eight-treasure rice, before heading back to your hotel.
- Transportation: Private vehicle tranfer to hotel
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and private vehicle with skilled professional driver
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
- Hotel accommodations
- Fees for meal
Important Information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves extensive walking.
- Tripods, drones and oversize luggage are not allowed.
