Savoring China: History on a Plate

Today marks the beginning of our adventure in China. If you're joining us for the optional pre-trip extension to Xi'an, book your flight to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY). You'll likely connect through Beijing, Shanghai or Xiamen. You’ll meet our local guide in the airport arrivals hall. A private transfer will whisk you off into the city and to the Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an for check-in.

Once the capital of several of China’s most influential dynasties, Xi’an has a history stretching back thousands of years. As the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road and home to the famed Terracotta Warriors, the city offers an extraordinary introduction to China’s imperial past and enduring traditions.

After settling into the hotel, you’ll have time to rest and get your first feel for Xi’an before beginning the experiences that will bring this historic city to life over the days ahead.

Our guide and private driver will meet us in the hotel lobby after breakfast to head toward one of China’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries. 

After about an hour on the road, we’ll arrive at the Terracotta Warriors, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand in formation as part of the mausoleum complex built for China’s first emperor. Discovered by local farmers digging a well in 1974, the figures offer an extraordinary peek into the scale and ambition of ancient China.

Back in Xi’an, we’ll ascend the city’s ancient walls, among the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city fortifications in China. Walking along the top gives us a clear view of the distinction between the historic city within the walls and the modern metropolis beyond them.

We’ll then explore Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, a buzzing commercial district whose history reaches back more than a thousand years to the arrival of Islam along the Silk Road. 

As evening approaches, we’ll visit the Great Mosque, where traditional Chinese architecture meets Islamic design. With its lush courtyards and tiled roofs, the mosque tells the story of a fascinating cultural exchange that has shaped Xi’an for centuries. 

After our explorations, we'll return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner.

This morning, we'll transfer to the train station and board our 4-hour first-class train to Beijing. We can sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as we travel north in comfort, making the transition from Xi’an to China’s modern capital an easy and enjoyable part of the adventure.

Upon arrival in Beijing, we’ll meet the rest of our group and officially begin the core China trip together. Cheers to the next adventure!

If you're not joining the pre-trip extension to Xi'an, fly into Beijing  (PEK) A representative will greet you at the airport and guide you through expedited immigration and customs procedures. After collecting your luggage, a local guide will greet you in the arrival hall for a private transfer to The PuXuan Hotel and Spa, allowing you to check in and relax after your long day of travel.

This evening, we'll gather in a charming courtyard kitchen tucked away from the city's bustle. We'll introduce ourselves over a welcome drink in a casual setting, providing a relaxed way to unwind and connect with fellow travelers. 

Dinner will be a real treat as we watch the chef prepare a ten-course tasting menu using seasonal ingredients. What a perfect start to our Chinese culinary adventure.

Indulge in breakfast at the hotel before exploring Beijing’s historic center. We'll start with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, then continue on foot to the Forbidden City. Once closed off to all but the imperial court, this sprawling palace complex provides a glimpse into China’s dynastic power and artistry.

We’ll climb Jingshan Hill in Jingshan Park, just across the street from the Forbidden City. Built from soil excavated from the palace’s moat, the hill offers some of the best views of the Forbidden City’s rooftops and Beijing’s urban skyline.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Drum and Bell Towers, which once kept the city's time. From the top, we’ll look out over the hutongs, Beijing’s historic alleyways, and then walk through them on a guided food tour. Along the way, we’ll stop to taste classic dishes and street food favorites, each with a story and connection to the neighborhood.

Now it's back to the hotel for a relaxing evening and a good night's sleep. 

After breakfast, we'll travel outside the city to Mutianyu, a quieter section of the Great Wall. Less crowded and beautifully preserved, this section winds through forested hills, offering spectacular views. We’ll take a gondola up and walk along the wall, with time to explore the watchtowers. If you're in the mood for a little bit of adrenaline, you can ride a toboggan down.

Once back in Beijing, we’ll gather for a Peking duck dinner at one of the city’s renowned restaurants. This crispy, succulent dish has been a culinary staple for centuries, and we’ll watch as the duck is carved tableside and served with traditional accompaniments.

We’ll enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for our flight to Chengdu. A new local guide will meet us on the other side of the flight and escort us to The Ritz-Carlton to check in.

Later, we’ll visit Wangjianglou Park for an exceptional kung fu tea performance. This Chengdu tradition blends martial arts grace with precision as the server pours tea into delicate cups with swift, theatrical movements. We’ll also have time afterward to stroll through the park and watch locals dance, chat, or play mahjong under the trees.

Next, we'll tour the Shuijingfang Baijiu Museum, where baijiu, the potent spirit often served during banquets, has been produced for centuries. We’ll learn how this mighty drink is made and see the working distillery in action.

Dinner tonight features some of Chengdu’s most flavorful local dishes, served in a restaurant known for its traditional recipes.

Afterward, we’ll attend a Sichuan opera performance to encounter the famous face-changing technique, acrobatics, and regional storytelling. You'll also have an option to experience traditional ear cleaning, a unique local practice that adds a touch of Chengdu charm.

After breakfast, we’ll travel outside the city to Dujiangyan Panda Base, one of the best places to observe giant pandas up close. The base is surrounded by bamboo forests and designed to reflect the animal’s natural habitat, making it an ideal setting to learn about panda conservation efforts.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to nearby Qingcheng Mountain, a quiet and spiritually significant place in Taoist tradition. We’ll ride a cable car part of the way, then continue on foot, exploring tranquil trails and temple complexes as we ascend. From the summit, the views stretch across layers of misty hills and green valleys.

Back in Chengdu, we’ll enjoy a Sichuan hotpot dinner, an interactive meal where we cook meats, tofu, and vegetables in bubbling broth at the center of our table. If you're feeling adventurous, some more unusual ingredients might make an appearance, too.

We’ll start our day with breakfast, followed by a trip to a local spice market. With a guide, we’ll learn how locals shop for ingredients, then we'll walk together to a quiet courtyard kitchen for a private cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, we’ll prepare a full Sichuan meal and enjoy it together over tea.

In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the airport for a flight to Hangzhou. A new guide will meet us on arrival and take us to our 5-star hotel, The Liu Ying. The evening is free to relax or explore on your own.

Our day begins with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before we take a private boat ride on Hangzhou’s West Lake. As we glide past willows, lotus-filled ponds, and traditional bridges, it will become clear why this lake has inspired artists and poets for centuries. We’ll pass by temples and islands, and even spot the scene featured on China’s 1RMB banknote.

Next, we'll visit Huqingyutang Pharmacy to learn more about traditional Chinese Medicine. At the attached museum, we’ll discover ancient herbal remedies, treatments, and the guiding philosophies behind this longstanding practice.

Now it's onto the Lingyin Temple or 'Temple of the Soul’s Retreat,' which takes its name from the gentle sounds of the breeze weaving through the leaves of the peaceful groves of surrounding trees. A testament to its name, Hangzhou's most famous Buddhist temple has been rebuilt 16 times in the millennia since it was first constructed in 326 AD. It is now one of China’s most frequented pilgrimages for spiritual seekers and travelers.

After a refresh at the hotel, we'll enjoy the "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show" by visionary director Zhang Yimou. This show combines narrative with dance, opera, light, and special effects – all seemingly set on the surface of West Lake itself. As actors and dancers float across their watery stage, a sweeping score by Grammy-winning composer Kitaro plays, bringing this incomparable stage show to a close.

We’ll start the day with breakfast before heading into the hills outside Hangzhou to visit the Dragon Well tea plantation. This region is known for producing China’s most famous green tea, which grows on terraced slopes with views over the countryside. We’ll walk through the rows of tea bushes, stop by the spring said to produce the best brewing water, and visit the home of a local farmer who’s been working this land for decades. 

After learning how the leaves are harvested and pan-fired, we’ll sit down to enjoy freshly brewed Longjing tea.

Lunch is served at Longjing Manor, a Michelin-starred restaurant in a beautifully restored estate. We’ll dine in a private room overlooking tranquil gardens as we sample refined Hangzhou dishes that combine seasonal ingredients and regional flavors with poetic flair.

After lunch, we’ll transfer to the train station and board a high-speed train to Shanghai. Our Shanghai guide will be waiting to greet us and take us to our hotel in the heart of the city, Upper House Shanghai. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or stroll through the nearby lively streets.

After breakfast, we’ll explore the Former French Concession, a neighborhood known for its leafy streets, art deco villas, and European-style cafés. Once home to revolutionaries, writers, and movie stars, the area offers a unique glimpse into Shanghai’s colonial past and cosmopolitan identity.

We’ll continue to Xintiandi, where restored stone buildings now house stylish shops, cafés, and galleries. As we wander, we’ll see how Shanghai blends history with modern life in a way few cities can.

Lunch today is at Din Tai Fung, an internationally acclaimed restaurant famous for its soup dumplings. We’ll watch as each dumpling is folded with expert precision, then dig into a spread of steamed bites, crisp greens, and savory noodles.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. Riding one of the fastest elevators in the world, we’ll reach the observation deck and take in panoramic views of the city’s skyline, from the historic Bund to the skyscrapers of Pudong.

We’ll wrap up the afternoon at Yuyuan Bazaar, a lively market filled with lanterns, antique shops, and food stalls. It’s the perfect place to pick up a few keepsakes and sample some local snacks.

We’ll meet for a Shanghai Night Eats Food Tour in the evening. With our guide, we’ll walk through side streets and back alleys, sampling the best of Shanghai’s late-night eats—savory, sweet, and everything in between. It’s a fun and flavorful way to celebrate our last full night together.

We’ll enjoy one last breakfast together before transferring to the airport. Our guide will assist with check-in. 

For those heading home, we'll say goodbye to new friends and cherish our memories of ancient cities, peaceful tea fields, bustling night markets, delectable bites and everything in between.

If you're joining us for the post-trip extension to Taiwan, onward!

Once we touch down in Taipei, our local guide will meet us in the arrivals hall and transfer us to our hotel for the next few nights. We’ll be staying at Mandarin Oriental, a chic, lush hotel in the heart of Taipei's Songshan district.

After we’ve settled into our rooms, we’ll set off on a cocktail tasting tour throughout the city. Taipei has earned a reputation as one of Asia’s most dynamic nightlife scenes, where cocktail innovation thrives alongside a warm, welcoming bar culture. 

A highlight is Bar Mood, consistently ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, where Taiwanese flavors inspire inventive cocktails. We’ll enjoy a light dinner along the way, perfectly rounding out the experience. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out around 9 am for a day full of cultural immersion. The morning begins with a skilled taiji (tai chi) master guiding a profound spiritual and physical journey of deliberate, flowing movements that introduce basic techniques to foster a sense of balance, harmony, and inner peace. 

Then, we’ll step inside one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Standing as a symbol of the Kuomintang and Taiwan’s first president, Chiang Kai-shek, the massive commemorative monument embodies the sentiment of “clear blue sky, white sun, and a wholly red earth.” 

Let’s wander through the historic streets of Dadaocheng, perhaps dipping into a traditional pharmacy for a personalized herbal concoction and sipping a few brews at a century-old tea house. 

Then, we’ll sample a few local favorite food stalls around Cisheng Temple for lunch. It's the perfect casual, authentic way to experience local cuisine. 

Making our way to Taipei’s historic Dihua Street, we’ll explore age-old Traditional Chinese Medicine practices as herbal specialists guide us through meticulous blending of teas and infusions. We'll continue with traditional wellness methods with a calming herbal foot soak, followed by skilled practitioners applying pressure to specific zones. What a treat. 

Our day concludes at the iconic Din Tai Fung, which originated in Taiwan. Indulge in freshly crafted dumplings and a crisp drink as we toast to the wonderful adventure we’ve just begun in this lively country. 

Enjoy a relaxed morning, perhaps sipping your morning coffee by the pool or finding a quiet cafe to enjoy the early hours. Around 11, we’ll join our guide for a walking food tour of Yongkang Street, highlighting the neighborhood’s rich food scene with steaming bowls of beef noodle soup, crisp scallion pancakes, refreshing shaved ice, and delicate douhua (tofu pudding).

A 30-minute drive outside the city brings us to Keelung for a half-day architecture tour with a local expert. This area has a lot of rich history that will be evident in our visits to the Baimiweng Fort, the Marine Headquarter Building, and the Wartime Memorial Park. 

As the sun dips below the horizon, Keelung’s Night Market, Miaokou, comes to life. Anthony Bourdain himself recommended this market for its delicious display of street food, including omelets, gua bao, “one-bite” crab, and rice pot sticker soup, as well as freshly grilled shellfish served straight from the coast. We’ll indulge to our heart’s content before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

It’s tea time today! Savor breakfast at the hotel before we drive about 45 minutes east of the city, trading skyscrapers for the rolling green hills of Pinglin. This village has cultivated Baozhong tea for many generations. At the workshop of Mr. Pai, a family-owned plantation spanning five generations, we’ll try our hand at tea picking before learning how each leaf is rolled and brewed. Of course, we’ll have the chance to taste a few brews amid peaceful bamboo groves and waterfalls that frame Taiwan’s long-standing tea heritage. 

We’ll head into the village to browse local produce and learn about the area’s oolong heritage, before settling into a tea-themed restaurant for lunch featuring dishes infused with fresh tea leaves and seasonal ingredients.

Back in the city, we’ll make our way to the National Palace Museum. With 700,000 pieces spanning thousands of years, this museum has one of the world's largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts. Breathe in millennia of history and culture while wandering through the museum's collection of well-kept treasures.

Take a moment to relax and refresh back at the hotel, before we take a short drive north to the Beitou District for our farewell dinner at Villa 32. With one of the most robust wine cellars in Taiwan and beautifully crafted dishes to accompany, we’ll enjoy one last meal together in the restaurant’s peaceful private dining room.

All good things must come to an end. After breakfast, a private transfer will bring you to the Taiwan Airport for your onward travel according to your flight times. Until we meet again… safe travels.